Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have an office in PNG and Australia?

Kokoda Spirit has an office with administration staff, storage facilities and our own vehicles in Port Moresby and our Head Office on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

Do you cover the Military History and Cultural aspects of the track?

Kokoda Spirit is dedicated to showing and telling the story of the legends on the Kokoda Track to our trekkers. It is a story that every Australian should know about.

Our guides are passionate about the history and will share their detailed knowledge of the track and its history with you. We are also dedicated to looking after the villagers and village people along the track. Our PNG Guides and Porters are from the track and will share their history and culture with you. Check out our web site about our Sustainable Eco tourism strategy trekking policy.

How knowledgeable are your PNG guides?

Our PNG Guides are amongst the best on the track with years of on the track history training and our unique PNG guide training program. Our guides will show you all the historic and cultural sites across Kokoda.

How knowledgeable are your Australian Guides?

Our Australian Guides are first class professionals with a passion and understanding of the history of the track, the battles, the philosophy and tactics used during the Kokoda campaign. Being a guide on the Kokoda Track is what they do, this is no part time job for them, and they live and breathe Kokoda.

Our Head Guide and Managing Director Wayne Wetherall has spent years researching the history of the track and exploring the many tracks across Kokoda. He has also spent considerable time interviewing Australian and Japanese veterans about the battles on the Owen Stanley Ranges.

Our guides may not be ex Military, but are all keen students of Military history and tactics.

They are also expert track guides and fluent in the culture of the people along the track.

How do you help the villagers and locals along the track?

Have a look at our Sustainable Ecotourism Strategy policy on the web site. It will give you an insight into our philosophy and policy on the Kokoda Track.

Do you abide by the Kokoda Track Code of Conduct?

Kokoda Spirit was part of the committee that developed the draft policy. We will continue to support the Code of Conduct to ensure the long term protection of the track.

Do I need a Visa for PNG?

Yes. You can apply for your Visa at the Papua New Guinea Consulate in Brisbane or Canberra (you will need to send your passport). The cost is approximately $35.

You can also get your Visa upon your arrival in PNG at Immigration, although it does cost a little more. The Visa is 100 Kina (approx. $60 AUD), Kina is the preferred method of payment. They DO NOT accept credit cards.

Suggestions. If you are travelling interstate, it may be a good idea to arrive the day before your International flight (International flights to Port Moresby depart from Brisbane, Cairns and Sydney). Sometimes there is not enough time to catch both Domestic and an International flight on the same morning. Something to think about!

Wear your boots on the plane and bring essential items in your carry on luggage. Bags do go missing; bags can be left back in Australia. If you have got your boots, medical supplies and some personal items with you and your bag goes missing, then you still have your basic requirements to trek.

How much money will I need on the Kokoda Track?

On the Track you need to take with you local currency (PNG Kina). You can organise to buy PNG currency through your local bank before you leave Australia or at the money exchanger at the International Airports.

Most things on the track will cost K5 – K10 (5 Kina approx $3.00 AUD) i.e. bunch of bananas, photo with Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel, can of Coke. Around 200 Kina should be plenty.

Please Note: the local villages do not have change to give you, therefore lots of small change is best.

In Port Moresby Eftpos machines are few and far between. For your own safety we do not recommend you go into Port Moresby town to the local bank.

What is the size of the groups?

Our PNG led treks have a maximum group size of 16, with an average size of 12.

Our Australian led treks have a maximum group size of 20, with an average size of 16.

Group sizes will vary for Anzac Groups and private groups and special occasions.

Is a Personal Porter necessary?

A personal porter is available to carry your rucksack / backpack. It is an extra cost of $600.00 but worth considering. If you are considering carrying your own pack then you must train with the entire pack weight on your back. The Kokoda Trail is extremely difficult. You may believe you have trained adequately for the trail and feel comfortable with your pack, but I assure you the track can drain the resolve of most pack carrying trekkers.

