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Kokoda trail
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Trish Bird on -
Hi Karen, Be very careful who you go with and the time of year. July/August is the best time. I booked with Kokoda Spirit as they were supposed to be reputable but they cancelled the trip with only 3 weeks notice because the numbers didnt meet the minimum -they like BIG groups so they make LOTS of money. The cancellation was an impersonal email with no appology. I know someone who went with World Expeditions and was very happy. Avoid April at all costs as its hot, steamy and crowded with inexperienced people going because of Anzac day. The people I know who have done it say its challenging but if you are fit its no harder than some other walks its the humidity that adds to the difficulty. Check out lots of different info on the internet and keep asking around. Cheers Trish
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Permalink Reply by Mike Wood on -
Hi Karen,
While I haven't done the Kokoda yet, Jos Bauk, who works for me in the Peregrine Travel Centre upstairs of Mountain Designs, has done it several times. Both ways and at different times of the year. We sell both Peregrine Adventures treks and Back Track Expeditions as well. We can also book you on to a World Ex one if the dates suit you better. You should talk to Jos (9321 1259 or jos@peregrinewa.com.au) as he is local and can tell you what departures have the numbers on them that are likely to go. It's worth a phone call to talk to someone who is very accessable, very knowledgable and local.
Cheers,
Mike Wood.
Peregrine Travel Centre WA
Mountain Designs WA
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Permalink Reply by Linda Daniels on -
Hi Karen
The Kokoda Track Authority has launched a new website for trekkers who are looking to attempt the Kokoda Track.
It offers reliable and up to date information about the trek for visitors as well as licensed tour operators including newsletters, track advice, itinerary planner, track maintenance advisory committee information, maintenance reports, incident report forms and an online forum. Further information: www.kokodatrackauthority.org
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Permalink Reply by Alex Williams on -
Sorry to other users,
I sent Karen an email via the site but should have posted to here.
The short of it is....
The web site for the company that Bernie “works” for is http://www.kokodatreks.com/ and they are supposed to be one of the better ones.
Bernie is a guide based in the east and is an aquaintance of the mates I generaly (long distance) walk with.
cheers
Alex
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Permalink Reply by Mark Hudson on -
Karen
Not sure whether you had any joy with your Kokoda Trek. Go to http://www.kokoda.com.au/ Frank Taylor West Australian whom has been doing the Kokoda for some 30 years.
Rod & I did the trek in 2008 straight after the June long weekend. recommend you do not do it any earlier as it can be very wet, especially around Anzac Day. Also it is a bun fight as in sheer numbers on the track.
Kokoda Trek and Tours start from Port Moresby. Most of the other groups start at Kokoda. That is really hard yakka on Day one. We did the 10 day tour which included Buna and the highlight is the small group, 16 in our party. Definitely recommend you employ a carrier, they are sensational and make your trip go really well. The major feature of the company is the historical aspect of the tour. Each day you would receive a briefing on the track, an outline of the major elements of that part of the track in relation to the Australian and Japanese point of view. On the track you would then stop at the various places and the personal stories and unit history would be covered.
The nationals PNG people were great, very supportive and it was like a family group. Our group was very good and we had an excellent adventure with a very detailed historical journey of the track. It is full on, do not underestimate the rigour of the track. I would also travel with someone so that you can share it before, during and afterwards.
Mark
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Permalink Reply by Mike Wood on
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Hi Karen,
Another company to check out is Back Track Expeditions who are based in QLD. We just had the owner, Jim Drapes, out here to do a presentation and he has an incredible depth of knowledge based on being one of the early pioneers of the Track. He is also a great guy to go on trek with as he has a great sense of humour and is an excellent group leader. He has an excellent knowledge of the military aspects of the track. For some people that's not their primary interest, they are more into the culture and flora and fauna. He knows all that too, but has the added military knowledge of the campaigns.
Cheers,
Mike Wood
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Permalink Reply by Jay Jay on
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Hi Karen and anyone who may be thinking of taking on the challenge of trekking the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea (PNG). One trekking company I'd strongly recommend is Kokoda Trail Expeditions for the following reasons:
(a) They have good customer service and have offices both in Australia (Sydney) and PNG (Port Moresby);
(b) Their treks are safe and affordable - they risk assess all their treks and tours;
(c) They cater for different interests and fitness levels - 3, 9, 10, 12 and 13 days treks and tours;
(d) They cater for individuals as well as groups and won't cancel your trip if you're trekking or touring alone;
(e) They have 10% discounts if you pay upfront or are trekking in a group;
(f) They will put you up in a four star hotel in Port Moresby (Gateway or Ela Beach Hotel) with Internet facilities and better room service prior to and after your trek or tour, not at the local Kokoda Trail Motel like what other trekking companies do when you pay them more;
(g) They have some of the fittest and friendliest english-speaking local guides and porters - they will carry your food, tent and additional equipment (Johnson is their head guide who's done the track over 72 times);
(h) They're registered in Australia and PNG (Also with Kokoda Track Authority); and
(i) They have set dates but can tailor your trek/tour according to your requirements. if you're interested to find out more, visit their website or call their office on 043 848 3789.
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Permalink Reply by Steve Wilke on -
If you're interested in trekking the Kokoda Trail, you may find the following information helpful. I completed the trek from Owers Corner to Kokoda Village in late April this year (2011). I went with my son-in-law and his younger brother and we went with Back Track Adventures (Brisbane based) and were very satisfied with the way that they organised and ran our trek.
We went in April because we wanted to attend the ANZAC dawn service at Brigade Hill. It was wet and slushy most of the way and the hardest thing that I've ever done but very satisfying. We completed the trek in 8 days. We were in a party of 13 including our trek leader and assistant trek leader. I've prepared a Blog detailing my journey for family and friends and I'm happy to share it with you. The link is: http://mykokodablog-2011.blogspot.com/2011/05/long-lonely-road-to-k... The Blog is one continuous post and should be read from the top down. If you'd like to have a better look at any of the pics, just put your cursor on the pic and left click.
Steve W.
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