The Kokoda Track, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Airing Date: Sep 9th, 2002
Papua New Guineas famous Kokoda Track is just half an hours flight from the capital of Port Moresby.
The village of Kokoda is a fairly small but it was here, 60 years ago during World War 2, that a bunch of 18 year-old Aussie soldiers stopped a Japanese invasion by digging in and fighting.
The full trek takes nine or ten days but due to its popularity Niugini Tours has developed one and four day treks. With each walker carrying their own 20 kilogram backpack in temperatures of up to 40 degrees and humidity of 80 per cent, the conditions are extreme.
The initial hike from Kokoda village through the foothills of the Owen Stanley Ranges isnt too difficult and before long trekkers hit the first stop, Kavelo village, where a traditional welcome awaits.
Stops on the tours are short to maximise walking time and day one isnt over until the night walk concludes. Experienced guides and porters stay with the group the whole time so no one gets lost in the jungle.
Day two opens with an hour and a half trek to Isurava. Up until this point Kokoda was a continual retreating battle, but its here that the Aussies finally dug in, fought back and consequently won.
In this battle, commonly known as the one that saved Australia, a young soldier called Bruce Kingsbury single-handedly changed the course of the fight. Kingsburys bravery cost him his life, but his actions were recognised when he was posthumously awarded Australias highest bravery award, the Victoria Cross.
From Isurava, two more hours of trekking leads to the village of Alola. The second night of the trek is spent here in the guest house.
As 2002 marks the 60th anniversary of the Kokoda battles, a memorial has recently been built at Isurava. In time it will become an Aussie war shrine as important as Gallipoli.
The facts:
Niugini Tours runs treks along the Kokoda Track. The package includes 9 days on the Track, village accommodation, one night in Port Moresby on arrival at the Gateway Hotel, return flights with Air Niugini to Port Moresby, 3 meals a day, a guide, porters & permits. Prices start from $2126 ex Cairns, $2246 ex Sydney and $2151 ex Brisbane. Prices include taxes and charges.
Accommodation at the guest house is Isurava in ten kena per person or about $A5.
Niugini Holidays
Tel: 1300 850 020
Email: info@ngholidays.com
