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2015 CAIRNS
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Kokoda Itinerary
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CAIRNS CORPORATE CHALLENGE
KOKODA TREK ITINERARY
10 - 21 October, 2015
WELCOME!
Join us on this emotional journey commemorating the heroic feats of our young soldiers during the Kokoda
Campaign. As you trek along the 96 kilometres of mud and mountain range that is the Kokoda Track, you will go
beyond the history books and experience the terrain and perhaps the conditions in which they fought.
We begin our journey with a visit to Bomana Cemetery, before trekking from Owers Corner north along the track
to finish at Kokoda. En-route we will pass several historic sites including Imita Ridge the site of the Australian’s
last stand and Ioribaiwa, the furthest point reached by the Japanese. We will recall the bravery of our diggers at
Brigade Hill where we suffered heavy casualties.
At Isurava Battlefield, we will overnight before participating in a truly memorable Dawn Service at the Battlefield
Memorial. Here you will have the opportunity to join with your fellow trekkers and our wonderful carriers in
giving thanks and gratitude for the achievements of our Diggers and the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.
After reaching Kokoda, we will travel to Popondetta and beyond to Buna and Sanananda, to learn more about
WWII history, and to experience the warm and welcoming culture of these wonderful people. To conclude our
Kokoda experience, we return to Port Moresby where our final night is spent relaxing at Loloata Island Resort.
‘Lest we forget.’
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Kokoda Trek Itinerary: Day 1-3
DAY 1 - 10 OCTOBER, 2015
PORT MORESBY (L,D)
DAY 2 - 11 OCTOBER, 2015
IORIBAIWA CAMP (B,L,D)
DAY 3 - 12 OCTOBER, 2015
NAURO (B,L,D)
This morning we will rise early and muster at
Cairns Airport for our flight to Port Moresby.
This morning we will set off early for our first
full day. We will travel past Dump 66 and on
to the “Golden Staircase”, which leads us up
to Imita Ridge. It is here that the Australian
soldiers withdrew to make their last stand.
Photographs of this section from the war show
the staircase as a seemingly endless series of
muddy clay steps cut into the mountain side.
An early climb will get the heart pumping as
we make our way to the top of Ioribaiwa Ridge
where we will see many Japanese trenches.
We will pause at Ofi Creek, perched on terraces
above the intersection of several cascading
mountain streams.
After completing immigration formalities, we
will meet our local carriers and travel by road
to Owers Corner, visiting Bomana Cemetery
en-route.
The cemetery contains 3,823 Commonwealth
burials of the Second World War, 700 of them
unidentified. Perched high up on the Sogeri
Plateau is the point where The Kokoda Track
commences. Here at Owers Corner we will
pause for some photos, before commencing
our trek with a downhill to the Goldie River.
After crossing the river, we will
continue to Uberi, also known as Goodwater
Camp, for our first night on the track. As our
meal is prepared, we will gather together for a
briefing to discuss the upcoming activities and
enjoy our first meal together on the track.
The north side of Imita Ridge takes us along a
winding track through many creek crossings. A
deep canyon with encroaching jungle foliage
makes this a fascinating experience. We will
pause to enjoy the pretty village of Ua-Ule
before continuing with a climb up Ioribaiwa
Ridge. It was here, within sight of Port
Moresby, that the Japanese soldiers, having
run out of supply, were ordered by their
command to ‘advance to the rear’.
Crossing Ofi Creek, we encounter the steep
moutain climb and false peaks of the Maguli
Range. As we approach the summit, the
“Japanese Ladder” provides us with our last
steep climb for the day. This is followed by a
long downhill walk to the village of Nauro, our
camp for the night.
Overnight: Nauro
Overnight: Ioribaiwa Camp
Overnight: Goodwater Camp
KEY: B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner
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Kokoda Trek Itinerary: Day 4-6
DAY 4 - 13 OCTOBER, 2015
MENARI (B,L,D)
DAY 5 - 14 OCTOBER, 2015
EFOGI 2 (B,L,D)
DAY 6 - 15 OCTOBER, 2015
TEMPLETONS 1 (B,L,D)
One of the most beautiful vistas along the
track is best viewed early morning, and as we
leave Nauro, we look out over mountain ranges
that still hold mist and cloud not yet touched
by the day’s heat.
