Posted November 2, 2007

Kokoda Challenge Achieved

Students and staff from Chancellor College joined with some community members on their recent Kokoda Trek in the September holidays. Anneaka and Torben Pellicaan, Tania Neller, Michael Davies-Hill, Blake Wetherall joined teacher Ben Grayell and staff member Sue Bray on the trek led by Wayne Wetherall of Kokoda Spirit.

It was tough and wet for a lot of the trek, but everyone was so exhilarated at the end, they couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces for completing such an arduous, challenging yet rewarding trek.

What next? We hope to make the Trek a regular Chancellor Challenge – hopefully every two years.

Click here to view the Kokoda photo gallery

By Steph Kihlstrom

Posted August 11, 2007

Kokoda Track
16th July to 24th July 2007-Kokoda Spirit Trek

Story & Photos by Neil Chesworth

The Kokoda Track was used since the beginning of time for trading between the North Coast of this New Guinea region with people of the south coastal areas. When Europeans arrived it’s continued use increased until on 23 July 1942, the Japanese Army decided that it would be possible to cross it from Buna/Gona area to Port Moresby with 6000 seasoned well trained experienced soldiers. Only the Victorian 39th Battalion, a militia Battalion, along with the 53rd ,NSW Battalion, stood between the might of Japan and Port Moresby.

These rugged soldier heroes of Australia held a retreating withdrawal until the 2nd/14th and 2nd/16th AIF Battalions arrived at Isurava to help stem the Japanese onslaught. In short, three army brigades were committed and if it wasn’t for the over extension of the Japanese army, the Japanese could well have captured Port Moresby. Brigade Hill nearly became “Australia’s Custers last stand”. We lost 72 men killed as the Japanese outflanked and encircled our fighting men.

To walk the Kokoda Track (Trail) is a wonderful experience. It is very much a trek that constantly is going up and constantly going down. The body is working constantly and the knees become tired as the day’s progress. The nine days of constant effort over the 96kms (plus 6kms to Myola) tell on everybody, some more than others. It is as though you have gone through a grinding machine. You must watch where you place every footstep so that you don’t fall.

When you are sleeping poorly at night and you need to get up for the next days trek and your knees don’t want to bend and feel sore to bend, you will know what I mean.

Alan Fox summed it up by his advice to me, “It is not that hard, but you will know that you have walked a full day, everyday!”

You have nine days to think about what happened here in the jungle of the Owen Stanley Range and how you would have coped yourself, if you had such a challenge.

You have time to think about what is important in your life. You consider how poorly the “upper brass” appreciated the predicament that the ordinary soldier found himself in on the Kokoda Track (This happened on both sides). Until the Australian soldiers returned to Kokoda the army on the track were under-manned and outnumbered by the Japanese. They were cold, hungry and disease ridden.

My uncles company of the 2nd/3rd Battalion started with 120 men at Templeton’s Crossing. There were 8 left when they were relieved at Sanananda. They were always fighting up and needed a knive at the end of a stick. Hence they kept there .303 rifles and bayonets instead of taking up a fallen mates Tommie Gun or Bren Gun. Most soldiers fell by the wayside through disease. Many died from the disease. Scrub typhus killed 19 out of 20 who contacted it. 560 soldiers died on the Kokoda Track. For some their bodies have never been found.

In time, the Kokoda Track may equal Anzac Cove in our remembrance of our past soldier’s efforts. In this case they were the first to defend Australian soil and to protect Australia from potential invasion. This was a first for Australia.

At Isurava the memorial has four pillars that stand for the diggers, Sacrifice, Mateship, Courage and Endurance. These four words described the Australian pioneering spirit, a spirit that is still with Australians today.
 

Posted August 7, 2007

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Public Liability Insurance

Kokoda Spirit has a comprehensive Risk Assessment, Risk Management and Operational Plan in place for its Kokoda Track treks and other trekking adventures.

These operational plans and our outstanding safety record on the Kokoda Track have allowed Kokoda Spirit to obtain a Public Liability Insurance Policy, underwritten by Lloyds of London for a maximum amount of $10million per claim.

Public Liability Insurance and Personal/Medical Insurance are absolutely essential to ensure you are fully covered for any unforseen accidents or sickness on the Kokoda Track.

