FAQs

Yes, you can. This has not been an issue before. You must declare your food and advise customs that it is for trekking on the Kokoda Track.

We have a “no alcohol/no drugs” policy while trekking on the Kokoda Track. We do enforce this policy. It is our way of showing our respect for the Kokoda Trail and the Villages; we ask our trekkers to do the same. Prescribed medication from your GP is acceptable

Yes. Approximately 3 months prior to your trek we will email you a letter to take to your Doctor.
We ask that the original Doctors letter be scanned and emailed to the Kokoda Spirit office no later than 4 weeks before departure. We require that every trekker must obtain medical clearance from his or her Doctor. If we do not receive the original Doctors letter, unfortunately your trek will be cancelled. You must also ensure you bring any required medications with you – there is nowhere along the Kokoda Track to get access to any medications.

Yes, absolutely. It is essential that you have an appropriate first aid kit for the conditions. Refer to our Trekking Gear List as a guide.

Yes, you must apply for a visa online before departing. THERE IS NO VISA ON ARRIVAL.

Step 1: Visit the ICA PNG Website https://evisa.ica.gov.pg/evisa/account/Apply

Step 2: Click on Visitor then EASY VISITOR PERMIT (30 DAYS)

Step 3: Click Apply and follow the prompts
You are required to submit the following documents:

• • Copy of Passport Bio page
  • Cover letter – purpose, visit site, accommodation contact details (use the Cover Letter we provide)
  • Evidence of funds (use your booking confirmation / tax invoice)
  • Any other required documents

Please note the following:

• • • This visa is for individual who intent to visit Papua New Guinea for holidays, sightseeing, social or recreational reasons, and to visit relatives and friends.
    • There is no Migration Service Fee (MSF) payable for the Visitor Permit, however, applications lodged via the e-Visa portal will attract a fee of US$50.
    • This visa expressly prohibits the holder from engaging in paid work.

Validity:

1. valid for a single entry; and
2. a period of Sixty (60) days from the date of arrival in Papua New Guinea.
3. Once approved it has a 6-month expiry date

If you do not hold an Australian Passport, please contact the Papua New Guinea Consulate for their advice.

TRAVEL SUGGESTIONS
If you are travelling interstate, it may be a good idea to arrive the day before your international flight (International flights to Port Moresby depart from Brisbane, Cairns and Sydney). Sometimes there is not enough time to catch both Domestic and an International flight on the same morning. Our treks need to run to our date and time schedule, if you miss your flight to Papua New Guinea, you will miss your trek. Unfortunately, we are unable to delay trek departure.

Wear your boots on the plane and bring essential items in your carry-on luggage. Bags do go missing; bags can be left back in Australia. If you have got your boots, medical supplies and some personal items with you and your bag goes missing, then you still have your basic requirements to trek.

Gaiters are a personal choice; you can use the lightweight cotton “gardening/mowing” style gaiters to prevent sticks rocks etc from getting into your boots. Refer to our website for your Trekking Gear List requirements.

It is not essential to wear boots across Kokoda, but it is highly recommended. Boots should be of good quality, 100% waterproof, of Gortex construction for quick drying, light weight and with a good flexible and aggressive grip. Importantly footwear must also be comfortable. Boots that are one size bigger than your normal size should be considered. This can help prevent sore toes on the declines and discomfort if feet swell. The Kokoda Track is harsh on boots so do not risk old or suspect boots.

Yes, you must have Travel Insurance, it is very important. You are responsible to organise your own Travel/Medical insurance, which can be organised by your Travel Agent.

Travel Insurance MUST include Medical Evacuation (anywhere along the Kokoda Track) and medical expenses including hospital coverage in PNG and Australia. It can be a very costly experience for you if you do not have your Travel Insurance!

We require a copy of your Certificate of Travel Insurance no later than 4 weeks before departure. Failure to have travel and medical insurance will prevent you from trekking.

If you have a personal porter, he will carry your tent. If you are carrying your own pack, then you would carry your tent. Your personal porter will help you to erect and pack up your tent each day.

A Kokoda Spirit shirt will be at your trek briefing. Completion certificates will be handed out to trekkers on the completion of their trek.

No one has exclusive use of the campsites or guesthouses along the Kokoda Track. It is quite possible that other campers will share some campsites.

It is suggested to bring around K200 per person for tips (K100 for your Personal Porter and K100 for Group Porters). Please note tipping is voluntary.

Kokoda Spirit does not trek at night. Our itineraries are designed to ensure you are in camp well before nightfall.

Yes, we do walk the real Kokoda War time Track through Kagi and also through Naduri. There are multiple tracks and trails that run across the Owen Stanley Range. You will walk in the footsteps of heroes, the same Track as our diggers.

Kokoda Spirit was part of the committee that developed the draft policy. We will continue to support the Code of Conduct to ensure the long-term protection of the track.

