Testimonials

"The Kokoda Track is a living monument to the courage displayed by Australian troops and the people of Papua New Guinea in World War II. To stand where Kingsbury died resisting a fierce Japanese attack and earning himself a VC; or to stop at a rock so flat that the surgeon conducted emergency battlefield operations on it, is a truly sobering experience. The memorial at Isurava is a beautiful and fitting reminder of this history. The people of Papua New Guinea that you meet along the Track are amazingly hospitable. The guides and porters are invaluable with their strength and local knowledge. They are especially good for a laugh and a song around the campfire at night. The people in the villages welcome you into their homes as if you were a long lost relative. The children flock to greet you and there is nothing like the joys of children laughing and playing to ease the burden of a tough day on the Track."
Tegan Davey
Brisbane, Australia

"I have always had a keen interest in Australia's involvement in WWII. With the events in Papua New Guinea and particularly the Kokoda Track, the opportunity to walk the trail and try to obtain an understanding of the environment and situation that the soldiers of the 2nd AIF were placed in, was the chance of a lifetime. There is a need to build up your fitness to be able to walk the 96km from Kokoda Village to Owers Corner. To walk the track with the guides and meet some local people from the villages was an experience I will never forget. The ability to wage war in this terrain, in places were the track may have been only 2 to 3 meters wide before dropping off steeply on both sides, would have been a harrowing experience. To actually be there on the track and see the remnants of the fighting pits, the relics in some of the villages, including helmets, rifle barrels, and used ammunition casings places a perspective of what occurred along this.
 
I recommend that any Australian who has the opportunity to complete this trek, grasp the chance eagerly and you will fully understand and acknowledge what the men of both Australia and Papua New Guinea sacrificed."
G. Rodgers
Brisbane, Australia

"Kokoda Trail Expeditions provided for a truly memorable trekking experience. Not only did their experienced guides offer great insight into the World War Two battles that took place along the track, they also exchanged their dynamic understanding of the cultures that make up Papua New Guinea today.

The staff were understanding and helpful in allowing me to conduct research for my history thesis while trekking the track. The guides big smiles every morning and continued warm hospitality, provided a crucial distraction from both the physical and mental rigors of walking the Kokoda track.

I would encourage anyone considering the trek to use the services of Kokoda Trail Expeditions. The Papua New Guinean roots of the company gives the trekker a unique and timely perspective on what was once termed a “mere native pad.” The trekker comes away with not only an appreciation of the efforts of those involved in the 1942 conflict, but also a unique insight into present day Papua New Guinea. All this in the grand theatre of the Owen Stanley Ranges".

Tom Reddington 
Trekker and History Honours student, The Universtiy of Melbourne, 2010