Kokoda Spirit includes your Public Liability Insurance in your trekking price.

Posted May 23, 2007

Kokoda is trip of a lifetime

by: Kathryn Roberts

Three residents have just come back from the trip of a lifetime, but it was "no walk in the park."

Tom Kelly, Ali Laidler, and Mel Fidock honoured Australia's war dead by trekking the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea for Anzac Day.

Ali and Mel trekked from Kokoda to Owers Corner while Tom completed the trail in the opposite direction.

Ali said: "We just wanted to pay homage to the guys who fought for us. It was something to go and experience--something the boys went through." Mel said she had a range of reasons for doing the trip.

She said: "It was 40 per cent walking and 10 per cent just getting up and doing it."

They spent nine days hiking through the inhospitable jungle terrain, sometimes up to 12 hours a day in pouring rain. But it was worth it.

Tom, senior executive officer of Peter Kittle Motor Company, said: "In some placed the track is two metres wide, but then it's only four inches wide in others--some of it is just like following footprints."

"I respect and admire our Diggers for what they did."

The trio had the utmost respect for the local porters.

Mel said: "They got us through. And, they would be in bare feet or the cheapest sneakers while we were in expensive hiking shoes."

Meeting the last of the fuzzy wuzzy angels who helped evacuate the World War II diggers, Mel said: "You pay to have your photo taken with them, but they've earned it."

Tom spent Anzac Day in the town of Isurava while Ali and Mel attended the Dawn Service at Bomana War Cemetery, where more than 3500 soldiers are buried.

Ali said: "Just hearing 'The Last Post' and looking at the graves - it was so sad."

Posted May 23, 2007

PNG backs lifting Kokoda to Gallipoli status
May 17, 2007 www.theage.com.au

Papua New Guinea's foreign minister has backed a proposal to turn the wartime Kokoda Track into an Australian heritage destination on a par with Gallipoli.

Paul Tiensten said today the issue of an Australian gold mining company wanting to mine on or near the track was an important one for both countries to work through.

He said Foreign Minister Alexander Downer told him Australian authorities wanted to work with the PNG government to improve the track and lift its status to that of Gallipoli.

That World War I battlefield in Turkey is visited by many thousands of Australians each year, particularly on Anzac Day.

The strenuous 96km Kokoda Track is becoming increasingly popular with Australian trekkers with more than 3,000 walking it last year and even more expected this year.

Tiensten said the sooner the track was improved and its status lifted to that of Gallipoli, the more Australian tourists would visit the area, including schoolchildren.

"It's important to Papua New Guinea as well, I think it's the right thing to do for us as a country because we want more tourists to come here from Australia and give us more money."

But Tiensten said appropriate upgrading and new infrastructure was needed on the track and his government needed to ensure a good law and order situation for trekkers.

Australian company Frontier Resources last year started exploring near part of the Kokoda Track with the aim of unearthing an estimated $1.7 billion worth of gold and copper.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard, backed by Australian returned servicemen, called for a stop to any mining around the track, saying it was of enormous historical significance to Australia.

More than 600 Australian soldiers died stopping a Japanese advance along the track across the Owen Stanley range during World War II.

The PNG government said it was too early to be concerned about environmental damage to the track and PNG had strict compliance processes that would ensure historical and cultural sites were protected.

Frontier's managing director Peter McNeil said any mining would be five or more years away and would not impact on the track itself.

Tiensten said today that the Australian and PNG governments needed to discuss the issue.

"If you make it something similar to Gallipoli, then the whole area needs to be quarantined."

Local landowners who might benefit from mining royalties would have to be assisted with alternative benefits, he said.

"If they (Australians) treat it like Gallipoli then they will develop it and I'm sure a lot of benefits will come to the landowners."

Noting that Frontier Resources was Australian, Tiensten said Canberra should tell the company to look at other prospects.
 

Posted May 3, 2007

Kokoda Chicks Challenge 2007 Special Trek

Raise money for breast cancer research and support programmes.

Team Leader Viona Young is very passionate about supporting breast cancer research and support programmes.

“Breast cancer touches most people in some way and I am sure you are reading this thinking about someone you have lost, someone you know who is being treated, all because of breast cancer.

Personally I have lost both my mother and grandmother to breast cancer, In particular, my mum fought one incredible battle and did some amazing things whilst very sick and receiving chemo treatment.