Today we commence a steep climb up to
Brigade Hill, towards the village of Efogi.
Brigade Hill was the focus of a major 4 day
battle which saw the Japanese outflank and
cut the Australian positions in two.
Our challenges today include what can be a
slippery swampland track and the fast flowing
Brown River. After crossing the Brown, we hit
‘The Wall’, a steep ridge line which leads us up
to the Menari Gap. From the Gap, we descend
steeply through canopy, enjoying the entry
into Menari village. There are often markets
with fruits, drinks and crafts here, and you will
feel very welcome .
Look in awe at the steep easterly slope where
300 Australians escaped the onslaught of a
well planned Japanese attack. Three weeks
later, gaunt, exhausted and malaria riddled,
soldiers were filtering into friendly villages
still carrying 120 of their wounded mates on
stretchers.
After descending into the gorge and crossing
the Efogi River, we climb up through the
village of Naduri and over the main spine of
the Owen Stanley Range. If his health permits,
we will visit one of the last remaining Fuzzy
Wuzzy Angels. As we continue on, we reach
our highest altitude, crossing Mt Bellamy at
just on 2,190 metres above sea level (Mount
Kosciusko is 2,228 mts). Antarctic Beech forest,
phosphorescent fungi and giant Pandanus line
the track as we wind our way through to
‘Diggers Rest’ camp.
Overnight: Menari
Efogi has a small museum and is well worth
the visit. The people of Lanamau are
welcoming and friendly.
Overnight: Efogi 2 (Lanamau)
The next section of the track was one many
‘diggers’ believed was the most difficult
section of the track. They were often wounded
and exhausted from continual fighting and
lack of sleep. A break at Kokoda Gap gives an
insight into the lack of understanding that
General MacArthur and Blamey had of the
conditions our men were fighting in. The command to “blow the Gap” was ridiculous in the
extreme! A short downhill will take us into our
camp for the night.
Overnight: Templetons 1
KEY: B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner
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Kokoda Trek Itinerary: Day 7-9
DAY 7 - 16 OCTOBER, 2015
ISURAVA BATTLEFIELD (B,L,D)
DAY 8 - 17 OCTOBER, 2015
KOKODA (B,L,D)
DAY 9 - 18 OCTOBER, 2015
BUNA (B,L,D)
We commence our trek today to Templetons 2,
before moving on to Eora Creek, the site of a
major battle where many lives from both side
were lost. During the Australian advance, Eora
Creek was the scene of bitter fighting when
the Australians sought to overcome a strong
Japanese defensive position. Ninety-nine
Australians were killed in the battle of Eora
Creek and another 192 were wounded.
This day commences with the emotion of our
own personal service at the Isurava Memorial
before commencing on a long downhill to the
beautiful village of Hoi. The cool waters of the
creek are your reward for a long day and will
provide relief for aching muscles.
After breakfast, we board a PMV and head in
an easterly direction into the Oro Province.
We will travel around 3 hours to Popondetta,
where we will stop for a rest and re-supply.
Popondetta has a number of shops where we
can stock up on drinks and snacks. Back into
the PMV and we continue our journey to Buna
where we experience WWII history in this area.
We then begin a steady climb through
numerous valleys to Alola, where we are
rewarded with magnificent views of the valley.
From here we trek the final distance to Isurava
Battlefield, our home for the evening.
Overnight: Isurava Battlefield
The remainder of the walk is characterised by
a long flat walk through palm oil and rubber
tree plantations. The rubber plantation was the
scene of a remarkable retreat. Here, friend and
foe were indistinguishable due to heavy fog
and the confusion of battle. Several soldiers
of the 39th Battalion were caught behind the
advancing Japanese lines. Bravely and
stealthily, they made their way through
the Japanese lines to rejoin their mates and
continue the fight.
‘Bloody Buna’ and ‘Maggot Beach’ as they were
known during the war, saw some of the
fiercest fighting of the entire campaign. It
was here that the American forces joined the
Australians in a prolonged campaign to finally
eliminate the Japanese forces. We have the
opportunity to explore, swim, fish or just relax
and reflect.
Overnight: Buna
As we reach the finish point, the Kokoda Track
Arch, we can take pride in our achievement
over the last eight or so days, and reflect on
the accomplishment of our soldiers and the
hardships they had to endure.
