Full Kokoda Schools Program

Testimonial : "Great trip, very glad I put the time in to organise a school group". Steven Kehayas (Teacher Fountain Gate Secondary College).

The Kokoda Track School Expeditions have been specifically designed to embrace the Curriculum Standards and Values that every school and student endeavor to achieve. It covers Leadership, Geography, History, Science, Responsibility, Cultural Diversity, Organisation, Personal and Physical Challenges and much more.

For a few years now many schools have been walking the Track with us. Patterson River, Benalla College, Carnegie School, Caloundra College, St Francis Xavier and more have all trekked the Track with us and had a great time. We offer 2 variations to the Kokoda Track for your school. The first is walking the entire Track in our Australian Led Full Track. The second option is doing the Full Track with 2 days in Kagi Village. We provide information nights for your school to educate teachers, parents and students and also have our own Risk Management Policy in place to cover all facets of school policies.

The 96km Kokoda Track was the scene of bitter fighting in 1942 as the Japanese advanced towards Port Moresby. Many Japanese and Australian soldiers died along the Track, both in battle and from malaria. As interest in Australia's cultural identity and recent history grows, walking the Kokoda Track has become a rite of passage for a new generation of Australians.

Our expeditions can be booked for any week of the year for your school group from 6 upwards.That means you tell us when you want to run the trip and we will accommodate you.  All food, equipment and guides are provided. You only need to bring your personal gear and bedding.

Day 1: Arrive Port Moresby.
Day 2: Fly to Popondetta and drive to Kokoda for start of trek. Trek to Deniki
Day 3: Deniki to Alola via Isurava Battlefield. Visit Con's Rock along the way
Day 4: Alola to Templeton's Crossing One. Visit Japanese artillery placement and many foxholes
Day 5: Templeton's Crossing One to Kagi via Kagi Gap or Myola. Visit the home of one of the last Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels today who sadly passed away in December 2017.
Day 6: Sabbath in Kagi Village.
Day 7: Kagi to Menari via Brigade Hill
Day 8: Menari to Nauro
Day 9: Nauro to Vuale Creek. Today we will pass through Iorabawa and Ofi Creek.
Day 10:Vuale Creek to Owers Corner. Then on to Port Moresby. Visit Bomana War Cemetery along the way.
Day 11: Port Moresby to Home or onto another PNG destination.

Note : This Itinerary is indicative and may change due to local conditions.

Note 2 : These trips are for 10 plus students. We offer 1 Free of Charge for a Teacher for bookings of students between 10 and 14 and another Free of Charge for bookings of 15 - 20 students. Free of Charge applies for in country cost not International Flight.

No Roads Expeditions also has a dedicated Kokoda website. With over 100 pages of information, this is an invaluable source of information for those trekking the Kokoda Track. Click on the kokodaexpeditions.com.au

GENERAL GUIDES

The General Guides we use are the life blood of our business in PNG. Not only do they carry your food and equipment, but many have intimate knowledge of the areas we are travelling through. They are very interesting people who, at night, cook our meals and entertain us. If you or a group of you would like to hire a personal guide for your expedition, this can be arranged. For the 8 days, a personal guide costs an extra AUD$720.  Employing a Personal Guide does not mean that your struggle along the Kokoda track is any less meaningful. You are helping a local with a job and you will probably enjoy the Track that much more.

PEOPLE OF THE KOKODA TRACK

The Koiari people generally inhabit the area between the foothills of the Owen Stanley Ranges east of Port Moresby and Kokoda. They once built homes in tree-tops and when Europeans first encountered them in the 1880's, they were renowned for their fierceness. 

Today, the Koiari are Seventh Day Adventists so they do not raise or eat pigs, chew betel nut or smoke tobacco. They grow taros, bananas, yams, vegetables and recently coffee. They are very friendly people, however young female Koiari are particularly shy and reserved and you should respect their wishes if they do not want to talk. Male bush walkers should give women the right of way on the trail - step off the trail, the further the better.

Also, be aware that men and women bathe in different places; usually the women down stream from the men. The same can apply to toilets, so ask first. Be sensitive, as this is of great importance to the people.

No Roads deals directly with the Koiari land owners. We have a great relationship with them and assured any Track closures will not apply to us.

MEALS ON THE KOKODA TRACK

Our food is one of the biggest differences between us and other operators. We do not get you to carry the food and we do not supply baked beans and 2 minute noodles for every meal. We cook up curries, vegetarian pastas, damper, prawn crackers, fried rice and the list goes on. We get you to help prepare it with the masterchef so that you can engage them in conversation and build a bond otherwise not obtained.

Another feature of this expedition is that we try to maximise the economic benefits from your presence to the village people living in villages along the Track. This provides incentives for villagers to offer a good standard of service to trekking parties as well as a vital source of income to pay for medicine, education and transportation.

As an ecotourism company we are always looking for ways to maximise the benefits of tourism to the people living in the local area. Our tour uses experienced guides recruited from all along the Track. And much of the food you will eat along the way is supplied by village people en route. This not only gives the villagers a market for their vegetable crops but gives you a wonderful opportunity to try out local foods. Food purchased locally includes pineapple, bananas, potatoes and pumpkins as well as eggs.

Camp breakfast is billy tea/milo/coffee with damper and porridge or Weetbix and Corn Flakes with powdered milk. Camp lunch is noodles, cuppa soups, biscuits and cheese.

We also provide you with 9 days of electrolyte replacement such as Endura, to replace fluids and essential electrolytes. This process helps prevent muscle seizures and cramps.

Finally, we provide you with 9 days of snacks that will help you from meal to meal. These consist of muesli bars, lollies, cuppa soups and trail mix.

