Northern DisTRACKtions


	KOKODA TRACK DEPARTURES 2007 ANZAC DAY SPECIAL April 12 (Fully Booked) STANDARD TRIPS June 25th (15 Days) Aug 13th (15 Days) SeptembeR 24th (15 Days) All deparTures subject to alteration due to minimum numbers.

THE KOKODA TRAIL

WHY CHOOSE US?

Experience

The Principal leaders have over 30 years combined experience in running expeditions along the Trail. As outdoor education professionals they bring a wealth of practical experience to the expedition. Few company's offering the Kokoda track trek can claim this extensive experience.

A SHORT HISTORY

The Kokoda Track is one of the many walking tracks in Papua New Guinea that existed long before the Europeans came to this part of the world. It was used for trade and cultural interaction between tribes and is still used for these purposes today. During the course of World War Two the Japanese decided to use this trail as a means of ground attack against the Australians in Port Moresby. The idea was to take Port Moresby and use it as a base from which to stage a direct assault on Australia. The Track starts in the North of the country at a village called Kokoda. It winds up and down over the rugged Owen Stanley Ranges and finishes in the South at Ower's Corner. Both the Kokoda Track and the northern coastal plains were the scene of violent close contact jungle warfare as the Australians retreated in the face of the Japanese onslaught. The Japanese were finally stopped at Imita Gap as they had extended their supply lines too far in the rugged terrain and began to die of starvation. The Australians then chased them all the way back to the northern coastline. Today the remains of the war lie rotting in the jungle and the track has reverted to quiet solitude disturbed only by occasional back packers and local walkers. There are several villages along its length inhabited by peace loving hospitable locals. These are the people who became known during the war as the 'fuzzy wuzzy angels' because of their selflessness in helping wounded Australian soldiers.

CROSS SECTION OF THE TRACK

WHY WALK THE TRACK?

Northern DisTRACKtions sets out to explore the complete route of the Kokoda campaign. Traversing the track from either direction we spend time at Buna on the north coast. Historically, this is both the start and end of the campaign being where the Japanese first landed and also the scene of extremely heavy fighting which saw the almost total annihilation of the Japanese force.


River Crossing

On completing the crossing you will have a historical understanding of all the main battle sites. There is, however, much more to this expedition than just the historical war ruins. There is the fascinating cultural experience of interacting with the indigenous people. There is the challenge and adventure created by rugged mountain terrain and fast flowing streams. Papua New Guinea is famous for its spectacular scenery and unusual wildlife. In addition to all this there is the reward of interaction in a small group of people working together for a common purpose and the individual satisfaction of mastering the physical difficulties of the track.

MORE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT WALKING THE TRACK

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

The Kokoda Track is just under 100km of "hard" walking, however, care has been taken to design the itinerary so that each day is manageable by people of sound fitness levels. Northern DisTRACKtions traverses the track both North-South and South-North. It is often suggested that one direction over the other is more "historically correct". Interestingly, this depends on who you are talking to. We consider both directions offer their own challenges and rich diversity of experience.

North - South Kokoda to Ower's Corner (click on link)

South - North Ower's Corner to Kokoda (click on link)

PREPARATION FOR THE TRACK(click on link)

OUR LOCAL GUIDES

Our local guides carry all food and group expedition equipment.


Local Guides and Tour Leader David Eke at Kokoda

Clients can also choose to use a porter to carry their backpack, this can be negotiated before departure. Many of our local guides come from Buna village and its surrounds. During the expedition close personal friendships are established and without exception clients are never ceased to be amazed by the guides, care, dedication, good humour and resourcefulness.

Setting up Camp

SOME SELECTED READING

Austin, V. To Kokoda and Beyond. The Story of the 39th Battalion 1941-43. Melbourne: Melbourne University Press 1988

Brune, P. Those Ragged Bloody Hero's, From The Kokoda Trail to Gona Beach 1942 Sydney: Allen & Unwin 1992

McAuley, L. To the Bitter End, The Japanese Defeat at Buna and Gona 1942-43Sydney: Arrow 1993

Mayo, L. Bloody Buna New York: Doubleday, 1974

About Us	What's new!	Contact Us	Kokoda Track	Mt. Victoria	Sepik River	Solomon Islands