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Hi Brian.
We did the trek a while back using local guides. Johnsford and Dudley were 2 of the nicest and most impressive guys Ive ever met. We all became great mates. I recommend the local guys.
I was there in July and it was quite hot during day but at night we wore track pants and a light thermal jacket. You are normally in bed by 7-30 so you dont sit around for long.
Just going to add some general tips about cameras in less-than-ideal-conditions since I've seen people asking in other threads:
Digital Compact Cameras
These are probably my recommended choice for taking photos on trek. Most reasonably priced compacts are rather cheap nowadays ($200-400 AUD) for something decent. A 1GB card is plenty for the casual photographer, though if you plan to take a lot each day then I'd recommend 2-4GB. Check memory card comparison sites for your specific camera resolution though.
As for protection, definitely bring a plastic bag (or several). Air tight would be best — in case it gets really wet on trek — there's nothing worse than getting to the end of the trek and losing all the photos you've taken.
That's all there really is. Keep your camera dry, and preferably padded with a bit of your other gear rather than on the edge of your bag to protect it against any shocks along the way.
Digital SLR Cameras
Personally I wouldn't risk the gear, but for those who want much better photos considering the conditions then SLRs/DSLRs are the way to go.
In relation to protection, all the suggestions that I've made for the compact cameras can also be applied to DSLRs. On top of that though, I'd highly recommend choosing ONE lens and keeping it on your camera the entire time.
Why? I'm sure at this point you'd be familiar to the hazards of changing lenses (how it opens up the sensor to dust) in normal conditions. In less than ideal conditions, it's even more important to minimise the lens changes if possible.
The usual protective gear for SLRs would be particularly useful here as well, such as lens hoods and protective filters to keep your lens free of dust, scratches and other hazards.
As you can see, bringing along a DSLR's requires a bit more care than a compact digital camera. Either way though, with a little prep you should be able to safely bring home photos with you after your trek of Kokoda. =)
Please let me know if there's any areas I may have missed.
I took a small waterproof camera with me and it was lucky i did as the other peoples cameras in our group suffered greatly from moisture damage. Mine was a little Olympus, waterproof to 10m and it was fantastic.
Perrys Lookdown.
Its just outside of Blackheath in the Blue Mountains. We did it a couple of times while preparing for our trek. Try and do it in the heat of summer for the true PNG effect.
Hi Waza. Sorry it s only taken me months to answer this. It was a local newspaper from up around Port MacQuarie. I found it when we were in Timber Town .
I agree with what Gail just said. Denalli is a cheaper brand and wont last you forever, but it will get you through Kokoda. If you want to keep hiking or trekking after youve finished Kokoda go for something a bit better in quality. I got a Deuter pack and have done a couple of major treks/hikes since Kokoda, it looks like its been through the wars but is still in great condition.
Hello Yvie.
My wife and I trekked Kokoda with Gails company and found them to be excellent in every way. The best thing was that the guides and porters made you feel so relaxed and confident which is very important when you are in a jungle 100's of miles from home.
There must have been a problem with this post. I check this forum all the time and have only just noticed it.
Hi Dianne.
We did exactly what you are proposing to do. A couple of other people on our trek left medical supplies at the hospital at Kokoda as well. Every day items such as panadol and bandaids etc etc. Its all gratefully recieved.
We started at Kokoda which made it easier as we didnt have to lug all the stuff with us.Vibram soles are great, but I dont like any sought of stiffness in the sole at all. It just puts too much strain on my feet. They tend to have to work too hard with stiff soles. I did say my feet, yours may be ok with it, but mine arent.
Hopefully what ever you choose will be well worn in by the time you go and the stiffness will disapear.
Have fun on your walk.
