Absolutely not! Mental health is a journey that involves the support of an entire community. We believe that everyone, regardless of gender, has a vital role in fostering well-being. This trek is open to all individuals who want to make a positive impact—whether you're looking to be a mentor, role model, or simply eager to learn some valuable tools while enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded people. Together, we can support one another and walk toward a healthier future.

Yes, we do encourage participants to engage in fundraising. Your efforts will have a profound impact, directly supporting our partners and enabling them to grow and thrive in their mission to make a difference. Every contribution, plays a crucial role in advancing our cause and making a lasting change.

All packages ex Australia are fully inclusive, including meals, permits, internal domestic flights in PNG, site fees and 5-star accommodation – Hilton Hotel

Packages ex Port Moresby do not include backpacks (unless you hire a personal porter) hotel meals, and training; however we do include hotel breakfast, boots and backpack cleaning.

Port Moresby prices are relatively high, therefore alcohol, soft drink and food items are quite expensive. Most trekkers budget between $250 to $500 AUD for the entire 10 days.

On the track you can purchase fruits, vegetables, have your clothes washed and dried, souvenirs etc.

We can do a group money exchange prior to each trek and we will contact you prior to arranging this (close to the trek date).

If you wish to exchange your own money please do this in Australia as Port Moresby can be unreliable, and smaller denominations are preferable (there are no ATM's along the track).

The Kokoda track is very safe. Trek operators, PNG government along with the Australian government, meet each year to discuss the operations of the trail and safety is at the forefront of our company. It is highly recommended to trek with a professional trekking company like Australian Kokoda Tours. Australian Kokoda Tours has a comprehensive risk management plan and safety procedures, which are reviewed at the beginning, mid and at the end of each trekking season.

All AKT Australian guides are first aid trained for wilderness situations and carry wilderness first aid kits including EpiPen’s and Defibrillator and on all treks, AKT carry satellite phones and 2-way radio communication. It is important that you get yourself a full medical check before training.

Australian Kokoda Tours requires a full medical clearance from your Doctor before trekking with them. Proper preparation and training before your trek is essential and will also make your experience more enjoyable.

A full list of registered companies is available on the Kokoda Track Authority website.

Australian Kokoda Tours (AKT) carry a satellite phone, closed circuit radio and 2-way back to base and KTA ranger communication on every trek. They also contact Australia each night so your adventures will be updated daily on our website and Facebook page so your friends and family can follow your travels.

In the case of an emergency, AKT will undertake to have you safely airlifted to Port Moresby. All Australian Kokoda Tours leaders are Remote Wilderness First Aid accredited and carry satellite phones, KTA track radios and 2-way radios on all treks; AKT have emergency evacuation plans, which are reviewed three times per year and will, implemented on any emergency.

Please note that prompt medivac times cannot be guaranteed when using your own travel insurance as most insurance companies have differing protocols.

Australian Kokoda Tours in conjunction with village elders have built Trekker, Porter accommodation and food huts in each village we stay in along the way. Therefore guaranteeing sleeping and eating facilities every night.

Most trekkers choose to stay in huts due to the larger space and ventilation, however they also include 2 man tents for those who prefer. (in most cases trekkers stay in huts, meaning it would be likely you could have tent to yourself) You are not required to carry or erect and pull down your tent. AKT’s team of professional guides will do all that for you.

Australian Kokoda Tours has a strict policy of disposal of our rubbish on the track. All our rubbish (and some other companies) is collected by their dedicated porters from our campsites and from the track for disposal.

However, while 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.

Clothing Equipment & Gear List

On top of the list below, we recommend you bring a fresh set of clothes to leave in Port Moresby during the expedition. This way you will have a fresh set of clothes to change into when you return from the Track. 

Please ensure you have a lockable bag, this way you can leave your passport, wallet and valuables in your bag at the hotel.

Personal Gear

For those of you carrying your own personal backpack you only need bring the bare essentials. A backpack with pack cover will be supplied for you. Please note however the rain in PNG can be very heavy so it is advisable to pack your sleeping gear in waterproof dry bags.

Also, food and personal items in zip lock plastic bags to protect them from the wet, especially your camera, toilet rolls and confectionary.