More than 50% of trekkers who commence the trail carrying their own pack end up requiring the services of a personal porter. Porters need to be booked and paid for no later than 6 weeks before departure. Payment can be made by cheque, money order or direct deposit into our account. In the event that a trekker requires a personal porter once he/she arrives in PNG, or at any stage throughout the trek, the trekker will be charged a 20% extra fee on top of the $600, totalling $720 (refer to our Booking Terms and Conditions).

A personal porter, carries a maximum of 16kg, this will be enforced. Space should be left for the porter’s own gear. If you are hiring a personal porter, you will need to carry your own daypack. In your daypack you will carry things you need for that day e.g. water bottles, camera, film, bushman plus, snacks, any medication required. If you are having doubts, we recommend you hire a porter. We ask you to treat our porters with respect at all times, they do a fantastic job and they do take good care of our trekkers!

If I have a Personal Porter do I need to supply a back pack?

Yes, you need to supply a back pack for your personal porter.

Can I share a Porter?

It is possible to share a personal porter. Just as long as the personal porters pack weight does not exceed the allowable limit.

Do we tip the porters?

PNG is a non tipping society, so tipping your porter is not necessary. However you may want to reward a job well done, so K 60 is a good tip. Any of your excess clothes or caps, T-shirts etc would be very much appreciated.

Do I need Gaiters?

Gaiters are a personal choice; I just use the light weight cotton “gardening/mowing” style to prevent sticks, rocks, etc from getting into my boots. Check out our gear list for your gear list requirements.

What do I need to bring?

Kokoda Spirit has a comprehensive gear list and trekking gear list to help you with your essential items. Check out the web site or contact us for the list.

What size back pack do I need?

You will need a 70-75 litre back pack for your main back and a 30-40 litre pack for your day pack. Day pack is only needed if you have a personal porter. Ladies carrying their own packs may only need a 60 litre pack, depending on their physic.

Water/Electrolytes

You will need to carry a minimum of 3 litres of water on you. Your porters will advise the best places to fill up your water bottles along the trail. There are many places to fill up along the trail. The furthest you will walk between water is 4 hours.

It is essential that you take electrolytes/Gatorade/Staminade etc with you. Put in your water, every time you fill up, it prevents dehydration due to high perspiration losses due to exertion and high humidity. Dehydration, overheating and Hyponatremia can become major issues on the trail. It is very important to keep drinking fluids and utilising salt and electrolyte replacements on the Track. Because of the higher level of activity, temperature and humidity you will tend to sweat more. With the increased fluid intake and sweating you also tend to flush out of your system essential minerals, salts etc. This is why it is important to use electrolytes, salt replacements and Glucose type products. We highly recommend Endura and salt tablets.

Water purifying tablets can be taken as a precaution. The water is generally very good along the Track but always check with the Trek Master or Trek Leader about the quality of the water. We only source our water from the streams that do not pass through any villages or campsites.

With the different environments, conditions, food and water, upset stomachs, vomiting and diarrhoea can occur. Please ensure you bring adequate medication.

What food do we eat on the Kokoda Track?

You will be required to pay for all your meals whilst you are in Port Moresby.

Kokoda Spirit needs to be advised when booking if there are any particular dietary requirements. We do our best to manage your requirements, but accept no responsibility due to availability. Supplements may be implemented. We are able to supply Gluten Free and Vegetarian menus on request, we do need to be advised at least 6 weeks prior to trek departure.

In brief, whilst on the trek;

The Trek Master and the team organise and cook all your meals. They also take care of the washing up. The porters are also well catered for with food on the Track.

Breakfasts we have cereals, usually Weet-Bix or porridge, rice cakes with spread and limited fruits depending on availability, tea, coffee, biscuits, sometimes pancakes and damper.

Lunches are often canned meats spam, beef and fish, fruit, cheeses, biscuits, rice crackers and snack bars (We do not cook lunches)

Dinners are fresh local vegies, potatoes, rice and pastas with the cooks special PNG mixes rotated on alternative nights. Pre Dinner is soup and biscuits. Tea and coffee is available.

The meals are large, filling, and very nourishing.

Food may vary due to season and/or availability.

