Kokoda 12 Day

The greatest historical and cultural trekking expedition in the world today.

"Only seasoned men of robust bodily fitness could be depended on to endure the rigours of even a few days marching and fighting in these latitudes, where the moist heat hangs like an oppressive curtain and makes strenuous exertion for more than a few hours intolerable to the white man..."

The Kokoda Track will reduce the fittest and best prepared individuals into physically and emotionally drained stumbling wrecks. To appreciate the true nature of the Kokoda Track one has to become a part it, and in so doing you will discover an amazing and wondrous world of people, culture and hospitality not encountered any where else in the world.

The Kokoda Track will change your life. It works on your soul and plays on your mind, but above all it will cause you to reassess your values, making you realise that what you take for granted the people of the Kokoda Track and its villages have never experienced. Most will never have the opportunity. In your normal daily life and workplace there are challenges that seem to fill your vision, enveloping you in a cloud of doubt. The Kokoda Track will seem like the most enormous of clouds, causing trepidation and fear of what lies ahead. Remember the Kokoda Track will cause you pain if taken for granted, so your preparation should be second to none.

The Kokoda Track stretches across the Owen Stanley Ranges from Ower's Corner at the southern end to Kokoda Station at the northern end. Trekking distance on the ground is approximately 100 klms, winding across steep mountain ranges and fast flowing rivers. Your expedition is 9 Days in duration with a further 3 days for travel and pre expedition briefings, giving a total of 12 days. The Kokoda Tracks highest eleveation is 2,200 meters high above sea level and descends just as quickly to sea level at Kokoda Station. It's the constant ascents and descents, combined with the clinging humidity and tropical heat that make this journey one of the toughest in the world and yet one of the most rewarding to experience.

The Allied Forces battled with a fierce and well prepared Japanese Army during the 1942 - 1943 Kokoda Track campaign to prevent the Japanese from reaching Port Moresby and ultimately the Australian mainland. The heroism and courage portrayed by many a soldier is remembered at the Bomona War Cemetery and the Isurava Battle site. Without the help of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels during this campaign many more lives would have been lost and yet again today as modern trekkers we rely on the help and assistance from these amazing people.

Our expedition leader has been operating for 15 years in the Papua New Guinea (PNG) region. In the early days Murray Jones, escorted groups for South Pacific Tours and Peregrine Travel, Brisbane. Murray began leading his own groups in 1991 completing only a couple of expeditions per year. As the years went by Murray developed a sound knowledge of the Kokoda Track region, obtained his own local PNG Crew and developed relationships with local villagers and their families.

Today, Murray prepares, trains and leads approximately 7 Kokoda Expeditions per year and several expeditions into the Tufi region. Murray as the prime Expedition Leader is regarded as one of the most experienced PNG Expedition operators available. He has had the pleasure of Mal Meninga, Allan Border, corporate CEO's from Smith Nephew, the Commonwealth Bank, Australian Army Cadets and general public trekkers.

All who travel with us will experience a unique journey, enjoy the company of an exceptional local PNG Crew, hospitality and local delicacies - fruit and vegetables including the occasional mumu feast.

Day 1 BOUND FOR A TROPICAL PARADISE
Connect with Interstate and International trekkers, assemble Expedition members and prepare to depart Brisbane International Airport for a short 3 hour flight up the coast of Australia and over coral atolls into Port Moresby, PNG.

Day 2 PORT MORESBY SIGHTSEEING AND PRE EXPEDITION BRIEFING
Today is spent acclimatising to the Port Moresby heat and humidity before our journey begins early morning the next day. A half day Bus tour out to Bomona War Cemetery and a trip to a local market and perhaps an early dinner at the Royal Papuan Yacht Club. Upon our return to the Motel, a few hours are spent preparing yourself for your expedition including a group briefing covering track and weather conditions which is held by the poolside.

Day 3 OWER'S CORNER TO AU ULE CREEK
An early rise to board our transport for the ride out to Ower's Corner. With packs on and a little nervous, we set off on the first leg of our journey. Down and across the Goldie River, up and over Imita Ridge to the Au Ule Creek guesthouse. A cooling swim and a hot meal needed by all after a long first day's trekking.

Day 4 AU ULE CREEK TO NAORO VILLAGE
Today is our first full day trekking and begins before dawn. With the impressive Magulli Range to climb and then descend it will be another arduous days trekking. A restless nights sleep and awake early by most trekkers we set off with the expectation that we will reach Naoro Guesthouse by early afternoon.

Day 5 NAORO VILLAGE TO MENARI VILLAGE
A sensational sunrise greats us as we prepare to leave Naoro Village. Trekking down the last 2 false crests into the Naoro wetlands, across the Brown River and a short steep rise up to Brigade Hill. After a period of reflection and a war history brief, we again set off on the last leg into Menari Village. Our days trekking is completed by early afternoon.