If you wish to lighten your load we can provide a personal porter for the expedition, including your daypack and the cost of this would be $750 (Recommended)

□ 1 pair of lightweight quick dry long pants

□ 2 pair lightweight quick dry shorts (long pants and shorts can be substituted with 1 pair of zip off pants.)

□ 1 or 2 quick dry t-shirts or 1 quick dry t-shirt and 1 quick dry singlet (we will supply you with one shirt however, be-aware that if wearing a singlet your backpack may cause chaffing or rubbing on your shoulders)

□ 1 long sleeve cotton t-shirt (for sleeping in)

□ 4 pair underwear or 2 pair of speedos (or 8 pair of disposable underwear)

□ Lightweight hiking boots or shoes (personal choice, however shoes do tend to dry quicker & are lighter in weight)

(Advisable to wear boots and carry any other essential items on your international flight to PNG, in the event your luggage goes missing)

□ Pair of Sandals or shoes to wear around camp and in villages (note: thongs can be slippery & are not recommended)

□ 60-70 litre dry bag, also various size zip lock bags to pack items in

□ Lightweight jacket / jumper & beanie if you feel the cold to wear around camp and in villages

□ 4 pairs of hiking socks OR 8 pair of disposable socks (Recommended Steigen Socks)

□ Inflatable camping mattress

□ Inflatable pillow or your pillow from home packed in a manual roll up space saver bag 

□ 2 seasons sleeping bag rated at 0 degrees

□ Hat with wide brim to keep sun and rain off your face

□ Rain poncho (something light weight)

□ Quick-dry sports towel/chamois

□ Whistle

□ Two rolls of toilet paper, wipes, or travel pack tissues. (Please ensure they are bio-degradable)

□ Gaiters (optional)

□ Personal toiletries - Toothbrush and paste, sports deodorant, lip balm, etc., we provide 100% environmentally friendly liquid body wash which can be used in creeks and rivers. (We do not provide shampoo; however, you can bring your own DRY shampoo)

□ 1 litre or 750ml water bottle to carry with you and a 2 litre Camelback depending on how much you drink. (Your water bottle will require a large opening to fit the water purification pen in, at least 3cm) 

□ Personal first aid kit – See MEDICINES AND FIRST AID below

□ Earplugs (if you are a light sleeper)

□ Waterproof head torch and spare batteries

□ Any extra lollies on top of the ones supplied in Snack Packs

□ Australian Kokoda Tours will supply 1 Steripen’s per 2 trekkers however, you will require 4 x AA lithium batteries, which must travel in your carry-on luggage. (Or if you prefer water purification tablets (Micropur Brand Foil blister pack recommended)

□ Bathers

□ Skins are optional; however, they do aid with recovery when worn at night

□ Mosquito net if not sleeping in a tent (Mosquitos are not a big problem anymore)

□ Tropical strength Sunscreen

□ Tropical strength insect repellent

□ Hand sanitiser - ESSENTIAL

□ Sunglasses (optional & recommend a hard carry case to prevent scratching)

□ A book or pad to write in

□ Camera

□ Spare lockable bag to leave fresh set of clothes in at the hotel (safety deposit boxes are also available at the hotel)

*If you have something you are particularly prone to, ear infections or sinus problems; bring what you need with you. Also please advise us of any allergies.

Sleeping Gear

To sleep on, we will supply foam sleep mats. These are really only adequate to protect your own thin inflatable mattress. To sleep in we suggest you bring a two season sleeping bag rated at 0oC. (Also stored in a waterproof dry-bag)

Trek Wear

We recommend wearing shorts because they are comfortable and there maybe times where you will wade knee-deep through running creeks. Leeches are not a big problem anymore.

Optional Equipment

• Camera, film, camera batteries, lens cleaner.

• Small pad or paper.

• A small supply of favourite snacks.

Medicines and First Aid

All trekkers are recommended to carry a personal first aid kit with medicines for common ailments, cuts and bruises, painkillers, etc. Anyone using any prescription medicines regularly should carry a supply for the whole duration of their expedition. 

