Advance to Kokoda

On the 25th of July 1942 seventy six years ago, A Company of the 39th Australian Infantry Battalion started their arduous trek across the Kokoda Track to join their mates from B Company, already in position on the northern side of the Owen Stanley Ranges having secured the Kokoda area in readiness for an expected Japanese attack.

Join us on a true reenactment of this Advance to Kokoda as we dress, eat and live exactly how A Company did on their journey over the Owen Stanley Ranges. We will kit you out in replica uniforms (including boots) and give you the same rations they had as we immerse you in the real history of this trek. 

Please note this expedition is scheduled to match the real dates A Coy departed in 1942. Trek: 24 July to 4 August 2018

2019 Update: future expeditions are currently on hold - if you are interested in this trek please contact us at No Roads.

As we follow in the footsteps 76 years later, the story of the Kokoda Campaign will be brought together by Shane Chisholm and Justin Kibell who were part of the original reenactment of B Company March to Kokoda in July 2017. These stories combined with you the participant wearing the same clothing and equipment as the 39th did, will certainly add a new dimension to trekking Kokoda.

As you make your way over the Track you will open reproduction letters (taken from the originals) sent from the troops and received by the troops. You will wear ‘dog tags’ and carry with you a replica pay book in the name of one of the soldiers who made the journey 76 years ago. Both items will are yours to keep and will enable you to have a greater understanding of what our troops went through.  

The reproduction uniforms and equipment have been sourced from specialist manufactures and are exact reproductions of the originals. They will come in your size and be sent to you prior to the trip. This will include your pack, water bottle, sleeping equipment, boots etc. All you need to bring with you is a bucket load of Aussie spirit as we undertake the ultimate pilgrimage to remember those who fought and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation in 1942.

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Itinerary Overview

This expedition is 12 days (10 days trekking and one day before and after trekking in Port Moresby) 

Note: This trek runs from south to north, Port Moresby to Kokoda. This will give us a feeling of what it was like to be one of the members of A Company , 39th Australian Infantry Battalion, on their first crossing of the Kokoda Track. ​

Day 1 - arrive Port Moresby then transfer to our Hotel
Day 2 - move by truck to McDonald's Corner where we start trek to Uberi via Owers' Corner
Day 3 - trek from Uberi to Ioribaiwa
Day 4 - trek from Ioribaiwa to war time Nauro (later New Nauro moved up out of the valley)
Day 5 - trek from war time Nauro to war time Efogi
Day 6 - trek from war time Efogi to war time Kagi
Day 7 - trek from war time Kagi to Eora Crossing (later named Templeton's Crossing)
Day 8 - trek from Eora Crossing to Isurava
Day 9 - trek from Isurava to Deniki
Day 10 - trek from Deniki to Kokoda Village and stay overnight
Day 11 - fly back to Port Moresby, tour Bomana War Cemetery and return to our Hotel
Day 12 - homeward bound

You will also participate in a special Memorial Service to be held at Brigade Hill, Isurava and Kokoda.

​Note: This Itinerary is indicative and may change due to local conditions.

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Your Kit and Meals

​You will be provided with a combination of replica and real items from 1942 including the slouch hat, cotton shirt, pattern 37 pouches and webbing, shorts, woolen sock, gaiters and leather boots. We will send you the leather boots months ahead so you can wear them in. You will also be given wet weather gear and accommodation - your rain cape, ground sheet and mosquito net. A detailed document will be supplied on your booking. Issued equipment will need to be returned except your boots, ID tags and paybook. Selected items will be available for purchase post expedition.

Our meals on the Track will consist of exactly what A Company ate including Bully Beef and Biscuits. In late 1942, new ration types replaced the "bully beef and biscuits" standard ration, and included tinned fruit, dried potatoes, sausages, vegetables, jam, butter and beans. Dehydrated mutton was also a standard ration and was considered one of the finest foods of the campaign. Not so bad really. You will carry some of your own rations for this expedition. ​

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Detailed Itinerary

This Itinerary is indicative and may change due to local conditions or operational reasons. (B = Breaky, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

Day 1 - Tue 24 July 2018

• Welcome to PNG. You will be met at Jackson's International Airport in Port Moresby and transferred to Sogeri Lodge or Koitaki Country Club after a short trip along the Hubert Murray Highway which follows the Laloki River. After settling in you will receive a pre-expedition briefing and short history presentation followed by a kit inspection. Later today you will be introduced to our expert guides and porter team, who will be our carriers for the duration of the journey. They will set up camp, carry our food, tents and safety equipment and ensure we have a safe and enjoyable crossing of the Kokoda Track. (D)