After seeing the courage with which my mum faced her greatest challenge, I have decided to under take my own personal challenge by organising and taking the trip of a lifetime for a great cause”.

We are seeking brave women to join us in an incredible adventure to honour women we know and love that have been affected by breast cancer and raise money for research and support programmes.

Pay for your own travel and trek and raise $5,000 each.

Download the Chick Challenge brochure and support this great challenge!

Posted February 9, 2007

Michael Milton Kokoda Spirit 2007 Special Trek

Michael Milton skis down slopes at over 200km/h, has won a dozen gold medals and climbed Africa’s highest peak. But Australia’s fastest skier says none of it matches the experience of walking the Kokoda Trail.

Kokoda is like nothing I have ever experienced before. The climate, the jungle, the scenery, the physical and mental challenge, the history. It’s almost overwhelming yet so empowering. I can’t wait to go again,” said Milton.

He and Wayne Wetherall from Kokoda Spirit, the company that guided Milton along the trail that first time, have created the ultimate package. Limited to 12 trekkers, the trip is designed for people who want to explore their limits, wander through paradise and hear stories about Australia’s courageous war-time heroes.

The usual Kokoda Spirit package has been modified to allow trekkers to focus more on the physical and mental challenge while they walk alongside Milton.  Wetherall believes it will appeal to high level managers and those looking for the edge in business or life.

The idea is to explore your mental toughness, experience the physical and mental journey and to really learn something about yourself and those around you. Having Michael along is a huge bonus. If you want motivation, he’s the guy. The chance to learn what makes him tick and watch him tackle steep hills is priceless.”  Download the Michael Milton Trek information in PDF.

Ski ace Milton saddles up
New Story February 6, 2007

CHAMPION Paralympic speed skier Michael Milton, who trekked the Kokoda Trail with Kokoda Spirit in 2006, is on the verge of making a sporting switch.

Instead of competing in sub-zero temperatures across the Alps, Milton has emerged as cycling's newest attraction in the 30C-plus sweat box that is Dunc Gray Velodrome in Bass Hill, Sydney.

Milton plans to compete at the Australian track cycling championships this week as an experiment with a view to switching sports permanently.

He has blossomed during a six-month trial period that culminated in second place in the men's multi-disability LC3 1km time trial yesterday, behind established rider Glen Jarvis from Victorian.

Milton has remained silent on the subject, keen to keep the development under wraps, but the sight of the dynamic ACT athlete in his debut race was impossible to miss.

"Cycling has been a little bit of a hobby of mine and it's good to keep in shape and to be learning all about a new sport," he said yesterday.

"Cycling is actually a bit harder than skiing because gravity isn't involved.

"I'm enjoying training with other people as well, because with skiing you are on your own a lot.

"I have the pursuit tomorrow and then I'll sit down with (manager and partner) Penny and evaluate how it went and work out what's best.

"(Giving up skiing) is something that I have to work out because I'd be giving up what I make for a living, so it becomes a financial decision as well."

The move hasn't been without complication, and Milton wore an ice vest during his final yesterday .

"It has been a bit difficult adjusting to the weather as I've had about 16 white Christmases and now I'm back in the warm," Milton said.

Posted January 30, 2007

Mission Australia Kokoda 2007

The Mission Australia Kokoda Trail 2007 trek brochure with Kokoda Spirit is now available.  Download the brochure in PDF.

Posted January 11, 2007

Threat of the Kokoda Trail Being Closed in 2007?

There has been some recent publicity regarding the possibility of the Kokoda Track being closed in 2007. I have just returned from PNG and had numerous discussions with Landowners and my Head Porters. My belief and understanding is that the Track will not close. It generates hundreds of jobs for the locals along the track and is the largest tourism product in the country. The Landowners are concerned that they are not seeing any improvements to the track or their villages. They understand that the trekkers pay a fee to the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) and some of this money is tied up in administration. The KTA appear to be doing a good job in difficult political circumstances. I believe that the PNG Government will assist with funding and everyone will benefit. Read a letter from the head of the KTA Warren Bartlett explaining the situation in response to a story in the Port Moresby Post Courier on Friday 15 December, 2006. Our first trek goes out in February as business as normal.  A plan for sustainable tourism on the Kokoda Track has been presented and accepted to the PNG Government.  We will keep you up to date if any developments take place.