Day 6 MENARI VILLAGE TO EFOGI VILLAGE
Today's trek is generally a short day, so time is taken to admire the scenery, enjoy a cooling swim and take those extra photo's. Once we arrive in Efogi, also the re supply point for our rations, the chance to shower, wash clothes and dry gear is seized by everyone. Even an afternoon siesta may be on the cards......

Day 7 EFOGI VILLAGE TO TEMPLETON'S 2 BUSHCAMP
With a pre dawn getaway we set off on one of the longest days so far. Our journey will take us through big Efogi, little Efogi and down a short but steep descent to the river, up another short steep ascent into Naduri Village. After a 30 minute break we begin the climb up Mt. Bellamy to a height of 2200 meters above sea level, the highest point of the trek. The descent down Mt. Bellamy can be a little hazardous, especially in the rain, so care is taken as we approach our overnight bush camp. No shower tonight as our arrival time can be just on night fall, a very long day indeed.

Day 8 TEMPLTON'S 2 BUSHCAMP TO ALOLA
Up with the birds again and off we go. We cross Iora Creek and traverse around the mountain reaching Templeton's Crossing around morning tea time. After a short break we muster our strength for the journey to Eora Creek campsite where an early lunch is prepared. Our last leg of the day will see us traverse the mountain range again coming to a small but quite often very fast flowing final creek before we ascend up into Alola. It always seems that the last pinch of the day is always the steepest. Welcome to the land of enormous mountains....

Day 9 ALOLA TO FALA VILLAGE GUESTHOUSE
After a sleep in we begin our days trek with spectacular views down to the Kokoda valley just out of Alola. A short walk brings us to the Isurava battle site where we spend almost an hour discovering the horrors of the Kokoda campaign. A war brief, group photos and reflection time over, we set off for Isurava village and an early lunch break. The journey from Isurava to Fala Village is a knee jarring, downhill, slow and careful one. Although it is all downhill, with wet conditions it can be very slippery and greasy under foot. Fala Village guesthouse is home for your Trek Master and his crew, it is also a time for rest, relaxation and reflection on your Kokoda Track journey.

Day 10 FALA VILLAGE RELAX AND CLEAN-UP DAY
Today you can enjoy the local hospitality and local foods of Fala Village. It is also time to prepare your expedition gear for travel - clean and scrub for those ever scrutinising Customs officials. With a few hours spare, river rafting is organised on the Eora River, starting with a jump from a suspension bridge into the river and collecting your tyre tube surrounded by local children. Just a superb way to finish your Kokoda Expedition.

Day 11 FALA VILLAGE TO PORT MORESBY
In PNG time is of no matter, so be prepared to be up early for transport to the Kokoda airstrip and then sit for a few hours to await the arrival of the aircraft to transport us back to Port Moresby. Our last goodbyes and best wishes are conveyed to our wonderful crew before boarding the aircraft. The flight back to Port Moresby is over the Kokoda Track which has taken our group 9 days to complete. The flight time is approximately 25 minutes and provides excellent last minute aerial photo opportunities of this amazing land.

Day 12 PORT MORESBY TO AUSTRALIA
An afternoon international flight returns the group to Australia - relaxed and excited with many a story to tell about their journey.....an amazing trip through past and present culture and history.

Preparation

Expedition Training
For you to complete the Kokoda Track Expedition and enjoy your adventure you must undertake a minimum training program. Most people can walk quite comfortably for most of the day across low land and around their local suburbs, however when you mix in heavy backpacks, extremely mountainous regions and humidity the scenario changes dramatically.

Some people will choose to use the services of a Personal Porter to carry most of their gear, which will leave you with a day pack weighing approximately 10 - 12 kgs. The fitter and more adventurous types will choose to carry their own gear for the entire expedition. Whichever method you choose, you will have to prepare your body for the long and arduous trekking that makes up this amazing 9 Day journey.

Preparation of Equipment
The equipment that you choose for your expedition does vary greatly from person to person. There are two items which must be chosen with care, BOOTS and BACKPACKS. All other items can be sourced from existing trekking gear, borrowed from mates or raided from the kitchen.

The choice and selection of footwear is critical to allow your feet to survive the entire expedition and allow you to walk into the arms of loved ones upon your return to Australia. Seek out the best trekking footwear supplier and have your feet fitted correctly for boots. They will need to be purchased at least 2 - 3 months before your expedition to allow a period of "breaking in". Most retailers will say that modern trekking boots do not need a breaking in period, alas in 14 years I have not found a pair of boots that didn't require some breaking in before use.

The other item of importance is of course your backpack. If you intend to carry your own, as our Aussie Diggers have done in years past, then choice is critical. Again, an expert trekking equipment supplier should be used to measure and fit your backpack. With this information in hand you can then seek out the best possible brand that will fit your body shape at a cost suitable to your budget.

