Kokoda Adventure Trek – Kokoda to Owers’ Corner

Day 1: KOKODA – ISURAVA

Today you will begin to realise just how challenging this trek will really be. This part of the Kokoda Trail is not easy and presets you with a tough, steep climb in the beginning. But don’t be disheartened – this is just a test to get you started and challenge your stamina. Five hours on from here you will arrive in Isurava. Isurava is home to a magnificent war memorial – opened by Australian Prime Minister John Howard in 2002 – and was the site of a significant World War II battle. Isurava is now regarded as one of the most sacred sites along the trail and is made all the more special by panoramic views of the Kokoda and Yodda valleys along the way. To rest your weary limbs after day one, you will stay overnight at the local guest house.

After a restful evening, we set off early in the day, for our next destination – the village of Alola, and then move on to Iora Creek. It is here that we stop to take in the scenery, take a swim and settle in for the evening.

Faced with a challenging and steep climb, and then a sharp descent, we finally reach Templeton’s Crossing which is where we spend the night. Imagine spending the evening under the forest canopy and falling asleep to the gentle voice of the Iora Creek splashing against the rocks? That will be you. And if you bring a line, you can also try your hand at trout fishing.

Day four sees you trek begin with another steep climb and descent – much like day two. With another crossing of Iora Creek, you will then climb to the top of Mt Bellamy, the highest point of the Kokoda Trail and take in the panoramic views of the area. You will be treated to a wonderful reward here – an enjoyable walk through a carpet of moss, which will take you to the junction of Myola and Kagi, which is land marked by an aircraft propeller. It is here that we will make a right turn right, make a climb, and then descend to the splendorous village of Kagi. Kagi quite simply, commands spectacular views of villages along the Kokoda Trail and is a must see for trekkers to the area.

We start early with a walk to the airstrip, regarded as the steepest walk in the world, where we will descend to the creek, and then ascend to Efogi No. 2 village. If we turn back and look you will be able to see your trekking path from Kagi and it is at this point that we begin to make our descent into Efogi, where we rest and collect our food and supplies thanks to a pre- arranged food drop.

After our rest stop we take a challenging climb up to Brigade Hill. Brigade Hill, along with Isurava is one of the most sacred sites along the Kokoda Trail and having taken in this most beautiful area, you will then begin your descent to the village of Menari. As you continue along and then

begin a further climb up a steep hill you will be taken in by summit as it presents you with fine views of Menari. This is where we stop the evening.

Today is the day for truly breathtaking moments and challenges all in one. We make a muddy, swampy, and at times leech – infested trek to the Brown River, which must be crossed with great care, especially if the River is in flood. Next take a walk onto the village of Nauro where we stop for the night to eat and rest, ready for day five.

We begin our day by climbing the heartbreaking false peaks of Maguli Ridge (where you will even have time to count them yourself). After descending to Ofi Creek for a well – deserved break, we will then make another climb to Ioribaiwa Ridge, and a subsequent descent to Ua’Ule Creek for our last night together on the Kokoda track.

With one final push for day six, we do the hard graft to reach Imita Ridge, and then descend the ‘Golden Stairs’ and the Goldie River. As a reward, we take one last refreshing dip in the River before climbing up to Owers’ Corner. Trekkers are then returned to hotel to end the trek.