Please consult your doctor and include items and medicines that may be required for you. AKT provide a first aid kit, and all guides are minimum level 2 first aid qualified, however AKT will not supply any medicines and will take no legal responsibility for any medical treatment or professional medical support to clients.  

*If you have something you are particularly prone to such as ear infections, sinus problems or mild asthma bring what you need with you. Also please advise us of any allergies as we do use nuts in our cooking. 

AKT will be carrying an extensive Wilderness First Aid Kit including a fully equipped Automated External Defibrillator.

Your personal first aid kit should contain:
Bandaids, paracetamol, deep heat or other muscle liniment, disposable gloves, second skin blister pack dressings, crepe bandages, antibiotic cream for bites, grazes, cuts and scratches, 'Imodium' tablets, strapping tape (for knees and ankles), anti-chaffing cream e.g. Paw-Paw cream, foot powder, waterless antibacterial hand disinfectant/gel, anti-malarial drugs (see your doctor), gastro stop, anti-inflammatory cream/gel, broad spectrum antibiotic tablets and insect repellent.

If travelling with a partner or friend most of these items can be shared.

Womens Health

On top of the normal health consideration, women are advised to bring a tube of Canesten and tampons. The Canesten is used for the treatment of thrush (which can be very painful if left untreated) and can be applied to both internal and external thrush. The tampons are used to apply the Canesten internally.

Money & Currency

The currency in PNG is the Kina (K) and exchange rates vary depending on the strength of the US dollar. Cash and travellers’ cheques are readily accepted and can be exchanged for Kina at the airport, hotels or banks in any major city. Credit cards such as American Express, Visa and MasterCard are accepted in many hotels, shops and restaurants in major towns and cities. Bankcard is not accepted in PNG. For spending money while on expedition it is best to have money in local currency (K). Although you can usually obtain a better exchange rate in PNG, it is safer to exchange in Australia as time delays can prove difficult. You should approximately allow for $250 - $500 for the 10 days. You usually get a better rate if we exchange our money as a group, so you will be contacted closer to departure to organise a time for the group to exchange their money.

 You will require spending money for:

1) Personal items such as laundry, phone calls, snack’s, etc.

2) Alcoholic/bottled beverages and drinks including bottled water.

3) Tips. All tipping is at your discretion. (A usual tip is approximately K80-K100 Kina or $50-$60)

4) Souvenirs and handicrafts.

5) Small snacks along the Track $80 in small Kina notes 1K, 2K and 5K

Tipping

If you would like to show your appreciation to the local team you may show it by providing a tip. A usual tip is approximately K100 Kina or $50, though this is at your discretion.

Please give the tips to the Australian Guide who will then distribute them at the last dinner. Please mention particular team members for good or bad performance to the Australian Guide. The local team also appreciates gifts.

If you like you can give them your shoes and clothing at the end of the expedition.

Gifts for Locals

Many of our trekkers want to give to local communities they pass through. AKT encourage this and recommend either sport balls such as tennis, soccer or Australian Rules balls.

Alternatively, educational equipment such as pencils, pencil sharpeners, paper, chalk and small chalkboards are greatly appreciated. As these things can weigh a fair bit, don't overdo it or you may not get to the villages to hand them out. Many groups elect to share the costs of a dedicated gifts porter to carry their gifts.

NOTE:
If you have any questions regarding the above list or any other items that you want to ask about, please contact Kokoda Centurions, who will forward your query to us. We can provide you additional information at any time.

Equipment Supplied by Australian Kokoda Tours

• 60-70 Litre Backpacks (not included in the ex-Port Moresby package but can be hired for $50. or if you prefer you may wish to use your own backpack)

• Walking Pole

• All meals on the track & in Port Moresby (meals in Port Moresby are not included in the Ex-Port Moresby package)

• All eating and drinking equipment

• Snack packs

• Steripens (shared - one between 2 trekkers) for water purification

• All safety equipment including satellite phones, track radios, safety ropes etc.…

• Two persons tent (which you may have to share)

• Foam sleeping mat

• Clothesline and pegs

• Wilderness First Aid Kit

Snack Packs

You will be given prior to your expedition a Snack Pack that will contain:

• 8 Soups

• 8 Muesli Bars

• 250gms Lollies

• 500gms Nut mix

• 8 days of electrolyte replacement capsules

• 2 packets of tuna

This a question that a trekker will ask prior to every trek.

