SummaryKTA has come through 2004 and is now recognized by the Kokoda Track communities, tour operators and government bodies as the co-ordinating body for the Kokoda Track. We trust that this mutual feeling will develop and we look forward to advising you of further Kokoda Track activities in the April issue of the News Sheet after the next KTA…[Read more]

KTA Community Projects in Place for Next Three Months:

• Subsidize 50% of the Kokoda Track Foundation scholarship program for some 52 high school students for 2005 intake including 2004 successful students entering 2005 studies. This subsidy is for this year only to overcome the effects of bad media coverage resulting from actions of certain…

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KTA Funded Community ProjectsFunding of community development projects commenced on a small scale whilst the Authority was in its interim management committee stage. Since December, 2004 there has been considerable effort to implement the following projects:

• Award contracts to the villages of Kovelo, Hoi, Isurava and Alola for the clearing of the…

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KTA Trek Permit FeesUnder the Kokoda Track Trek Permit Law 2005 passed by both the Kokoda and Koiari Local-level Governments in 2004, persons, whether as individuals or part of a group, who wish to walk the Kokoda Track, are required to obtain a Trek Permit. Trek Permits are available upon application from KTA or through recognized Tour Operators…[Read more]

KTA FunctionThe purpose of KTA is to assist both LLGs in carrying out their functions within the Kokoda Track Area as follows:

• focus on the significance of the Kokoda Track/Trail due to its part in WW2 and promote this legacy for present and future generations;
• Promote trekking and tourism related activities in the Kokoda Track Area;
• Administer,…

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KTA Office & StaffKTA presently operates from a base located at the Riverside Store at Sogeri. It is planned to open a branch office in Kokoda and relocate the Sogeri office to suitable economical premises in Port Moresby later in the year, if such can be found. A small administrative staff will be appointed in April, 2005, including three…[Read more]

I have been still doing my research with regards to these treks and Richard Stanaway a well known PNG surveyor, has come back with the following email message:Hello Gail,I walked the Bulldog Track in 2001 and it was an excellent adventure. The track isn't too tough if you walk from Top to bottom. Going the other way would be tough as there's a…[Read more]

Map of the Black Cat Trail and surrounding areas as well as the 2/7 area clearly shown:Map_Black_Cat_Trail.jpg

The children of Mubo live in hope that one day tourists will visit their area. This photograph was taken by Malum Nalu who also wants to help his people of Salamaua earn some money from accepting their services as guides and porters.Children_bid_farewell_to_vi.jpg

Update:Russell Eroro came in on Wednesday and left to head back home to Kokoda today. One of the things discussed was for him and another member of his staff to walk both treks in March before we get tied down with our Kokoda Treks.Turns out Chris, one of our loyal guides from Kokoda is of mixed parentage with a father from Kokoda and a mother…[Read more]

Pam is a Kiwi and a serious trekker. She cant remember this trek in detail so plans on another hike in April. I will send one of our guys along and we will then be able to offer it to anyone who would like to walk this trek.We plan on being able to offer various different treks all over PNG by the end of April all going well.Pam seen here…[Read more]

Hi Patrick, on average when I send off trekkers to walk on the trail, the guys who carry their own packs more often than not weigh in around the 15-16kg mark. The trekkers who hire porters, will average around the 16-19kg mark depending on whether they are male or female. I dont know why (haha) but us women seem to carry more than our male…[Read more]

Salamaua:At the beginning of the Second World War, Salamaua was the administrative centre for the New Guinea district of Morobe. Built on a small isthmus on the shores of Huon Gulf it was also the main point of entry for the inland goldfields around Wau and had both a small wharf and an airstrip. Salamaua was occupied by the Japanese in March 1942…[Read more]

For anyone who has either walked the Kokoda Trail and is looking for another PNG adventure or who would like to once again walk in the footsteps of our diggers, I am going to soon be able to offer trekking tours to this area of PNG.A few people I know have already walked this track but we need to work out the logistics first before we can offer it…[Read more]

I have also been approached by the Morobe Tourism Authority to try and grow what is commonly referred to as the Black Cat Trail which runs from Wau down to Salamaua. Another trek is known as the Skindiwai track and is the one favoured by the locals living in this area.Skin Diwai was the site of a major Australian base during WW11 and is littered…[Read more]

Message received from a potential trekker:Hi Gail, Dad definitley wants to do the trip this year, and we need to make choices about which trek. I was going to ask your advice on which trek you would recommend (he wants to attend an anzac ceremony), but now you're saying you have resigned. (Sounds like you're going to enjoy your new role! <img…[Read more]

On the 28th February it will mark the end of one journey and the beginning of another … why… coz I just quit my full time job to devote to promoting not only the Kokoda Trail but all over PNG.There was no longer flexibility in the work place to combine my love for PNG and continue my full time employment so I chose to follow my dreams and…[Read more]

Hello Gail, I must say firstly, thankyou very much for promoting Papua New Guinea via the internet. I think you are doing a wonderful job with the Kokoda trek ! I have also noticed the number of trekkers walking in Kokoda has accelerated in recent years and I believe it is also because of the kind of work and time you put into promoting Kokoda.…[Read more]

Thanks Waza, and yes my pen name on both websites is 'aussie' coz at the end of the day, I may live here and am trying desperately to make a difference…but as per Peter Allen's song goes, 'I still call Australia home'! <img src="http://developer2/board/upload/style_emoticons//rolleyes.gif” style=”vertical-align:middle” emoid=”:rolleyes:”…[Read more]

John, his son James and three sisters come to walk Kokoda again this year in 2005, refer an email I received today: Hi GailHope this finds you well.I've been talking to the family and a mate about another trip to PNG.Whilst our planning has just begun, I realise we need to move quickly tosecure a track position this year.Could you let me know the…[Read more]