The Trek
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Day 1 Clients fly from Brisbane direct to Port Moresby where they will stay at the Crown Plaza Hotel. On arrival they will be briefed on the adventure ahead and provided with a comprehensive adventure information pack. Clients are encouraged to retire early after dinner in preparation for the trek ahead. Day 2 A chartered flight from Port Moresby provides the first glimpse of the Owen Stanley Ranges, hinting the challenges of the journey ahead. The flight lands a short walk from the village of Kokoda sited on a small plateau on the north east slopes of the Owen Stanley Ranges. The first leg of the trek over flat terrain at the start of the Kokoda Track also begins the personal journey into the history of the battle with the first dramatic and moving military brief. The trek continues from Kokoda Village to the Maguli Range, where trekkers find the Deniki Village camp site prepared and awaiting them. Day 3 An early wake-up call and breakfast begins the day's trek that ranges from navigating the many small creeks that…. terrain to confronting dense jungle vegetation. Morning tea at Isurava Village refreshes the group before a short trek to the Isurava battle field. There is plenty of time to wander through the Isurava Memorial Museum and visit Kingsbury Rocks. The view across the valley provides a spectacular backdrop for enjoying lunch and perhaps some quiet contemplation. The trek continues to Alola and the night camping location. As before, the campsite has been set up prior to arrival. Day 4 presents the first difficult trekking of this adventure. A steep descent, river log crossing and a very steep ascent makes completion of this leg of the trek extremely rewarding. The trek continues to Eora Creek or Blood Valley as it was known by the soldiers. Eora Creek was the location of the Advanced Dressing Station for the battle of Isurava. We push on to Templeton's Crossing No: 2 and the location of remarkably well preserved weapons pits. After lunch, we navigate the trail to Templeton's Crossing No: 1 where tired but elated trekkers will find their campsite ready and waiting for them. Day 5 The objective for Day 5 is Mount Bellamy at 2200metres. It's a long trek up the steepest section of the Kokoda Trail so an early start is needed. The descent down the trail to Camp 1900 is rewarded with a short break and morning tea. The trek continues to the Naduli Village for the spectacular views of the Victoria Ranges. At Kagi, there may be an opportunity to meet one of the surviving "Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels", the native Papuans who helped the Australian soldiers during the war. Their spirit lives on in the local porters who provide invaluable support and friendly encouragement throughout the ESS Kokoda trek. The evening camp at Efogi village marks the halfway point. Day 6 The day begins with a short trek to the Mission Ridge Battle site and Brigade Hill. The trek plan allows for sufficient time to tour the area and learn a little of its military history. In the afternoon the trail continues past the post-war airfield at Menari Village. Accommodation for the night will be the guest house at Aguro Village. This day has often proven to be a day for quiet reflection on the far and recent past, how far our adventurers have come and what they have achieved. Day 7 An early morning trek through swamp land on route to the Navro Village involves several challenging creek crossings. No less than eight false peaks tease and taunt our trekkers before finally reaching the lofty heights. This section of the journey is undoubtedly challenging but the view from the peak of the Meguli Range is breathtaking and rewards all the effort. Clearing Station 88 precedes another very steep incline towards Ofi Creek where the prepared campsite awaits and welcomes the group. A refreshing dip in the creek may be enjoyed before enjoying dinner by the campfire. Day 8 The day's trek begins with a climb to the top of Ioribaiwa. The descent from the peak ends at Kunai, the location of the furthest point of the Japanese advance. From here, we trek to Ua-ule Creek, criss-crossing the stream many times before reaching the lunch and rest spot. From here, it is a very steep incline through dense jungle vegetation leads to the mighty Imita Ridge. Having conquered this difficult part of the track, the easier descent via the "Golden Stair" is very welcome. At Uberi Village, trekkers will find dinner underway and the tents ready for a well-earned night's sleep. Day 9 An early start begins the final leg of this memorable journey. Although shorter than some legs of the trek, the challenge will be crossing the Goldie River. The river is 25m wide and 1m deep; the current is reasonably strong and there are no logs! Safely across, there is one more false peak to face before reaching Owens Corner. The famous Kokoda Arch at Owens Corner signifies the end of the trek and the completion of the mighty Kokoda Trail. ESS Kokoda trekkers may wish to pay their respects to the Australian soldiers who preceded them at the Bomana War Memorial before returning to the Crown Plaza Hotel. The adventure culminates with an awards ceremony and celebratory dinner, hosted by ESS, after which triumphant trekkers can share the stories and images of the journey. Day 10 Clients depart Crown Plaza for the airport and connecting flights home to Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne. |
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