Boots can provide good foot protection, ankle support and shock absorption that trekkers will need.

Can you hike in trail running shoes - Yes - Especially if you have worked on strength and stability, not carrying a heavy backpack, hike in a warmer climate and are hiking on an established track.

And all of this should be true if you have prepared for Kokoda.

Why do trekkers prefer hiking in trail shoes - They’re light, comfortable, breathable, quick-drying, and can reduce blisters.

Why do trekkers dislike hiking in trail running shoes - If they hike in cold or wet weather, they backpack with a really heavy pack, have a history of ankle injury, or just personal preference.

How to safely switch to hiking in trail running shoes -

• Start with short hikes.

• Do exercises to strengthen your glutes, core, and feet.

• Work up to longer hikes or backpacking with a heavy load.

https://www.australiankokodatours.com.au/boots-v-shoes

Australian Kokoda Tours have used walking poles in Port Moresby that you are welcome to use.

However, if you would prefer new poles you must supply your own.

Australian Kokoda Tours only runs Australian-led treks. Your safety is our number one priority, with minimum level 2 first aid trained guide.

Yes, we do walk the real Kokoda Track. There are multiple tracks and trails that run across the Owen Stanley Ranges and Australian Kokoda Tours follow the fighting withdrawal of the 39th battalion. The history of this will be relayed to you each day and throughout the trek.

Australian Kokoda Tours does not trek at night. Their itineraries are designed to ensure you are in camp well before nightfall. If under any circumstance, we are not able to make our intended campsite by nightfall we will camp in a closer village.

Yes, there is, and this can be acquired from the Kokoda Track Authority. Australian Kokoda Tours support the Code of Conduct strongly to ensure the long-term protection of the track. Mick O’Malley is also the secretary of the Kokoda Tour Operators Association (KTOA).

Yes, most if not all AKT porters or their families are from the track. Most of AKT’s porters originate from Kagi village in the middle of the tack. They also support at least one porter each year to fly to Australia 100% funded by Australian Kokoda Tours.

In partnership with seven villages you will stay overnight in, Australian Kokoda Tours have funded the construction of village huts for eating, cooking, porter and trekker accommodation. This guarantees AKT trekkers accommodation and also enables the villages to hire out the huts when AKT are not using them. (AKT also pays accommodation fees).

Most of AKT trekking groups share the cost of a present’s porter to carry gifts. This makes distributing gifts easier and alleviates trekkers off loading gifts in the first village due to the weight of their packs. (This is discussed later as a group).

While in villages AKT recommend you do not give money to anyone, as this can create problems between the village people. If you would like to help the villages, a gift that they can share is more appropriate, clothes, shoes, and books, reading and writing material.

First aid items are in much need such as Bandaids, Antiseptic cream, Strapping Tape, Bandages etc. AKT strongly advise, not giving any prescription medication to the village people or porters, as they are not used to such medications.

AKT also ask their trekkers to cover up when walking to and from showers and not to walk about the villages in swimming bathers unless swimming. Please cover up while walking around the villages, in a sign of respect.

Your Australian guide will wake you up at 5.00 am on the track

• Breakfast on the track is usually served from 5.00 am

• We usually start walking around 6.00 am

• There are usually 10-15minute breaks every 40-45 minutes or so along the track and depending on the terrain and weather, and we will also stop for morning tea and lunch each day.

• The walking pace is at your comfort, and you will have help and porters with you for the entire journey. We will walk between 4 to 9 hours with 7 to 8 hours being the average.

These amenities are very basic

• Toilets on the Track and villages are known as ‘long drops.' These are deep pits dug in the ground for use as toilets. There is a combination of toilets with seats and without and all toilets have walls for privacy.

• You must take your own toilet paper. Wipes are not recommended.

• On ALL AKT treks they have a hygiene porter, who will disinfect and clean toilets in every village we camp in.

• On four of the nights, the showers are enclosed and on three of the nights the showers are in the creeks. Australian Kokoda Tours will provide 100% biodegradable body wash for showering and 100% biodegradable laundry wash for clothes washing.

