{"id":17381,"date":"2017-09-28T23:58:52","date_gmt":"2017-09-28T23:58:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=17381"},"modified":"2022-11-07T13:31:13","modified_gmt":"2022-11-07T03:01:13","slug":"planning-trekking-kokoda-track","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/planning-trekking-kokoda-track\/","title":{"rendered":"Planning and Trekking the Kokoda Track"},"content":{"rendered":"

Courage. Endurance. Mateship. Sacrifice<\/em>. Engraved upon the four pillars that stand at the memorial site near the village of Isurava, it’s these values that the Kokoda Track symbolises for many Australians.<\/p>\n

Equal parts a physical and mental challenge, it’s also somewhat of a spiritual pilgrimage, honouring the personal sacrifices of the diggers who fought a bloody campaign here over 75 years ago, as you follow in their footsteps.<\/p>\n

Where in Papua New Guinea is the Kokoda Track?<\/h2>\n

The network of native walking tracks that make up the ‘Kokoda Track’ stretch from coast to coast. The section most popular for adventurous souls to tackle stretches 96km over the Owen Stanley Range, between the village of Kokoda and Owers\u2019 Corner. Owers\u2019 Corner is some 50km or so east of Port Moresby, and accessible via road.<\/p>\n

It would not be considered a long hike in terms of straight distance, however, to assume that this means it\u2019s an easy trek is na\u00efve, to say the least! The Track takes you through some incredibly treacherous and isolated terrain, as you cross the saw-toothed mountains.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

The Kokoda track stretches from coast to coast. Photo: Daniel Milne\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

How long is the trek?<\/h2>\n

As far as time is concerned, most trekking companies allow 8-9 days to cover the distance, and this breaks down to roughly 7-8 hours hiking a day.<\/p>\n

The tour we booked through Adventure Kokoda<\/em> was 8 days in total, travelling North to South, Kokoda to Owers\u2019 Corner.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

The view as you fly over the Owen Stanley Range, whilst stunning, also gives you a good idea of the steep terrain you\u2019re in for! Photo: Daniel Milne<\/em><\/p>\n

How do you get there?<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re uncomfortable with flying then Kokoda isn\u2019t for you, as there is a 40-minute flight between Kokoda and Port Moresby, regardless of which direction you hike.<\/p>\n

Your only safe option is to head from Owers\u2019 Corner to Kokoda, then turn around when you get there and walk back! By the time you arrive in Kokoda though, I can guarantee the flight will seem the better prospect!<\/p>\n

\"Walking<\/p>\n

Walking the Kokoda Track with my father is something we have spoken about for nearly a decade. It was a wonderful experience to share with him. Photo: Daniel Milne<\/em><\/p>\n

Why Kokoda?<\/h2>\n

The allure of Kokoda lies not only in the obvious challenges of getting yourself from one end to the other, but also in the rich war history that, like the shrouding mist that often rolls in of an afternoon, hangs heavy over the track.<\/p>\n

\"Brigade-Hill-on-Day-5\"<\/p>\n

Brigade Hill, which we reached on day 5, is the site of a\u00a0particularly bloody battle. The red poppies that adorn the stumps erected here in honour of the fallen soldiers, is a moving image.<\/em><\/p>\n

For those interested in Australia\u2019s wartime history, the Kokoda campaign is considered by many to be up there with Gallipoli in terms of significance. For me, it\u2019s arguably of even greater importance though, being that:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. It was fought so close to home soil<\/li>\n
  2. It involved both militia and AIF soldiers fighting side-by-side for the first time<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    This isn\u2019t the time or place for a history lesson, but even with a limited knowledge of the Kokoda campaign one can\u2019t help but be moved when you stand in the exact spot where battles raged over 75 years prior, and listen to the stories of the incredible bravery and heroism that shone through.<\/p>\n

    \"Dawn-Service\"<\/p>\n

    Dawn service at the Isurava memorial site – \u00a0simultaneously sobering and stirring. Photo: Daniel Milne<\/em><\/p>\n

    Training and preparation<\/h2>\n

    Kokoda tests you in many surprising ways. In a group that ranged in age from 20 to 64 years old, there was not a single person in our cohort who did not have a moment that pushed them to their limit, and then beyond it.<\/p>\n

    Whilst you can train and prepare yourself to take on the distance and terrain of Kokoda, there are certain elements that are more difficult\/impossible to simulate. You may have to contend with challenges such as:<\/p>\n