We are dedicated to showing and telling the story of the legends on the Kokoda Track to our trekkers. It is a story that every Australian should know about. Our guides are passionate about the history and will share their detailed knowledge of the track and its history with you. We are also dedicated to looking
after the villagers and village people along the Track. Our PNG Guides and Porters are from the track and will share their history and culture with you.

Kokoda Spirit has a comprehensive risk management plan that includes a comprehensive 24hour back to base communication protocol.

Kokoda Spirit has an office with administration staff, storage facilities and our own vehicles in Port Moresby, and our Head Office on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

Yes, Kokoda Spirit has a $20 million Broadform Public Liability policy.

Yes, electrolytes are essential. We have our own specifically blended electrolytes for trekking Kokoda which can be purchased on our website at https://www.kokodaspirit.com.au/booknow/trek-fuel/

The Hotel has baggage storage facilities and safety deposit boxes.

This means you can leave your non-trekking gear in the storage facility while you trek. Make sure you leave passports/travel documents, valuables in the safety deposit boxes. To organise this please ask the staff at the Hotel reception. Please leave all non-essential valuables at home.

Care of your feet prior to and during your Kokoda trek is of the upmost importance. To prevent problems such as tinea it is recommended you use a hand sanitizer to rub between your toes every day to kill off bacteria. Every time you dry your feet sprinkle them with an antibacterial powder. Tinea cream, ‘Resolve’ is also suggested to combat tinea.

Tea Tree antibacterial spray is an antiseptic for management of tinea as well of minor wounds and skin abrasions.
Blisters, if you feel a hotspot stop immediately and rub something like paw paw ointment on the area or a blister band aid. You do not want to develop blisters when trekking. Ensure your hiking boots are worn in and you wear good socks to keep your feet in the best possible condition.

You can book online at https://www.kokodaspirit.com.au/all-trek-dates/
You can also contact the Kokoda Spirit office by emailing us at info@kokodaspirit.com or phone us on (07) 5445 2758 or 1800 565 632 and we will advise you regarding the different options available.

The best way to minimise risk on the Kokoda Track is to travel with a professional company like Kokoda Spirit. We have a comprehensive risk management plan and safety procedures.

Our guides are first aid trained for wilderness situations; our Australian guides carry first aid kits and, on all treks, we carry satellite phones.

It is important that you get yourself a full medical check before training. Kokoda Spirit requires a full medical clearance from your Doctor before trekking with us.

Proper preparation and training before your trek is essential. It is also crucial to ensure you take precautions to prevent, dehydration, hyponatremia, and overheating.

Please refer to our Sustainable Ecotourism strategy policy on the website. It will give you an insight into our philosophy and policy on the Kokoda Track.

While you do not need to be an Olympic athlete, you do need to be in great physical condition, with good endurance and stamina. You need to be able to walk up to 10 hours per day in hot and humid conditions. The terrain over the Kokoda Track is tough and very steep. You need a strong heart, lungs, quads, calves and a strong and positive attitude. A dedicated training program is required, we recommend to contact your fitness professional for a training program, or we can provide you with a copy of a training plan upon request.
We recommend you consult your medical practitioner before undertaking any new training program.

• Please Note: All trekkers need to be aware that being well above your healthy weight range seriously impacts on your ability to complete the Track. Should you fall into this category we highly recommend that you concentrate your training on an intensive weight loss/fitness program. You may like to consider hiring a personal trainer to assist you with your fitness goals.
• Once again we recommend you consult your medical practitioner before undertaking any new training program.

Our Australian Guides are first class professionals with a passion and understanding of the history of the Track, the battles, the philosophy, and tactics used during the Kokoda campaign. Being a guide on the Kokoda Track is what they do, and they live and breathe Kokoda.

Our lead guide and Managing Director Wayne Wetherall has spent years researching the history of the Track and exploring the many tracks across Kokoda. He has also spent considerable time interviewing Australian and Japanese veterans about the battles on the Owen Stanley Ranges.

Our guides may not be all ex-military but are all keen students of military history and tactics. They are also expert track guides and familiar with the culture of the people along the track.

Our PNG Guides are among the best on the track, with years of on the track history training and our unique PNG guide-training program. Our guides will show you all the historic and cultural sites across Kokoda.

Only one person per tent, unless you specifically want to share a tent i.e., partner/friend etc.
The tents are 2 person tents. Couples may prefer to bring a 3-man tent.

The trek prices vary according to the choice of trek. You can choose from Australian Led treks or PNG Led treks. If you are unsure which trek would suit your requirements please contact our office for advice.
All treks include pre and post accommodation in Port Moresby (unless individuals request otherwise).