• Australian Kokoda Tours supplies private female shower tents in each village.

• Australian Kokoda Tours will provide Antibacterial Hand Gel; however, your own small bottle is recommended.

There are no specific huts for males or females on the Kokoda Track (they are shared).

You do not need to be an elite sportsperson to complete the expedition but the fitter you are the more enjoyable you will find it. All trekkers should be either walking or jogging (i.e. stair climbing, hills, inclines and anything that goes in the upward direction) on the days you are not training.

The training is designed to help YOU, so it extremely important that you complete as many, if not ALL of the training program as possible or ensure you are training at least 3 times per week.

Every participant needs to consult a physician well before the expedition date and make sure that they do not suffer from any chronic heart, lungs, cerebral, physical or any other serious illness.

AKT provides a medical clearance form to be filled out that can usually be bulk billed by most doctors.

However, AKT are not a medical facility, and take no legal responsibility for medical or other emergencies that may arise during the training or the trek.

As your service provider and hosts, AKT will take all necessary steps needed to evacuate injured or ill clients with the greatest of care.

We will provide you with a AKT training program and schedule to follow.

Completing the training will help you to fully enjoy the experience.

You will need to carry a water bottle at the least and most trekkers will also carry a 2-litre camelback.

There are many places to fill water bottles along the track so there is no need to carry more than 2 litres of water at a time.

Australian Kokoda Tours will provide water purification “Steripens” (1 per 2 trekker) however, EACH trekker must supply 4 AA lithium batteries, which MUST be carried in your carry-on luggage. Your porters will advise the best places to fill up your water bottles and ALL water MUST be purified.

Australian Kokoda Tours will also supply 100% electrolyte only capsules. However, you may bring Gatorade or Staminade etc... to flavour your water.

If you have had issues with water contamination you can also bring water purifying tablets as an extra precaution. The water is generally very good along the Track but always check with the trek team leader.

Yes. We require a doctor certificate approximately 4 weeks prior to your trek . Australian Kokoda Tours MUST receive a doctor's certificate, or your trek may be cancelled without refund.

Australian Kokoda Tours will carry a wilderness first aid kit, including (epinephrine injection) Auto-Injector, for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis and an (AED) Automated Defibrillator.

However, you will be required to carry your own personal kit. Please refer to the what do I bring section?

The requirement to be vaccinated against Covid 19 in PNG has been lifted. However, you should speak to your doctor and consider malaria, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis vaccinations and make sure your tetanus cover is up to date. Plan for getting your vaccinations. Some require an initial shot followed by a booster, while some vaccinations should not be given together. This also applies to some malaria prophylactics, which must begin at least a week before you leave home. In regard to your anti malaria, you will find a link to some info on Mefloquine pronounced (me' floe kwin) which is an anti-malaria drug which only needs to be taken once a week.

However, it has been known to have some psychotic side effects, which can last for a month after ceasing the drug.

Drug Information: Mefloquine

Doxycycline

Doxycycline is the most common used for Anti-Malaria. It a slow-acting blood schizonticide agent that is highly effective at preventing malaria. In areas with chloroquine and multidrug resistant

P. falciparum parasites, doxycycline has already been successfully used in combination with quinine to treat malaria, and it has been proven to be effective and well tolerated.

Doxycycline can be prone to increasing sunburn.

Drug Information: Doxycycline

Also, consideration should be given to the below and make sure your tetanus cover is up to date.

PNG Approved Vaccines

Plan ahead for getting your vaccinations, some of them require an initial shot followed by a booster, while some vaccinations should not be given together. Also please note that most malaria prophylactics require the entire course be taken and can also have side effects.

• Malaria: We strongly recommend Malaria medication and note that some malaria prophylactics, may have to be begun at least a week before you leave home and continued for 2 weeks upon your arrival home. (also please note, most have side effects)

• Typhoid: This is recommended for Papua New Guinea; most have to be started 2 weeks prior to travel.

• Hepatitis A: This is recommended for Papua New Guinea; most have to be started 2 weeks prior to travel.

• Hepatitis B: This is recommended for Papua New Guinea; most have to be started 2 months prior to travel.

