Information for Trekkers
If you are trekking/volunteering/visiting the Kokoda Track catchment area, we recommend you firstly book with a licensed Tour Operator and secondly, register with either KTF or KTA for travel advice.
Weather conditions and other events can rapidly change causing huge impacts along the Kokoda Track and The Kokoda Track Foundation can offer practical advice and suggestions.
The Kokoda Track Authority
All trekkers must purchase a trek permit from the Kokoda Track Authority to walk the Kokoda Track. Make sure that the trek company you are walking with has made arrangements to purchase these permits on your behalf. Trek permits for 2011 cost K300 for adults and K150 for students/children.
The trek company you choose to trek with should be a Licensed Tour Operator with the Kokoda Track Foundation. Click here to see a list of licensed tour operators.
Contact your trek operator or the Kokoda Track Authority for more information: www.kokodatrackauthority.org
PNG Tourism
PNG Tourism has an internet resource for persons planning to trek the Kokoda Track. www.pngtourism.org.pg
Field Guide to the Kokoda Track
After years of painstaking research, and with aid of the fast-thinning ranks of both Australian and Japanese veterans, Bill James has released a new book for those wishing to fully understand the history of the Kokoda Track and to undertake a trek. The 512 page book also includes a waterproof trek map. To visit Bill's website: www.kokodapress.com.au
Guide Book For Trekkers
Would you like to know more about the people of the Kokoda Track; the natural environment; the Track's history or walk details? A guidebook has been produced by a University of Technology Sydney student Amy Whenam for the Kokoda Track Foundation with useful information about walking the Kokoda Track. The guide's comprehensive sixty one pages provides information that will assist you, no matter what your motivation is, to prepare you for the Track. Cultural and environmental information is provided that will enhance your appreciation of the environments you plan to experience. The Guidebook may be viewed here.
Guidelines for Educational Donations by Trekkers
Are you about to walk the Kokoda Track and wondering how you can give back? One way is to support local schools along the track with educational resources that are useful and relevant for the PNG educational system. A frequently asked question is what would be appropriate to take to children living along the Kokoda Track as a gift. It can be difficult to send gifts because of the remote locations of some of the villages and expensive to post (if indeed there is a postal service due to the remote location of many villages in the catchment area). The Kokoda Track Foundation recommends trekkers bring gifts with an educational focus for children living along the Track. The Foundation’s view is that education is of the highest priority for the Track communities and giving simple and small gifts such as books and stationary items is appropriate and will go a long way to helping the schools and communities. Please click here to read more information.
Guidelines for Drug and Medication Donations to Villages along the Kokoda Track
It is often felt to be a kind gesture to donate excess or spare medication to people in the developing world when it is realized that they have no access to reliable drugs or money to buy them. However, this is not always beneficial to the recipient and can be potentially dangerous, no matter how well intentioned. Medicines donated by trekkers to porters or villagers along the track should fit safe practice guidelines e.g., from the World Health Organisation or the Australian Government which are available on the internet (see references in the Guidelines). Donations should be given according to the recipient’s needs, not on the perceived need by the donor. The quality of the medication must be the equivalent standard which would be used in Australia.
Please access the Guidelines here.
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
The Australian government provides travel advisory information for all Australians planning a trip abroad. Under the Country Advisory for Papua New Guinea the following reference is made in particular about those planning a trek along the Kokoda Track:
Kokoda Track: We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution when walking the Kokoda Track and travelling through the areas adjacent to each end of the track. Walking the Kokoda Track is physically demanding and requires a high level of fitness. It is strongly recommended that travellers undergo considerable training and seek medical advice/medical fitness testing before attempting the walk. Each year, several Australians are medically evacuated, and some deaths have occurred. Given the unpredictable weather and poor services, some have had to wait several days before such evacuations took place. Adequate travel insurance is essential. While walking, it is important that trekkers remain hydrated and protect themselves from dysentery.
Australians should ensure they only travel with guides from reputable trekking companies. This is particularly important given the occasional threats by villagers to close parts of the track due to local land and compensation disputes. Trekkers should check with their travel agent and/or tour operator that they have contingency plans in the event that the track is blocked.
The Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) has stationed rangers along the track and at airports to collect fees from trekkers who have not obtained a valid trekking permit. Trekkers should ensure that their tour company provides a permit in return for fees paid for this purpose. The KTA can be contacted on telephone (675) 323 6165 regarding payment of the applicable fee. Information can also be obtained from the Tourism Promotion Authority on (675) 320 0211. You should register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade before attempting to hike the Kokoda Track. Passports are regularly damaged from water and sweat. Ensure your passport is stored in a waterproof bag or container. As a result of serious safety concerns raised in an Airlines PNG assessment, in January 2010 the Australian Government suspended subsidised flights to four airstrips along the Kokoda Track (Milei, Kagi, Manari and Efogi). Unexploded ordnance still exists in Papua New Guinea, particularly along the Kokoda Track and at Milne Bay and Rabaul.
The KTF recommends any person intending to visit the Kokoda Track access the DFAT website before planning a trek.