KOKODA TRACK FACTS

• From Owers' Corner to Kokoda as the crow flies is about 60km
• The Kokoda track between these two points is 94-km
• One trekker recorded over 25,000 steps on his pedometer in one day
• If you total all the uphill climbing along the track, it comes to more than 5500m of elevation gain
• The best section is between Menari and Kagi, although the nicest forests are found at the higher elevations between Kagi Gap and Templeton's Crossing
• The highest point on the track is 2190m

Walking times are estimates and include breaks and lunches. Weather, Track conditions and Trekker fitness will impact on these times.

Day 01: Arrive Port Moresby and transfer to hotel. City tour in afternoon. Pre-expedition briefing by your guide. (D)

Day 02: (3 Hours) Depart Port Moresby 0700am on Airlines PNG flight to either Kokoda or Popondetta (30 minutes). If flying into Popondetta, we will then travel along the same road the Japanese Imperial Force used to reach Kokoda Village, crossing the infamous Kumusi River. For those that fly into Kokoda, we will walk across the airfield to Kokoda Village. There you will visit the war museum and walk on the cigar shaped battle-field that was Kokoda.

We will be introduced to our expert guide and local team, who we will spend the next 8 days with us. They will set up camp, carry our food, tents and safety equipment and ensure we have a safe and enjoyable trek.

We will then head off towards Deniki, through plantations and via the beautiful Hoi village. The going is relatively easy except for a steep 45 minute trek up to our destination. We will set up camp, have lunch and a delicious dinner before bed. (B,L,D)

Day 03: (6-7 Hours) After a complete breakfast we head for Alola via Isurava Battlefield memorial. The memorial was opened by Australian Prime Minister John Howard in August 2002 to commemorate 60 years since a ferocious four day Battle was fought there in 1942. We will lunch there and then continue hiking - descending and ascending numerous hills to finally arrive at Alola. From here we can see across the valley towards Abuari Village. After a fresh pasta and damper meal it's off to bed. (B,L,D)

Day 04: (9 hours)Hike from Alola via Eora Creek to Templeton's
Crossing 1, at the base of Mt Bela my. This is a long day but extremely interesting with both historical and natural points of interest. (B,L,D)

Day 05: (8 hours) Trek from Templeton's 1 to our home village, Kagi. Today you will ascend Mt Bellamy, the highest point of the Kokoda Track (2190m). Good views at the Kokoda Gap Lookout. Descend to Kagi village where we will be greeted by the locals. A well deserved delicious meal, like every night, is had tonight. Overnight village guest house or tents. (B,L,D)

Day 06: Today is the Sabbath and as such the Seventh Day Adventists take the day off work, visit Church and spend time with their families. That is exactly what we will do as well. This is also a great day to rest our weary bodies. Overnight stay in Kagi village. (B,L,D)

Day 07: (9 Hours) Today you will hike from Kagi to Menari village. During the morning you will climb Brigade Hill and then begin a long steep descent to Menari village which will weary your feet and legs. You will sleep well tonight. Overnight Menari. (B,L,D)

Day 08: (5 Hours) Hike from Menari to Naoro village. After climbing a steep saddle you will descend and pass through a number of river crossings to Naoro village. A good chance to river surf down the Brown River. (B,L,D)

Day 09: (7 Hours) Hike from Naoro to Wa-ule Creek. Climbing through open grasslands you will mount the Maguli Range and take a long steep descent to Ofi Creek and Wa-ule Creek campsite. (B,L,D)

Day 10: (4-5 Hours).Hike from Wa-ule Creek to Ower's Corner. There are a number of river crossings and a long steep climb up Imita Ridge. The descent on the other side of the ridge is known as The Golden Stairs which leads down to Goldie River. After wading through the river the Kokoda Track concludes with a final steep ascent to Ower's Corner. You will arrive at Ower's Corner in the early afternoon and will be met by a 4WD vehicle with a picnic lunch and cold drinks that you will share with your guides and local team. Drive to Bomana War Cemetery to Port Moresby and then dropped off at our hotel.

We will spend the night dining with our guides and other friends we have made on the Kokoda Track. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Transfer from hotel to your flight home or next destination. (B)

-Risk Management Document
-An Australian and Local Guide for the entire expedition
-For 10 - 14 Students you will receive 1 Free of Charge for Teachers use and for 15 - 20 Students you will receive a second FOC Teacher.
-2 nights accommodation at the Holiday Inn Port Moresby twin share 
-Travel Insurance
-Town Tour
-Electrolyte supplement such as Hydralyte for expedition portion
-All domestic schedule flights within PNG
-Satellite phone for emergency purposes
-River rescue team and procedures
-Government Taxes (except visa charge and civil aviation terminal facilities charge) 
-Shower tent to wash with soap and protect the environment. Hot showers are available.
-10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners. Meals on expedition include Curries and Pasta. (Dietary requirements can be incorporated)
-All transfers including those from the airport and from Owers Corner
-Visit Bomana War Cemetery
-Food for local team including rice, noodles, biscuits, bully beef, milo and vegetables
-All accommodation outside of Port Moresby 
-Kokoda Track Permit
-Guides and General Guides (who carry all group equipment, food, set up tents etc)
-1 to 1 General Guide-Client ratio
-A rubbish guide that takes all our rubbish and other operators rubbish from the Track
-Tent hire and floor mats.
-Snack Pack for each expedition day to get you between meals (including muesli bars, lollies and nuts)
-VHF Radio contact with Port Moresby, Kokoda and 10 other Track villages for emergency purposes. 
-No Roads Expedition T-shirt
-Access to our free of charge Weekend Walks
-Urine and health chart
-Access to your Australian Guide for advise prior to the expedition

- International Flights
- Tips for Porters (optional)
- Personal Spending Money