We recommend you take your own energy treats/snacks e.g. lollies, muesli bars, energy bars, protein bars, trail mix etc for extra supplements.

Can we bring food into PNG? Yes you can. This has not been an issue before. You must declare your food and advise customs that it is for trekking on the Kokoda Track.

What are the washing/cleaning/toilets/shower facilities on Kokoda like?

The facilities on Kokoda are very basic at best.

Toilets on the track and villages are known as ‘long drops’ and ‘short drops’. These are simple, deep pits or short pits that have been dug in the ground for use as toilets. There are no toilet seats. These facilities have a roof and screen over them for privacy.

You do need to take your own toilet paper (3 or 4 rolls).

The river is used for the shower and washing facilities or in some villages a simple water pipe is used to flow the water onto the trekker for washing. Washing of clothes are done in the river. You need to bring a hand cleaner/disinfectant and environmentally friendly soap/washing powder.

There are no specific changing rooms on the Kokoda Track or villages.

Aqua style hand wash is essential.

What are the walking times and distances each day?

Wake up time on the track is usually around 5.00am

Breakfast on the track is usually served from 6.00 am to 6.30 a.m.

We usually start walking around 7-7.30 a.m.

There is usually 5-10 minute breaks every 30 mins or so along the track and depending on the size of the hill more often and a stop for morning tea and lunch.

The walking pace is best described as the ‘Kokoda Shuffle’ which is a consistent but reasonably easy pace. This can vary depending on the terrain.

Each walking day will vary between 5 to 9 hours with 7 to 8 hours being the average. Arrival times in the camps and villages are around 2.30pm to 3.30p.m.

When are the best conditions to trek Kokoda?

The conditions on the track vary due to the changes in the season. The seasons are broken up into the dry season and the wet season. These seasons also have sub seasons which fringe the wet and dry season.

The dry season is normally from late May to late October. Good conditions can still be expected in April and November. It is possible to get rain and consequently mud on the track during any season or month. Late November, December, January, February and March are wet and muddy.

The temperature will range from 24-28 degrees under the canopy and up to 32 degrees out in the open areas. The night time temperature will range from 18 degrees in the lower sections down to 8 degrees in the higher areas like Mt Bellamy.

Do we trek at night?

Kokoda Spirit does not trek at night. Our itineraries are designed to ensure you are in camp well before night fall.

What happens in case of an emergency?

Kokoda Spirit carries satellite phones on all treks; we have an emergency evacuation plan which is implemented. On receiving call for assistance we activate our plan and organise medical, travel insurance and evacuation plans. Contact us if you required more details.

Villages

Whilst in the villages we recommend you do not give money to anyone, as this does create problems between the village people. They live as a community and money needs to be shared between all in the Village. If you would like to take something to the villages, a gift that they can share is more appropriate, clothes, ball games,, colouring in items books reading and writing, First aid items are also very much needed (and appreciated) e.g. bandaids, antiseptic lotions, strapping etc. We also ask our trekkers not to wander around the villages in costumes. Please cover up while walking around the villages; it’s a sign of respect.

What is the accommodation like on the Kokoda Trail? The accommodation on the Kokoda Track is very basic. Jungle camps and camp sites along the Kokoda Track are basic at best. The Guest House accommodations are open air huts with no mosquito protection. Guest House accommodation is not always available, so we will camp at the best available camp sites.

Is a walking stick necessary?

Walking sticks are a must! They are used as a support and breaking system for the steep downhill sections. You can buy walking sticks from camping stores. It is a good idea to train with the stick.

Do I need travel/medical insurance for Kokoda?

Yes, you do need Travel Insurance, it is very important. You are responsible to organise your own Travel/Medical insurance, which can be organised at your Travel Agent.

You will need coverage for medical evacuation; medical, theft, loss etc… speak to your Travel Agent about the inclusions. Travel Insurance MUST include Medical Evacuation (anywhere along the Kokoda Trail) and medical expenses including hospital coverage in PNG and Australia. It can be a very costly experience for you if you do not have your Travel Insurance! ** We require a copy of your personal, Travel and Medical Insurance no later than 4 weeks before departure. Failure to have travel and medical insurance will prevent you from trekking.

