Glasgow is a great track, especially if you do it 3-4 times in a row. But I think you're underselling the benefits if Mt Donna Buang. It is a bit of a hike to get there but it, along with Mt St Leonard, are the closest you'll get to Kokoda in regards to mud, slipping & sliding and above all, endurance required in these conditions. Some days on…[Read more]

I concur with Wazza here. You cannot underestimate the need for strong legs when doing Kokoda. Do your training walks on hills and steps and do lots of them, for hours at a time. One of the key elements of training correctly is too ensure you work on your endurance and this can only be done by lonnnnnnngggg walks-work up to it and be capable of…[Read more]

Time is variable, depending on the number of people in your group. We will be a group of 12 teens and 4-5 adults, so it will take us quite a few hours. I cannot remember how long our last trip up there took but as a guide, this group took a bit over 6 hours to do Donna Buang last week whereas when I go on my own, I take 4.Keep an eye out for our…[Read more]

No worries Geoffrey. The Melways ref is 270 G9. That reference is for Donnelly's Weir Rd. You'll do a left at the lights in Healseville (there is a sign) and then a right onto Donnelly's Weir Rd. Follow this road, bending to the left and continue along over a small creek (regular cars are fine) until you reach the carpark of Donnellys Weir.…[Read more]

No worries Geoffrey. The Melways ref is 270 G9. That reference is for Donnelly's Weir Rd. You'll do a left at the lights in Healseville (there is a sign) and then a right onto Donnelly's Weir Rd. Follow this road, bending to the left and continue along over a small creek (regular cars are fine) until you reach the carpark of Donnellys Weir.…[Read more]

Geoffrey have you done the Mt Donna Buang track? Or Mt St Leonards? They would be the closest training you can get to the actual track. Donna Buang is steep, slippery (very at the moment!) and wet. Mt St Leonards has a long, slow ascent that just gets stepper as you go and can be a bit similar in nature to the false peaks on the Kokoda track.…[Read more]

Is this a part of the Tram line trail? We walked a section of it last week but from the other end, at Big Pat's Creek car park which was easy to find. Try calling Parks Vic, they are always pretty good when I've phoned for similar details.

Having trekked with Kokoda Trekking (who own this forum) I can highly recommend them as an operator. The guides and porters are excellent and very professional without being "touristy", for lack of a better word. You get a fascinating insight into PNG and it's culture as well as into the history of Kokoda, particularly the battles that took…[Read more]

I am currently half way through this book an I can highly recommend it to all! What a wonderful writer Andrew is-he has captured Stan Bisset and his remarkable life perfectly.

Hello again,Thanks Warren. I'll reply to you via email.Cheers, Sally.

Hi Warren,I second your testimonial-it is certainly the experience of a lifetime and KTL were fantastic.I just wanted to ask about your fathers time on the Bulldog track. My grandfather (Private George William Farrar)was with the 22nd employment company, who were stationed there, building the Wau-Bulldog road. I have an article that appeared in…[Read more]

Looking good guys. Hope you are thriving and enjoying every minute of it!

Sounds like it might be time to go back….:-)

All the best for the track and with your boots Geoffrey. I think one of the hardest parts is deciding on equipment to take, particularly boots! Sounds like you are good to go. 🙂

Hi Dianne,As Peter has said, donated items will be gratefully received in Kokoda. I was able to take quite a few things as I had a personal porter. Most of what I took though was aimed at giving to villagers along the track. I sewed up some little bags and put marbles, hair clips & ties, small balls etc… in them for the children. Plus socks…[Read more]

Derek, there is a track in Montrose area known as the Glasgow track. it is a short, sharp track but has some really steep sections. Melways reference 66 C1. The actual track isn't on the Melways but if you park at the bottom of Glasgow rd and just head up, you can't miss it. A few trips up and down will count for a very good workout.As Geoff…[Read more]

Hi Derek,We had our first night at Sogeri lodge and this is where our briefing took place also. I imagine you will be met at the airport and driven directly to Sogeri. You will need to email Gail or Nathan requesting a porter, tent etc… I know Gail has been overseas recently so may not be able to reply at the moment but don't worry, you will…[Read more]

Hi Derek,Yes, this is what happened on our trek and on each of my dad's previous treks. We were given a stick/pole to start with and over the first couple of days a porter carved them for us. Coming home, you will need to clean the stick really well, removing all dirt, prior to coming back through customs.My dad actually sewed up a long bag,…[Read more]

Hi Rachel,Unfortunately I am not sure on the flights question but I am sure some googling or even a call to a travel agency would be able to give you more information.As for carrying your own pack or not, I guess it is ultimately your decision. I too have done loads of overnight and multi-day hiking but for kokoda I decided on hiring a porter for…[Read more]

I am so, so sorry to hear this tragic news. My heart feels heavy to read of this news and reminds me of how blessed we are here in Australia in having access to medical treatment and supplies. Please pass on to Wallace and Linda our deepest sympathies from Sally Ingram and Andrew Emerson.