Wayne Wetherall www.kokodaspirit.com

Posted November 18, 2006

Kokoda Spirit Featured on Channel 7 Today Tonight Program

Posted November 16, 2006

MICHAEL MILTON AND QUEENSLAND HERO TRIUMPH ON THE KOKODA TRAIL

Michael Milton, Australia’s fastest skier and Ambassador of the Coca-Cola Community Awards has successfully completed the Kokoda Trail alongside Awards winner, Robyn Sanewski from Biloela in Queensland.

Walking the gruelling 96 km trail with Michael was Robyn's prize, together with a $10,000 grant for her organisation from the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation, for her outstanding commitment to inspiring young people to lead healthy lifestyles through her program “Fit For Life”.  Read the rest of the story here.

Read Michael's ABC interview transcript and his experience with Kokoda Spirit.

Learn more about Michael Milton, Australia's fastest skier.

Posted July 15, 2007

New Tours Planned to Vietnam & Borneo in 2007

Kokoda Spirit expects an exciting year in 2007 with lots of trekkers on the Kokoda Trail.  We are adding some new tours in 2007 to Borneo travelling to Sabah and following the trail of the historic Sandakan-Ranau Death March. 

We are also headed to Vietnam on the Long Tan Battle Tour covering a lot of country in 8 days and almost the entire country in 18 days.

You can download PDF files of the itineraries here for the Sandakan-Ranau Death March and the Long Tan Battle Tour.

Make your plans NOW for these exciting adventures.

Posted June 12, 2006

THE KOKODA SPIRIT
A poem written by Rob Gear - A true Warrior

I was which others did not want to be.
I went where others feared to go
And did what others failed to do.
I ask nothing from those who give nothing.

I have learnt to accomplish great things we must not only act,
But also dream; not only plan, but also believe.

Patience is the essential quality of man.
There are many paths but only one way.

To whatever path you choose in life be always true to yourself.
If you stand in your own truth you don’t have shame.

I have learnt the power of the mind is infinite while brawn is limited.
There is no glory without suffering, whilst fortune favours the brave
and success is never blamed.

Through exhilaration of victory or devastation in defeat
I have walked through life with my right foot foremost
and kept my nose to the wind and my eyes on the horizon.

Reluctanly I accepted the thought of Eternal loneliness,
should I fail. For the greatest glory is not in never falling,
but in rising every time we fall.

I have learnt we are made wise not by recollections of our past but
the responsibility for our future. What is hidden within will dictate what
will appear on the outside. That which we did not confront in ourselves
we will meet as fate.

I have learnt what we do in life echoes in eternity and our lives and
remembered by the gifts we give our children.

I have seen the face of terror, felt the stinging cold of fear and
endowed the blood, sweat and tears in training.

I have felt the smoothness of technique and skill, tasted the victory in battle.
I have learnt that technique must transcend, so that the art becomes an artless art,
growing out of the unconscious.

I have discovered that nothing is impossible to a willing mind,
for a man who has attained mastery of an art reveals it in his every action.
And has developed the confidence of who he is.

I have cried, pained and hoped….

But most of all I have times others would say are best forgotten.
At least someday I will be able to say that I was proud of who I am….

An Anzac of the Kokoda Trail.

Posted June 8, 2006

Read the June 8, 2006 Kokoda Spirit Newsletter here.

Posted June 7, 2006

LOCAL HERO TO TREK THE KOKODA TRAIL WITH KOKODA SPIRIT
THE world's fastest man on ice with one leg and Australian Paralympics champion Michael Milton is poised to tackle the rugged 96 kilometre Kokoda Trail.  Read more.

Posted June 6, 2006

Posted May 11, 2006

See photos from our Anzac 2006 Treks.

Posted May 1, 2006

Read the PNG Tourism TPA Newsletter Update ISSUE 22 - March - April 2006

Posted March 16, 2006
Tips for Travellers
www.smartraveller.gov.au is the Australian Government travel warning web site. Good info for the travellers.

We recommend and use Spirit Holidays - Agents License TAG1611 for all our travel requirements.