• Cholera: This is recommended for Papua New Guinea; most have to be started 2 weeks prior to travel.

• Tuberculosis: This is recommended for Papua New Guinea; most have to be started 3 months prior to travel.

• Yellow Fever: A certificate of vaccination is required if arriving from an area with any risk of yellow fever transmission. 10 days before travel

• Japanese B encephalitis: This is recommended for Papua New Guinea; most have to be started 1 month prior to travel.

Please don't hesitate to contact us should you require any clarification on the above, or please consult your physician.

*"The following information is provided as a general guide only. We strongly recommend you consult with your local travel vaccination clinic and medical professional to determine the appropriate precautions based on your individual health needs and current travel advisories.

Travel Insurance is mandatory, and you must provide proof of you travel insurance prior to your departure. You are responsible for organising your own Travel/Medical insurance, which can be secured via AKT's website via the “Insurance” tab NIB Insurance However, if you have your own travel insurance, please be aware of your limits and coverage, as medical expenses can be a very costly in PNG. Medical evacuation cover is MANDATORY.

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

Australian Kokoda Tours supplies all backpacks on ex Australian packages. However, if you feel more comfortable with your own backpack, you will need a 60/75 litre backpack for your main pack and a 30/40 litre pack for your daypack and they should include rain covers.

Note: Daypacks are only needed if you have a personal porter.

You can choose to carry your own backpack if you have trained and are in good physical shape.

Alternatively, you can choose to engage a personal porter to carry your backpack with all your gear, at a cost of $750 and a backpack for your personal porter will be supplied for you in Port Moresby.

Engaging the services of a personal porter allows you peace of mind, knowing a porter will be by your side to assist you for the entire trek.

Your personal porter does a lot more for you than carry your backpack. This includes putting up your tent, assisting you on difficult sections of the track and making sure you have everything you need. Employing a porter also provides a local with a highly sought after source of employment. Personal Porters carry a maximum of 16 kilos.

The climate most of the year is quite humid, however, night 2 and 3 of the trek can get quite cool due to the location of the villages we stay in on these nights.

The conditions on the Track can vary due to the changes in the season, dry season and the wet season. Dry season is normally from late May to late October and good trekking Most treks will get rain at me point and usually in the late afternoon. conditions can still be expected in April and November. December, January, February are usually very wet and muddy, therefore Australian Kokoda Tours do not trek during this period.

The temperature will usually range from 24-28 degrees under the canopy and 30-35 degrees out of the canopy. The night temperature will range from 5-10 degrees on nights 1-3 and 15-18 degrees from night 4-7 with the humidity ranging between 80% – 95%.

All your food is included in your trek (except hotel meals on ex POM packages) However if you are a big eater, you can bring extra food, but you must declare your food and advise customs that it is for trekking on the Kokoda Track.

We will supply you with the below snack pack and you can add and subtract as you need.

8 Soups

8 Muesli bars

Energy nut mix (large)

Lolly pack

8 Days electrolyte capsules (not Gatorade/Powerade due to the high sugar content and heavy weight to carry)

2 tins of tuna

Feel free to add or substitute your snack pack to your preferences

All meals are prepared fresh by our cooks who have been trained in food hygiene and food intolerances to ensure you not only enjoy your food, but it is healthy and safe to eat. At no stage do we provide ration packs or dehydrated food.

We do not require any trekkers to carry or prepare their own food, however, we do provide you with a nutritious 8-day snack pack.

Our breakfast consists of oats, porridge, cornflakes, weetbix, pancakes, coffee, tea, milo and more...

Lunch will consist of noodles, salami, eggs, wraps, cheese, soups etc.

Dinner's range from stir fry, curries, pasta, cous cous, rice, chicken, beef stews and other delicious healthy options that will pleasantly surprise you.

We are able to supply Gluten Free, Vegetarian and other dietary requirements on request; we need to be advised at least 4 weeks prior to trek departure and may require a doctor’s certificate.

Australian Kokoda Tours has a “no alcohol/no drugs” policy while trekking the Kokoda Track.

Alcohol and drug consumption is strongly frowned upon in the Kokoda culture. We require all our trekkers to respect this. Prescribed medication from your GP is acceptable.