On the Track you need to take with you local currency (PNG Kina) in small denominations. You can organise to buy PNG currency through your local bank before you leave Australia or at the money exchanger at the International Airports. We would highly recommend that you have PNG currency before leaving Australia. Most things on the Track will cost K10 – K20 i.e., bunch of bananas, can of Coke. Approximately 400 Kina should be plenty. Villages sometimes sell ‘bilum bags’ they cost approximately K60 – K100.

It is also suggested to bring around K200 per person for tips (K100 for your Personal Porter and K100 for Group Porters). Please note tipping is voluntary.

Please Note: the local villages do not have change to give you, therefore lots of small change is best.
In Port Moresby Eftpos machines are few and far between. For your own safety we do not recommend you go into Port Moresby town to the local bank.

Yes. If you are having a personal porter, you need to supply your porter with a 70/75 litre backpack which he will carry with your gear. You will be required to carry your own smaller daypack with your personal daily items (see above).

The hiring of a personal porter is highly recommended, our porters take great pride in their job and will assist with all aspects of your adventure. The cost of hiring a personal porter for your trek is $750. If you are considering carrying your own pack, then you must train with the entire pack weight on your back.

The Kokoda Track is extremely difficult. You may believe you have trained adequately for the trail and feel comfortable with your pack, but I assure you the Track can drain the resolve of most pack carrying trekkers.

More than 50% of trekkers who commence the track carrying their own pack end up requiring the services of a personal porter.

Porters need to be booked and paid for no later than 6 weeks before departure. Payment can be made direct deposit into our account. In the event that a trekker requires a personal porter once he/she arrives in PNG, or at any stage throughout the trek, the trekker will be charged an extra 25% fee on top of the $750, totalling $937.50 (refer to our Booking Terms).

A personal porter carries a maximum of 21kg including his own gear. This will be strictly enforced. Space should be left for the porter’s own gear.

If you are hiring a personal porter, you will need to carry your own daypack. In your daypack you will carry things you need for that day e.g., water bottles, camera, film, bushman plus, snacks, any medication required. If you are having doubts, we recommend you hire a porter. We ask you to always treat our porters with respect, they do a fantastic job and they do take good care of our trekkers!

Walking poles are a must! They are used as a support and braking system for the steep downhill sections. You can buy walking poles from camping stores. It is a good idea to train with the poles. Some people find one pole sufficient, but it is your choice.

There is no easy way to trek Kokoda! Both directions have their challenges. Kokoda to Owers’ follows the direction of the Japanese and the Australians fighting withdrawal. Owers’ Corner to Kokoda follows the original direction that the Australians walked to engage the Japanese near Awala north of Kokoda and our advance back over the Track.

Every effort is made to make your trip as memorable as possible. Please remember, you are going to a third world country, and you may see things and experience things you may have never seen before.

Expect the unexpected in PNG. Keep an open mind; schedules/itinerary may and can change without notice, internal transfers may be late, planes may be late due to bad weather, please understand it is out of our control. Schedules work to PNG time, not Australian time. Patience and a relaxed attitude are essential for an enjoyable trek.

All internal flights are booked and confirmed through our office. If there is a problem internally, we have direct communications with the airline and our staff. This is no holiday, but a fantastic trekking adventure, it is a trekking experience, a lifetime experience! Enjoy!

Whilst in the villages we recommend you do not give money to anyone, as this does create problems between the village people. They live as a community and money needs to be shared between all in the village.

If you would like to take something to the villages, a gift that they can share is more appropriate, clothes, ball games, colouring in items, books, reading and writing material.

First aid items are also very much needed (and appreciated) e.g., Band-Aids, antiseptic lotions, strapping etc. We do not recommend leaving your prescription or strong medication with the village people, as they are not used to such medications. If taken without supervision they could cause harm.

We also ask our trekkers not to wander around the villages in swimming costumes. Please cover up while walking around the villages; it’s a sign of respect.

You will need to carry a minimum of 3 litres of water on you. There are many places to fill water bottles along the track. Your porters will advise the best places to fill up your water bottles. The furthest you will walk between water is approximately 4 hours.

It is essential that you take electrolytes with you. We highly recommend our own Trek Fuel which can be bought via Kokoda Spirit at https://www.kokodaspirit.com.au/booknow/trek-fuel/

Put electrolytes in your water (separate bottle), every 3rd litre, it prevents dehydration due to high perspiration losses due to exertion and high humidity. Dehydration, overheating and hyponatremia can become major issues on the track.

It is very important to keep drinking fluids and utilising salt and electrolyte replacements on the Track. Due to the higher level of activity, temperature, and humidity you will tend to sweat more. With the increased fluid intake and sweating you also tend to flush out of your system essential minerals, salts etc.

Electrolytes: If unsure please discuss with your doctor.

Water purifying tablets or some form of water purification must be taken as a precaution. The water is generally very good along the Track but always check with the Trek Master or Trek Leader about the quality of the water.