Posted March 14, 2006
New Trek Dates Added  Kokoda Trek Dates

Posted March 9, 2006
KOKODA The Movie

Well its been 6 months since Bonny led us up the track and I wanted to let you know we have finished the movie. It is called KOKODA and will be in cinemas in Australia from late April. For more information you can go to www.kokodathemovie.com.au. Thank you once again, your assistance on the track was invaluable to us completing the movie.

Posted February 25, 2006
Read our February email newsletter.
Opens in  new window.  Sign up for email news.

Posted February 12, 2006
Kokoda Trek Tours Update

Posted February 3, 2006
From the January 2006 Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority Newsletter
Kokoda Awaits Michael Milton
The world's fastest man on ice with one leg and Australian Paralympics champion Michael Milton is poised to tackle the rugged 96 kilometre Kokoda Track. Having recently scaled Mt Kilimanjaro, no challenge seems impossible for the 33-year-old Canberra native who became the world's fastest skier on one leg when in 2003 he skied at 193 km/hr, smashing a world record that had been unchallenged for 16 years. A year later he broke the record three times in two days, clocking 198.68 km/hr, agonizingly short of his 200 km/hr goal. Arguably Australia's most popular paraolympian with 6 gold medals, Milton is set to trek the Kokoda in June after the 2006 Winter Paralympics Games in Italy. Tour operator Kokoda Spirit will host Milton and others as part of a reward for Australia's Coca Cola Community Awards.   Visit http://www.kokodaspirit.com.au/ for more info.

See the complete January PNGTPA newsletter here. 

KOKODA SPIRIT SPECIAL TOURS IN 2006
Kokoda Spirit is working cooperatively with the Returned & Services League Victoria Branch on a special Kokoda Trail Adventure Trek in July 2006.  For more information, read the brochure here.

MISSION AUSTRALIA’S “KOKODA SPIRIT” CHALLENGE 2006
15TH - 26TH OCTOBER 2006
Mission Australia and Kokoda Spirit are working cooperatively on a special 2006 Challenge Trek.  With more than 300 services and programs across metropolitan, rural and regional Australia, in every State and Territory, Mission Australia aims to empower disadvantaged and isolated individuals, families and communities by giving them the support they need to get back on track, and lead more fulfilling lives.  Take up the Challenge and help Mission Australia!  Read the special brochure here.

KOKODA SPIRIT GIFT CERTIFICATES

Kokoda Spirit now offer gift certificates on the famous Kokoda Trail.  Give the ultimate gift of a 9 or 7 day gift certificate on the Kokoda Trail.  The gift certificates are valid on any Kokoda Trail adventure trek. All you have to do is pick the date and we will do the rest.

Click here to see an example of a full size Kokoda Spirit gift certificate.

Just contact Kokoda Spirit to find out more about the Kokoda Trail Gift Certificates.

BE BOLD IN THOUGHTS AND ACTION

Coca-Cola Community Awards:  Are you active in your community?  You could be walking the Kokoda Trail with Michael Milton, Gold Medal winning Paralympic skier and Kokoda Spirit.  Find out more at the Active Factor www.activefactor.com.au and www.michealmilton.com.

KOKODA SPIRIT IS PROUDLY SUPPORTING

• The X-Men AFL Foundation
• VECCI
• E. J. Whitten Foundation
• RSL Victoria
• Sydney Swans
• The Barlow Medal
• The 500 Club

Kokoda Spirit Trek Master Bonny smashed the record for the fastest crossing of the Kokoda Trail in 22 hours and 45 minutes!!!!!  When you trek the Kokoda Trail with Kokoda Spirit, we promise not to push you this fast !!!!!

Coming soon, Kokoda Spirit's new book:

Kokoda
In the footsteps of Hero’s.
In the footsteps of my Brothers.

• Stories of our Australian Soldiers and the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels who assisted them during World War II.
• Trekking the Kokoda Trail information, pictures, maps, past trekkers information and advice, personal experiences.
• Plus a close and personal look at the ancestors of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels their triumphs, challengers and opportunities.

This book is a must for those that have an interest in PNG, the Kokoda Trail and our PNG brothers.  Sign up here! and we will notify you when Kokoda is available.

11-year-old Blake Wetherall will soon be one of the youngest Australians to walk the famous Kokoda Trail.  Watch for more news about Blake's adventure.  Read the story here.