Adventures

Earth Sea Sky Kokoda

Kokoda Overview

Renowned as one of the most challenging and rewarding trekking experiences, the Kokoda Track in Papuan New Guinea stretches 96km through the jungle of the Owen Stanley ranges. The track also carves its way through Australia's military history in the Pacific, begun when Japanese forces landed in Papua on the 21st July 1942. On this unforgettable physical and emotional journey, ESS trekkers will follow the path of the Australian withdrawal in awe of the courage, endurance, mate-ship and sacrifice of the untrained and ill prepared Australian soldiers who halted the advance of the Japanese Imperial Army

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Kokoda ESSential Difference

Why should you choose ESS to Trek Kokoda?

As well as the exceptional features that ESS incorporates into all its adventures, each venture also has its own unique experiences and services. Trek Kokoda continues the standard of excellence that David Armstrong established when he assisted with the co-ordination of the largest ever group trek culminating in the moving Kokoda Track memorial service that was televised on Anzac Day, 2005.
Browse a couple of the highlights, exclusive to ESS, that distinguish ESS Trek Kokoda from all others.

  • Many trekking companies claim to offer a "well rounded" Kokoda experience, but only ESS seeks to recreate the reality of Kokoda through accurate and moving briefs of the military campaign as our clients trek that part of the terrain where each battle occurred. ESS not only provides our clients with an exhilarating physical challenge, but also an inspirational learning journey. Through the close relationships that ESS has developed with local communities, our clients will be able to share their experience with descendants of the peoples who assisted Australian troops.

  • Local guides and porters are employed by ESS. Not only will this assist our clients during the trek but they will also know they are helping to contribute to economic sustainability for villagers and communities including improved educational and health facilities and services. ESS also encourages trekkers to assist local villages during their Kokoda adventure, perhaps by either carrying in donated medical supplies or helping build homes.
Kokoda Itinerary If you want an exciting preview of the highlights of Kokoda including a brief outline of the daily itinerary

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Costs, Dates and Inclusions

Costs

$6950.00 GST Inc Depart Brisbane
$7400.00 GST Inc Departure from Melbourne & Sydney

Domestic flights can be arranged by ESS on behalf of remotely trained participants.

Dates

  • Fitline Kokoda - 15th - 24th May 2009
    (Training commences 9th February 2009)

  • August Kokoda - 14th - 23rd August 2009
    (Training commences 12th May 2009)

  • Father's Day Father & Son Kokoda - 4th - 13th Septemer 2009
    (Training commences 2nd June 2009)

(Departure dates and times are subject to change, dependant on flight availability.)

 

Kokoda Personal Porters - incurs a small additional cost to clients.
The porters who are employed by Earth Sea Sky are essential to maintaining the health, safety and morale of our trekkers and are paid accordingly. We choose experienced guides from several villages so that trek income is distributed among the various communities involved throughout the Kokoda adventure.

Kokoda Full Porter $560.00 incl. GST
Kokoda Shared Porter$280.00 incl. GST


Earth Sea Sky employs group porters to carry all essential medical equipment, food rations and tents. ESS also utilises the services of personal porters for individual clients who have difficulty carrying their gear and need assistance.

*Some clients may be unable to complete the necessary training requirements while carrying the full weight of gear. ESS strongly advises that these clients enlist personal porters to assist them with carrying their equipment so that they can fully participate in the trek without unnecessarily burdening other trekkers.

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Inclusions provided by ESS

  • 12 week specific preparation and training program and heart rate monitor.
  • " Fully Remote" clients will receive an additional preparation pack and comprehensive training manual.
  • All arranged international flights
  • Visas
  • Inbound bus transfers
  • 2 nights accommodation at Crown Plaza Hotel PNG, including all meals
  • Back Pack
  • Trek-specific rations pack
  • Camelbak (2L Hydration System)
  • Individual dinner ware and cutlery
  • Individual tent, mat, sleeping bag and pillow
  • Personal insect repellant, sunscreen, hand-wash
  • Earth Sea Sky trek shirt, polo shirt and hat for clients to keep as a memento of Kokoda.
  • Boots dry cleaned on last night

Not Included (Personal Items to be provided by clients)

  • Personal Travel Insurance (For more information on travel insurance click here).
  • Boots, socks, sock savers (Gators)
  • Trek Shorts
  • Loose long sleeved nightwear
  • Skins (Half Tights)
  • Head Torch
  • Personal medications. Please note: a valid prescription, including repeats, may be needed for any medications.
  • Personal toiletries

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Equipment

ESS staff will advise clients re appropriate clothing and equipment early in the training program. Additionally, some clients may prefer the extra comfort of using trekking poles and Thermarests (Self inflating Mattress). The benefits of all these items will be discussed during training.

All equipment can be purchased through Earth Sea Sky.

Click here for further information about ESS preferred suppliers and purchase arrangements.

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Training

The 12 week training and preparation program has been purposefully designed to prepare clients for the unique challenges of the Kokoda Trek. Developed by Wayne Rodgers and ESS Principal David Armstrong, both experienced Kokoda trekkers, this program will assist ESS clients to safely and comfortably complete this adventure.

Click here for more information regarding the ESS training options.


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