Day 2 - Wed 25 July 2018

• Today we begin our trek with a short drive in a truck (soldier style) to McDonald’s Corner. We will then start trekking in the footsteps of A Company, 39th Battalion, walking from McDonald’s Corner to Owers’ Corner. After a short rest we will head downhill and cross the Goldie River. The remainder of our trek today involves moving a short way across the valley to Uberi  where we will establish a bush camp and spend our first night on the trail. (B, L, D)

Day 3 - Thu 26 July 2018

• Up and over the first major climb - Imitia Ridge. As we head down into the valley we make multiple crossings of Ua-Ule Creek. Now for another climb up to Ioribaiwa Ridge, furthest most point of Japanese advance. It will be a real test in the leather boots and a stomach full of 1942 rations. (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Fri 27 July 2018

• Leaving Ioribaiwa we will drop down to Ofi Creek and then up and over the Maguli Range into the valley below to where the original village of Nauro was located in 1942. Some tough climbs today with a very steep climb out of Ofi Creek. (B, L, D)

Day 5 -  Sat 28 July 2018

• Today we will leave wartime Nauro and make our way to wartime Efogi. It will be a tough climb up and over the ‘Wall” through the village of Menari and up a long slow climb to Brigade Hill. On Brigade Hill we will perform a Memorial Service. From there we will head down along Mission Ridge  to wartime Efogi for a bush camp. (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Sun 29 July 2018

• Today you will hike Efogi to Kagi. Many of the carriers in our party are from Kagi Village. We will follow the old wartime mail route and walk along areas that many others treks simply bypass, on our quest to walk in the wartime footsteps of the 39th. (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Mon 30 July 2018

• Today we walk from Kagi to what was then known as Eora Crossing No. 2. Its a long walk today crossing over the Mt. Bellamy range (sometimes referred to as the "Kokoda Gap") and then down into the Eora Creek valley below. The scenery changes dramatically to rain forest and "lawyer vines", moss covered rocks and trees and can be cold and dreary when raining. Let’s hope that period looking set of boots stand up to the test of the Kokoda Track, as they did back in 1942! (B, L, D)

Day 8 - Tue 31 July 2018

• Today we leave Eora Crossing No 2 to continue on through Eora Creek and up to Isurava where the main memorial now stands where we will camp tonight. Back in 1942 these areas had not yet become hallowed ground however your Expedition Guides will bring to life all of the battles that were fought on the Kokoda Track as you make your journey across the Owen Stanley Range. At Isurava we will perform a Memorial Service. (B, L, D)

Day 9 - Wed 1 August 2018

• Our second last day of trekking will move us from Isurava along a downhill trending track to Deniki where we will camp overlooking the Yodda Valley and the Kokoda plateau. This location is where A Coy met their mates in B Coy desperately in need of reinforcements, tired and hungry from just over a week of defensive actions against the Japanese. (B, L, D)

Day 10 - Thu 2 August 2018

• A short trek from Deniki to Kokoda Village down through the jungle and out into the area where the rubber plantations were grown during the war. Our final destination of Kokoda - after walking all the way from McDonald’s Corner in period uniforms and using period equipment. After dropping our packs and making camp, we will tour the Kokoda Plateau area visiting the area where the first and second battles for Kokoda occurred, view the plaques in the museum and see the Kokoda airstrip which was so dearly fought after by both sides. At Kokoda we will perform a Memorial Service. (B, L, D) 

Day 11 - Fri 3 August 2018

• Today we leave the Kokoda Plateau and move north along the same route that many of the B Company men first encountered the advancing Japanese. We will board our aircraft. Smelly and dishevelled in our khaki uniforms, a cold beer awaits back at the Holiday Inn. We have completed our walk over the Kokoda Track 76 years after the first troops of the A Coy, 39th did. We will tour Bomana War Cemetery just out of Port Moresby which will be a very emotional and memorable experience, especially for those of us who walked in the footsteps of soldiers that died as their graves are located in this cemetery. Later that night we will have a presentation dinner and hand out a special commemorative medallion in recognition of the recreation of this historic journey. (B,L,D)

Day 12 - Sat 4 August 2018

• Today we check out of our hotel and return to Australia. (B)

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Facebook Discussion Group

Please join our online Facebook discussion group to chat with fellow trekkers and people interested in this amazing expedition. https://www.facebook.com/groups/advancetokokoda2018/

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Booking Conditions

Please read the following information which explains what is included, any exclusions, booking and expedition conditions and upgrades available for this expedition.