Overnight: Kokoda
KEY: B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner
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KOKODA TRACK - CLASSIC KOKODA I 11 DAY TREK
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Image by Richard Dellman
Kokoda Trek Itinerary: Day 10-12
DAY 10 - 19 OCTOBER, 2015
SANANANDA (B,L,D)
DAY 11 - 20 OCTOBER, 2015
LOLOATA ISLAND RESORT (B,L,D)
DAY 12- 21 OCTOBER, 2015
END OF TOUR (B)
We will rise early to beat the sun for our one
and a half hour walk to Sanananda along the
beach. We want to make the most of our time
in these lovely villages, being home to many
of our porters, and visiting here provides a
wonderful opportunity to cement relationships
formed on the track. Our porters will delight
in showing off their families and homes, and
many will accompany us on our walk.
This morning we will transfer by road to Girua
Airport at Popondetta for our return flight
to Port Moresby. The shuttle will collect us
and we will be transferred to Tahira Jetty and
across to our resort by ferry. Here we will enjoy
our final dinner as a group.
Transfer to Jackson’s International Airport for
onward journey.
Overnight: Loloata Island Resort
Arriving in Sanananda, we will see again other
members of our porter group who will love to
show off their village. A welcoming lunch and
a relaxing afternoon is the order of today.
Overnight: Sanananda
KEY: B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner
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$3595
Ultimate Kokoda
14 Day Trek
CAIRNS
CORPORATE
FROM
CHALLENGE
KOKODA TREK
PER PERSON
TWIN SHARE
LAND ONLY
TREK EXCLUSIONS
TREK INCLUSIONS
Kokoda Trek Experience:
Cairns - Port Moresby return airfare
Australian Tour Leader
Local PNG Trek Master & Trek Leader
Domestic Flights (PNG)
Visit to Bomana Cemetery
Last night accommodation
All meals in Port Moresby
Guest house accommodation on track
All village tariffs
Carriers for food and equipment
All meals on the track
Detailed Risk Management Plan including
river crossing protocols
Proven group management with
responsible ecological practices
Village cultural activities
Detailed historical narration
Satellite Phone
KTA Trekking Permit
Bus/PMV transport in PNG
All food, accommodation & home transport
for carriers
Getaway Trekking walking shirt
Camp polo shirt
Opportunity to join regular training sessions
Public Liability Insurance
Australian domestic airfares
Passport costs
Visa costs
Travel insurance
Vaccinations
Anti-malarial medicines
Personal expenditure
Personal carrier @$725 including pack hire
TERMS & CONDITIONS
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 is required to
secure a booking. The remaining monies are
payable 60 days prior to departure.
A medical certificate is required from your doctor
no more than 30 days from departure, stating that
you have no medical condition that could endanger
your life on the Kokoda Track.
DAILY ROUTINE
While you’re on the track, you can expect to
undertake a daily routine similar to that of the table
outlined below. Note that this is an indicative
schedule and may change depending on weather,
track conditions and group fitness / injuries, etc.
04:30 - 05:00
Wake up call & gear pack up
05:30 - 06:00
Breakfast
6:15
Group ‘stretch’ and brief
6:30
Walk
Breaks and rests as required;
normally 10 minutes every 1
6:30 - 12:00
hour. A 30 min mid morning
break at a suitable place
12:00 - 12:45
Lunch
12:45 - 15:30
Walk
15:30 - 16:00
Establish Camp
17:30
Dinner
19:30
Debrief
Travel Insurance is mandatory.
Training is necessary. This trek is challenging and
you will require a high level of fitness. We can
offer you support in this area. Please contact us for
details.
ABOUT THE OPERATOR:
Getaway
Minimum group size: 20.
Training sessions run only in Melbourne, Adelaide,
Brisbane & Cairns.
Prices listed in Kina currency are subject to change
and are dependant on exchange rates at time of
booking. Please visit
www.currency-converter.com.au for further details.
Price is subject to change until paid in full.
Over the past 15 years, Getaway Trekking &
Adventures has established a reputation for leading
culturally and ecologically sensitive treks in many
destinations. Our vast experience in trekking,
combined with our knowledge of local culture has
contributed to us becoming a leader in the trekking
area.