Do I need a Dr’s Clearance to trek Kokoda?

Yes. Approximately 2 months prior to your trek Kokoda Spirit will post to you a letter for you to take to your Doctor.

We ask that the original Drs letter be posted to the Kokoda Spirit office no later than 4 weeks before departure.

It is Kokoda Spirit’s requirements that every trekker must obtain medical clearance from their Doctor. If we do not receive the original Kokoda Spirit Drs letter, unfortunately your trek will be cancelled.

There is nowhere along the Kokoda Trail to get access to any medications.

Can we drink alcohol on the Kokoda Track? Kokoda Spirit has a “no alcohol/no drugs” policy while trekking on the Kokoda Trail. We do enforce this policy. It is our way of showing our respect for the Kokoda Trail and the Villages; we do ask our trekkers to do the same. Prescribed medication from your GP is accepted.

What is the difference between PNG Led and Australian Guided Treks?

Both treks walk the same trek, stay in the same accommodation eat the same food and have the same wonderful PNG porters. Our PNG led treks do not have the same degree of historical information or commemoration services that the Australian Guided treks do. Our Australian guides have a great deal of knowledge about the history of the Kokoda Track and a passion for the story. The Australian guide is also first aid trained to a higher degree and adds that extra touch of security for those not so comfortable in a wilderness situation.

What happens to the rubbish on Kokoda? It is very important that we all take good care of the Track. If you purchase soft drinks along the Track, then you need to crush the cans and carry them out with you. All rubbish is either burnt or carried out. Whilst trekking, please put your own rubbish in your backpack until you arrive at the next campsite. If you see rubbish on the Track, pick it up and put it in our rubbish bags.

What camping gear do I need?

Our web site has a complete list of gear required to trek Kokoda or contacts us and we will send the list out to you. We can also supply a range of cost effective camping gear to suit your requirements.

Do we carry our own tents?

If you have a personal porter he would carry your tent. If you are carrying your own pack then you would carry your tent. Your personal porter will help you to erect, and pack up your tent each day.

How many people sleep in each tent? What size are the tents?

Only one person per tent, unless you specifically want to share a tent, i.e. partner/friend etc.

The tents are 2 person tents.

Do I need a medical kit?

Yes, absolutely. It is essential that you have an appropriate first aid kit for the conditions.

Do I need to wear boots on the Kokoda Track?

It is not essential to wear boots across Kokoda but I highly recommend good quality comfortable footwear. My boots are 100% water proof. (At least they are until the water comes over the top) They are also a light weight Gortex construction for quick drying. They have an aggressive Vibram flexible grip and sole for better traction on the Kokoda Track. Companies will push their own brands and preferences and attempt to convince you of the benefits. My suggestions are that the boots must be comfortable, be at least one size bigger then you would normally wear. This will prevent you from getting sore toes on the declines; your feet can also swell causing discomfort. They should also be light weight quick drying and have a good flexible and aggressive grip. The Kokoda Track is harsh on boots so do not risk old or suspect boots. I have found Aku and Scarpa boots to be the best for me.

Do we have exclusive use of the campsites and guesthouses?

No, we do not have exclusive use of the campsites or guest houses along the Kokoda Track. It is quite possible that some campsites will be shared by other campers.

Do we walk the real Kokoda Track?

Yes we do walk the real Kokoda Track. There are multiple tracks and trails that run across the Owen Stanley Ranges. You will walk in the footsteps of heroes, the same track as our diggers.

Is there an easier direction to trek?

There is no easy way to trek Kokoda. Both directions have their challenges. Kokoda to Owers Corner is one less night on the track and follows the direction of the Japanese and the Australians fighting withdrawal. Owers Corner to Kokoda follows the original direction that the Australians walked to engage the Japanese near Awala north of Kokoda and our advance back over the track.

How do I minimise my risks on the Kokoda Track?