General Information

Click on the following web-links to find out more about the topics described below.

• How we Operate - why should you trek with No Roads? Learn more about how we manage safety and security, our philosophy, our team of Porters and Guides, what others say and we will bust some myths about the Kokoda trekking scene.
• Kokoda Expeditions - learn about the Kokoda Track itself, the people and terrain, the plants and animals, more about our expedition team and the different types of Kokoda adventures we offer.
• Preparation - to properly prepare for this expedition we have provided detailed information on how to plan for your expedition, prepare yourself both physically but also advice on health and medical considerations, and lastly what gear to bring (and to leave home).
• Meals - No Roads offers the highest standard of delicious and nutritious meals along the Track and special dietary considerations can be catered for if we are notified in advance. 
• Military History - The history of the Kokoda Track during 1942 is nothing short of amazing. The stories of individual efforts, of triumph and defeat are ones that are still helping to shape Australia’s identity. Read our campaign overview and detailed key history events notes.
• On Expedition - To complete your preparation we encourage you to read about the three stages of the expedition grouped into before trekking, trekking and after trekking. The information in these pages will assist you greatly in preparing and understanding what to expect on expedition.

Inclusions

• Hand selected and trained Australian and Local PNG Guide for the entire expedition
• Electrolyte supplement for the expedition portion
• All domestic schedule flights
• Equipped with a Satellite phone for emergency purposes
• AED Defibrillator on all Australian Led treks
• River rescue team and procedures - essential for large rivers
• Government Taxes (except visa charge and civil aviation terminal facilities charge) 
• All transfers including those from the airport and to Owers' Corner, and back from Kokoda
• All meals on expedition which will  include tinned fruit, dried potatoes, sausages, vegetables, jam, butter and beans. Dehydrated mutton was also a standard ration and was considered one of the finest foods of the campaign.
• Buffet style dinner on the last night at the Holiday Inn with our Porter team and Guides
• Use of period uniform, boots, back pack, equipment etc.. Some items will be sent to you prior to the trek. Boots, ID tags and pay book are yours to keep but everything else must be returned to No Roads Expeditions. Selected items used may be available for purchase after the trek.
• Visit to Bomana War Cemetery
• Nutritious and delicious food for Porter team who deserve the best.
• All accommodation outside of Port Moresby on the trek
• Kokoda Track Authority Permit
• Hand selected porter team - dressed in period uniforms for the carriers. 
• 1 to 1 Porter-Client ratio
• A rubbish Porter that takes all our rubbish and other operators rubbish from the Track
• 2 nights accommodation, one in Port Moresby twin share (4 star Holiday Inn : the best in Port Moresby) and one in Koitaki Country Club or Sogeri Lodge twin share
• VHF Radio contact with Port Moresby, Kokoda and 10 other Track villages for emergency purposes. 
• No Roads Expeditions Kokoda T-shirt
• Urine and health chart guide
• Access to your Australian Guides for advice prior to the expedition
• Facebook discussion group for pre-trek advice and to meet your fellow trekkers 
  www.facebook.com/groups/advancetokokoda2018/
• Access to the pre-trek preparation information provided in this website.

Exclusions

• A small number of reenactment items will need to be purchased like a period toothbrush and toothpaste. Information will be provided about these types of items.
• International flights to and from Port Moresby (please contact us for a quote) 
• Travel Insurance   (please contact us for a quote)
• PNG Visa or Passport
• Vaccinations and anti-malarial medications
• Airport Departure Taxes (civil aviation terminal facilities charge)
• Pre and Post trek meals (except hotel breakfast included with room booking)
• Personal expenditure - items of a personal nature (i.e. art, drinks etc.) 
• Personal Porter 
• Excess baggage on scheduled domestic PNG flights
• Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of No Roads Expeditions

Expedition Conditions

• Travel insurance that includes medical evacuation is considered mandatory. 
• This 11 day expedition is a demanding walk that requires an above-average level of fitness. Some days are long hauls of 7 to 10 hours through humid, possibly wet and hot terrain. Physical fitness preparation is necessary.
• This expedition is a living history expedition so we wear the uniform, packs and gear, and eat the food that the soldiers did. This clothing and equipment is basic when compared to modern equipment and uncomfortable. Expect an added level of difficulty to this expedition. You will be dirty, tired and a little hungry.
• Minimum numbers for the scheduled expeditions are required, typically 8 to 10 people. Please contact our office regarding our scheduled departures to discuss your needs.
• We aim for a lower impact and safer expedition by limiting our group size to less than 18 trekking customers per expedition. Typically our expeditions are around than 10 to 15 people group size (not including the porter team members).