Once again choose wisely as these two items will make or break your expedition, they are the difference between misery and enjoyment.

All other items contained within our Information Kit (available once you have committed to your selected expedition) are freely available at the local grocery, variety and department stores.

Team Kokoda Australia will supply each person with the use of a one man hiking tent and your own official wick away cool dry trekking shirt.

Physical Training

This expedition will be one of the toughest challenges you have accepted and without a doubt the most remarkable and most memorable. For a minimum standard of fitness you should aim to carry a backpack weighing no more than 16 kgs across continuous rise and fall terrain for a period of 8 hours. Those people who wish to carry only a daypack for their journey, it should also weigh approximately 10 kgs. The mentally tough section will be to wake the following morning and continue on your way for another 8 hours.

At some stage during your expedition you will have call on your mental strength to assist your tired and aching body. Most people who have sports training backgrounds will have this "strength" ready to kick in, however for the average person it will require a reasonably large effort to push your body through the barrier. This is commonly known as "the wall".

The secret to enjoying your expedition is to be prepared, as physically fit as possible and organised. The time allowed for your expedition is sufficient for you to relax and experience this amazing and wonderful land.

Kokoda Track Expedition Schedule 2007 
 
TOUR                             STATUS            DATES

Your Expedition Leader

Murray Jones' outdoor pursuits began when, while in Primary School, he joined the Scout movement. Once in High School, he progressed through Outward Bound Australia and the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. After Year 12 he joined the Australian Army. Upon retirement from the Army he formed his own company called Team Kokoda Australia. His early outdoor experiences began the process that gave Murray the opportunity to develop his leadership, expedition preparation and bushcraft skills to become one of the most sort after Expedition Leaders today for the Papua New Guinea region.

Murray's chosen region that he regularly visits is the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. His sojourns into PNG during the past 11 years, has developed relationships with local villages and their people while gaining an intimate knowledge of the Kokoda Track itself. This extensive period has been instrumental is his being able to assemble an exceptional local PNG crew to assist with the Expeditions. Murray has completed 22 crossings of the Kokoda Track, leading both adult and school student groups consisting of both males and females with an average party size of 18 members.

During the past 14 years spent trekking along the Kokoda Track, Murray has had the pleasure to be welcomed into all villages on the track, be part of many village festivities and has become accepted by his local PNG Crew members as a guide master. He is held in high regard by all PNG Crew members. Team Kokoda Australia groups have the opportunity to stay overnight in Fala village with Murray's Trek master's family. Murray's ability as a Guide Master, his relationship with his PNG Crew and their families allows all who travel with him to experience an exceptional journey through this amazing land.

As a result of Murray's abilities and skills he now divides his time as an Officer and Senior Instructor with the Australian Army Cadets - Queensland. He is a registered Expedition Leader with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and is also a registered Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Operator.  Murray is Paramedic qualified and has skills in Medical Extraction and Recovery from remote regions. He is experienced in radio communications and satellite phone use.

Inclusions

• All PNG Land content (Motel, Transfers, Bus Tour, Transport, Charter Flights, Breakfast at Motel.)
• International & Domestic Airfares
• Group Information briefing and preparation with equipment prior to departure – Group bookings only.
• Expedition leader
• Cool Dry Expedition Shirts x 2
• Water purification treatment whilst on expedition.
• 1 man tent supplied for expedition
• All food items for the Expedition – dehydrated ration pack, supplemented with fresh fruit and vegetables, when in season.
• ½ Day Bus Tour around Port Moresby, including souvenir shopping, visit to Bomona War Cemetery and historical sights / places of interest.
• Lunch at Royal Papuan Yacht Club or similar venue – at client expense ( approx AUD$30.00 per person)

 Exclusions

• Australian passport
• Visa
• Airline taxes and charges
• Travel and Medical Insurance - mandatory
• Spending money (approx AUD $300.00) – includes extra meals not in Tour Package ( x 4)
• Personal clothing and items of a personal nature
• Expedition equipment
• Trekking footwear – boots
• Other items deemed necessary for your expedition

Expedition Kit - AUD $695.00 per kit (Items can be purchased as separates if required - POA)

• 1 X 65 – 75 litre fully adjustable well padded top loading backpack – Blackwolf
• 1 X 2 litre hydration system includes harness pack
• 1 X ¾ or full length Blackwolf self inflating mattress
• 1 X 0 – 5 degrees Blackwolf sleeping bag – smallest available
• 1 X backpack waterproof cover
• 1 X lightweight non porous durable groundsheet
• 1 X meal set – consisting plastic plate, plastic cup, knife / fork / spoon set – stainless steel
• 1 X LED Headlamp – SILVA includes batteries
• 1 X Trekking Pole – aluminium rubber grip spring tension
  
  
  

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