South
Owen Stanley Range - Kokoda Track
5m)
(142
0m)
a (35
70m
)
CAIRNS CORPORATE CHALLENGE 2015 - KOKODA TREK
Koko
d
Hol
(3
Alol
a(
1340
m)
Isura
va (1
360m
)
Site
attle
Eora
Cree
kB
Efog
i1(
Efog 1220m)
i2
Efog (1220m
iR
)
Nad iver (93
uri (
0
1400 m)
m)
Myo
la La
kes
Ridg
e of
Mt B
ellam
Tem
plet
y (21
ons
90m
1 (18
)
50m
)
Tem
plet
on’s
2 (17
00m
)
0m)
i (85
Men
ar
Owe
rs Co
Goo rner (68
dwa
ter C 5m)
amp
Imit
a Rid
(Ube
ri) (4
ge (8
40m
50m
)
)
Ua U
le Cr
eek
(300
m)
Iorib
aiwa
V
Ofi C
reek illage (8
5
(600
m) 0m)
Mag
uli R
Nau ange (1
ro (9
3
50m 50m)
)
Cairns Corporate Challenge: Kokoda Trek Map
North
07
NG
SAFETY
TRE
K
TR
I
IN
PR
Please note: If you retire from the trek for
reasons other than medical, you will need to
pay for the evacuation “up front” (normally
with credit card or a cash transfer to the
relevant company). Getaway Trekking &
Adventures will bill you for any
evacuation costs we incur including on
ground staff, transport, etc. Other extra
costs you may incur are accommodation,
transport, meals.
VISA
Prior to your departure, we recommend you
visit the Australian Government website for
the most up to date information regarding
VISA requirements for PNG.
If you are using the services of a Travel Agent,
you should take advice from them in this area.
Y
FITNES
Please supply us with a copy of your Travel
Insurance Certificate and ensure we have the
following information:
q Travel Insurance Company’s 24 hour
emergency contact phone number
w Your Name
e Date of Birth etc…
r Policy No.
t Travel Dates and Destination
On the Track you need to take local currency
(PNG Kina) with you. Most things on the track
will cost between 5-10 PNG Kina i.e. bunch of
bananas, photo with Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel, can
of Coke. The local villages do not have change
to give you, therefore lots of small change is
best. Past clients have comfortably managed
with AUD$100 (converted to PNG Kina) for
their time on the track.
We also recommend you budget
approximately AUD$200 for your time in Port
Moresby. This will cover expenses such as
additional food and drinks you may require,
laundry, international phone calls ect.
SIB
NS
ON
AL
You are required to provide Getaway Trekking
& Adventures with details of your Travel
Insurance. We suggest you take out insurance
as soon as you make any form of payment;
in unforeseen training accidents or family
emergencies, you may have some protection.
You MUST ensure your insurance covers
Helicopter evacuation in medical
emergencies.
ADDITIONAL SPENDING MONEY
UR
TRAVEL INSURANCE
(APPROXIMATELY AU$125 - $150)
SE
TION
C U LT
Other Financial Considerations:
with
Getaway Trekking & Adventures
ARA
S&
EP
trek
smarter
ILIT
A
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ITI
VIT Y
SOCIA
E
LR
SP
SAFETY
To ensure your journey is memorable for all
of the right reasons, our attention to safety
is second to none. Getaway Trekking staff are
experienced leaders and trekkers in PNG.
IMPORTANT FINAL NOTE:
EVERY BOOKING SUPPORTS THE
KOKODA TRACK FOUNDATION
Getaway Trekking & Adventures donates
AUD$25 per booking to the Kokoda Track
Foundation for community projects in Buna &
Sanananda. Staff and clients of Getaway
Trekking have been regular and welcome
visitors to Buna for the 14 years we have been
in operation.
During this time we have assisted both
financially and physically with village
infrastructure works in Buna, and continue to
work with village representatives on
appropriate projects for their community.
Every booking made with Getaway Trekking &
Adventures enables us to continue this level of
support, which continues to make a difference
to the people of PNG.
CAIRNS CORPORATE CHALLENGE 2015 - KOKODA TREK
08
FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:
Sue Fitcher
Getaway Trekking & Adventures
2 Heron Close
Kewarra Beach, Qld. 4879
Tel: 1300 979 088
sue@getawaytrekking.com
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Getaway