The best way to minimise risk on the Kokoda Track is to trek with a professional trekking company like Kokoda Spirit. Kokoda Spirit has a comprehensive risk management plan and safety procedures.

Our guides are first aid trained for wilderness situations; we carry first aid kits and satellite phones.

It is important that you get yourself a full medical check before training. Kokoda Spirit requires a full medical clearance from your Doctor before trekking with us. Proper preparation and training before your trek is absolutely essential. It is also essential to ensure you take precautions to prevent, dehydration, Hyponatremia and overheating. Check out our web site under Kokoda/Adventure Training Program.

How fit do you have to be to walk Kokoda?

While you do not need to be an Olympic athlete, you still need to be in great physical condition, with good endurance and stamina. You need to be able to walk up to 9 hours per day in hot and humid conditions. The terrain over the Kokoda Track is tough and very steep. You need a strong heart, lungs, quads, calves and a strong and positive attitude. A dedicated training program is required.

Contact your fitness professional or check out our training program on the web under Kokoda/Adventure Training Program.

Do you have a training program?

On booking we send you out our training program. It can also be accessed on our web site www.kokodaspirit.com under Kokoda/Adventure Training Program.

Do we get a completion certificate and t-shirt?

A Kokoda Spirit t-shirt will be posted to each trekker. With large groups the t-shirts are posted to the person who has organised the trek. Completion certificate will be handed out to trekkers on the completion of their trek.

How do I book?

Contact the Kokoda Spirit office by email kokodaspirit@bigpond.com or phone us on 07 5445 2758 We will talk / email to you regarding the different options available.

How much does it cost to trek Kokoda?

For the 2009 trekking season the cost of the trek is $2,575.00 per person for our PNG led treks and $3,175.00 per person for our Australian Guided Treks.

Both treks include pre and post accommodation in Port Moresby. See our inclusions in the treks and hikes section or ask us for a copy.

When do I make payments for the trek?

Deposit - a $400 deposit payment is due when your booking is confirmed (by your booking confirmation letter). Final Payment - The final payment is due 6 weeks before your trek date.

What are your terms and conditions?

We ask all trekkers to read our Booking Terms and Conditions. Some of above mentioned points are outlined in more detail in our Booking Terms and Conditions. These can be found on the web site or we can send to you.

Relax and enjoy?

Every effort is made to make your trip as memorable as possible. Please remember, you are going to a third world country and you may see things and experience things you may have never seen before. Expect the unexpected in PNG. Keep an open mind; schedules/itinerary may and can change without notice, internal transfers may be late, planes may be late due to bad weather, please understand it is out of our control. Schedules work to PNG time, not Australian time. Patience and a relaxed attitude are essential for an enjoyable trek. All internal flights are booked and confirmed through our office. If there is a problem internally we have direct communications with the airline and our staff. This is no holiday, but a fantastic trekking adventure, it is a trekking experience, a lifetime experience! Enjoy!

When did the Australians commence their walk to Kokoda?

The Australians commenced walking to Kokoda from McDonalds Corner (south of Owers Corner, Port Moresby end) on July 7 1942. The first company was “B’ Company of the 39th Battalion led by Captain Sam Templeton and Guided by Bert Kienzle. Captain Sam Templeton was killed in battle and the two crossing over Iora Creek are named in his honour. The Australians arrived in Kokoda on July 15 1942.

When did the Australians first battle the Japanese?

The Australians first battled the Japanese at Awala just north of Kokoda on July 23 1942.

When did the battles for Kokoda take place?

The Australians withdraw to Kokoda July 24 1942. July 29 1942 the first battle for Kokoda is lost. August 8 1942 the Australians occupy Kokoda unopposed. August 10 1942 the Japanese retake Kokoda. November 2 1942, the Australians recapture Kokoda unopposed.

When did the battle of Isurava take place?

The battle of Isurava commenced August 26 1942 and finished August 29 1942.

Where did Private Bruce Steele Kingsbury win his Victorian Cross for bravery?

Bruce Kingsbury won his VC at the battle of Isurava on July 29 1942.