Upgrades

The following upgrade options can be selected when you make a booking online.

• For those that do not wish to share accommodation in Port Moresby, a Single Supplement of $380 will apply.
• ​After expedition activities - please ask our Expedition Consultants about options such as helicopter flights, Loloata Island resort, Port Moresby Nature Park and more.

Terms and Conditions

• No Roads Expeditions is the booking agent for www.kokodaexpeditions.com.au
• NO ROADS EXPEDITIONS (NRE) TERMS AND CONDITIONS
  
  PRICING:
  
  No Roads policy is to hold prices firm for each calendar year. However because costs such as but not limited to exchange rates and airlines are out of our control we reserve the right to vary our prices at any time up to departure, without notice. Pricing is per person based on twin share accommodation.
  
  PAYMENT:
  
  A 20% deposit is required at the time of booking and the balance due 45 days prior to departure.
  
  CANCELLATION:
  
  If you cancel your booking 90 days or more prior to departure, you will have your deposit refunded less $200 administration booking fee.
  
  If you cancel your booking between 89 and 46 days prior to the commencement of your Expedition you will forfeit your entire deposit.
  
  If you cancel between 45 days and 29 days before the departure date you will lose 50% of the Expedition cost.
  
  If you cancel less than 28 days prior to the departure date of your expedition you will lose 100% of the expedition cost.
  
  If after cancellation we fill your place on the expedition and the expedition is fully booked, we will at our discretion refund your money less an amount to cover No Roads Expeditions (NRE) administration costs.
  
  We may, at our discretion choose to offer you another expedition.
  
  Full payment is due 45 days prior to the departure date. If you fail to pay by this date you could lose your place on your chosen expedition and your deposit will be forfeited.
  
  In the event of NRE being forced to cancel an expedition for reasons of security or personal safety (e.g. civil unrest, seismic activity, etc.), the amount paid will be transferable to another expedition or will be refunded, minus a reasonable amount for administration costs and cancellation fees charged by airline and accommodation companies not controlled by NRE.
  
  Administration fees will be calculated on a case by case basis. While acknowledging the travel warnings posted by respective Foreign Office departments, NRE does not accept cancellation due to these warnings in isolation. We take into consideration information from numerous sources including reports from our local offices in the respective country and act accordingly.
  
  In the event of NRE cancelling an expedition, we will work with all affected members to try to provide an alternative venue or the expedition fee will be refunded minus associated costs out of NRE's control.
  
  PRIVACY:
  
  No Roads Expeditions from time to time uses footage, comments and names for promotional purposes, should you not wish to participate, you must notify No Roads Expeditions in writing.

Liability Release

The following liability release statements are found on our booking form and provided here for reference. You will be asked to sign a copy of this release in Port Moresby before trekking.
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• I have been advised by 'No Roads Expeditions' (NRE) of the following matters in relation to my upcoming expedition with NRE. 
• I have been advised that, snorkeling/swimming, trekking, climbing and especially mountaineering are inherently dangerous activities. 
• I may be killed, injured, incapacitated and experience pain, illness and suffering. I may experience loss, damage or theft of my property. 
• Any of the above may not be NRE's fault or the fault of anyone else. These incidents may be caused by others in my party, employees or directors of NRE, their subcontractors, my guide or wildlife, environmental factors such as ice cliff collapse, avalanche, bad weather, loose rocks, unstable snow or even just physical exhaustion which can happen at any time on my Expedition. 
• There is no way of predicting all the hazards I may face. While NRE will take reasonable precautions to minimise the risks, there is no way NRE can guarantee my safety on this expedition 100%.
• Often areas of operation are remote with little or no medical support. In some remote areas self-rescue is the only option. 
• My guide may need to begin first aid appropriate to the remoteness of the area and the nature of my ailment. 
• While NRE will take all reasonable precautions to maintain my safety I understand that I also am responsible to act in a responsible and safe manner that will not endanger myself or others in my party. 
• By signing or ticking this document I certify that I have read and understood these risks and they are acceptable to me. 
• I also agree not to seek compensation, financial or otherwise from any incident that might occur during or associated with your trip, from NRE, it's directors, employees or subcontractors. 
• I understand NRE will not accept my participation on expedition if I do not have suitable or sufficient travel insurance to cover such events as illness, remote area evacuation, etc. 
• NRE is not responsible for any medical, hospital, doctor, rescue, evacuation, or associated transportation costs. We will where possible assist you with any emergency logistics in the event of problems.