With the different environments, conditions, food, and water, upset stomachs, vomiting and diarrhea can occur. Please ensure you bring adequate medication.

Wake up time on the track is usually around 5.00 am

Breakfast on the track is usually served from 5.30 am

We usually start walking around 6.20 am

There is usually 5–10-minute breaks every 30 mins or so along the track and depending on the size of the hill more often and a stop for morning tea and lunch.

The walking pace is best described as the ‘Kokoda Shuffle’, which is a consistent but reasonably easy pace. This can vary depending on the terrain.

Each walking day will vary between 5 to 10 hours with 7 to 8 hours being the average. On average arrival times in the camps and villages are around 2.30pm to 3.30pm.

We ask all participants to read our Booking Terms. Some of above-mentioned points are outlined in more detail in our Booking Terms. These can be found on the website or contact our office and we can email this to you. Every trekker who books a trek will receive a copy of our Kokoda Spirit Booking Terms. You can also find them HERE.

Please refer to our Trek Date for the various options available Here

We have a comprehensive Trekking Gear List to help you with your essential items. Refer to our website for the Trekking Gear List requirements.

Kokoda Spirit carries satellite phones on all treks; we have an emergency evacuation plan, which is implemented. On receiving call for assistance, we activate our plan and organise medical, travel insurance and evacuation plans. Contact us if you require further details.

It is very important that we all take good care of the Track. If you purchase soft drinks along the Track, then you need to crush the cans and carry them out with you. All rubbish is either burnt or carried out.
Whilst trekking, please put your own rubbish in your backpack until you arrive at the next campsite. If you see rubbish on the Track, pick it up and put it in our rubbish bags.

After you pass through PNG Immigration, collect your luggage and then you will go through Customs.

If you are arriving the day before your trek, you will be met at the airport by either a Kokoda Spirit employee or a hotel employee. You will then be transported to your hotel where you will be checked in.

If you are arriving earlier than the day before your trek, you will need to arrange with the Hotel for airport transfers. We suggest when booking your extra night accommodation that you request the Hotel for airport transfers.

The accommodation on the Kokoda Track is very basic. Jungle camps and campsites along the Kokoda Track are basic at best.

The Guest House accommodations are open-air huts with no mosquito protection. Guest House accommodation is not always available, so we will camp at the best available campsites. We recommend tents for privacy and mosquito protection.

Our PNG Led treks have a maximum group size of 12, with an average size of 6-8. Our Australian Led treks have a maximum group size of 18, with an average size of 12-15.

Please not that group sizes will vary for Anzac Groups and private groups and special occasions.

The facilities on Kokoda are very basic at best.

Toilets on the Track and villages are known as ‘long drops’ and ‘short drops. These are simple, deep pits or short pits that have been dug in the ground for use as toilets. There are no toilet seats. These facilities have a roof and screen over them for privacy.

You do need to take your own toilet paper (2 rolls).

The river is used for the shower and washing facilities or in some villages a simple water pipe is used to flow the
water onto the trekker for washing. Washing of clothes is done in the river. We suggest you bring environmentally friendly soap.

Antibacterial Hand Gel is essential.

There are no specific changing rooms on the Kokoda Track or villages.

You will need to provide a 30/40-litre pack for your daypack.

Note: Daypack is only needed if you have a personal porter. If you are engaging a personal porter, you will need to provide them with a 70/75 litre backpack. These can be hired from Kokoda Spirit. If you are not engaging a personal porter and carrying all your own gear, you will need a 70/75 litre backpack to carry your gear.

Both treks walk the same trek, stay in the same campsites along the track, eat the same food and have the same wonderful PNG porters. Our PNG led treks do not have the same degree of historical information or commemoration services that the Australian Guided treks do. Our Australian guides have a great deal of knowledge about the history of the Kokoda Track and a passion for the story. The Australian guide is also first aid trained to a higher degree and adds that extra touch of security for those not so comfortable in a wilderness situation.

The conditions on the Track vary due to the changes in the season. The seasons are broken up into the dry season and the wet season. These seasons also have sub seasons which fringe the wet and dry season.

The dry season is normally from late May to late October. Good conditions can still be expected in April and November. It is possible to get rain and consequently mud on the Track during any season or month. Late November, December, January, February, and March can be wet and muddy.

The temperature will range from 24-28 degrees under the canopy and up to 32 degrees out in the open areas. The nighttime temperature will range from 18 degrees in the lower sections down to 4 (or lower) degrees in the higher areas like Mt Bellamy. Humidity will range 80% – 95%

Deposit – Your deposit payment is due within 14 days of when your booking is confirmed. Kokoda Spirit will provide you with a Booking Confirmation letter.
Final Payment – Final payment is due 10 weeks prior to trek departure.