Inspiring Kokoda Historical Tour 9 Days from AUD$2,999/person

Experience the pilgrimage of a lifetime as you retrace the steps taken by our brave heroes during the 1942 Kokoda Campaign - one of the most significant milestones in Australia's military history. Relive history through a unique blend of adventure, great storytelling and living history on this expert-guided tour. The journey brings to life the dramatic highs and lows, victories and poignant stories of immense courage under fire. Includes internal flights within Papua New Guinea, accommodation, transfers, all meals, knowledgeable local guides, excursions and more. The Kokoda Track is a challenging 96-kilometre trail through the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea and was the location of the 1942 World War II battle between the Japanese and Australian forces. Immerse yourself in the history and culture as you visit all the major battlefields and pay respects at war memorials, while expert historians turn master storytellers to bring the voices of the soldiers to life. What You'll Love Tour Port Moresby to discover the strategic significance of this sprawling PNG capital city to the 1942 Kokoda battle. Pay homage to the brave soldiers at the National War Memorial and admire the vast anthropological collection at the National Museum. Visit the wreck of the M.V. Macdhui, whose loss in a direct hit by the Japanese was deeply felt by the Australian troops and pay your respects at the Bomana War Cemetery, the final resting place for many of the fallen soldiers. Head for Popondetta and the Northern Beachheads to follow the route of the Australian advance to Kokoda and beyond to Buna, Gona and Sanananda. En route, see Oivi and Gorari, the final major battle of Kokoda before the battle of Buna-Gora, the mighty Kumusi River and Awala, where the first contact happened between the advancing Japanese and the Papuan Infantry Battalion. Relive the battles of Gona, Buna and Sanananda, which formed the final stage of the Kokoda Campaign, at the Northern Beachheads. The ANZAC Dawn Service - included in the 9-day non-trekking tour - takes on unforgettable significance in Papua New Guinea where the battles were fought. Guests travelling on ANZAC Day will join the dawn vigil as the bugle sounds the Last Post at this moving tribute at the Bomana War Cemetery, final resting ground for many of the fallen heroes of the Kokoda battlefields. Reflect on the solemnity of the great commemoration at the Gunfire breakfast. Your 9-day ANZAC Special Non-Trekking Tour Includes: Non-trekking tour of Kokoda ANZAC Day Dawn Service The expert knowledge of Kokoda historian David Howell, and other experienced local guides Accommodation throughout the tour, including a bonus night pre-Dawn Service All meals: eight breakfasts, seven lunches and eight dinners Return airfares (Port Moresby to Alotau and Port Moresby to Popondetta) Transfers to all sites including Bomana, Owers’ Corner and Kokoda Transfers from all airports within Papua New Guinea Excursion to Milne Bay Memorial Trekking Tour Options – 11 Day Fully Australian-Led Tour Nothing challenges the indomitable spirit like a pilgrimage that immerses you in Australia’s proud wartime history by foot. Journey in the footsteps of the militiamen who braved the rugged and harsh terrain of the 96 kilometre trek in the PNG jungle. This 11-day fully Australian-led tour tailors each trek to ensure you stay at the key locations on the battlefield wherever possible. Pay your respects at war memorials, inspect Japanese trenches and relive history at the scene of ferocious battles. Choose to start your journey from the north at Kokoda Village, and follow the trail taken by the embattled Australians as they are pushed back to Port Moresby. Or conversely start on the offensive trekking south from Owers’ Corner and see how Australian troops pushed the Japanese forces back to Kokoda and beyond. See ‘Package Options’ for details and the 'fine Print' for dates/directions. Your 11-Day Trekking Tour includes: The expert knowledge of Kokoda historian David Howell, and other experienced local guides and support staff Accommodation including two nights in Port Moresby and guest house accommodation while trekking All meals while trekking A personal porter to carry your pack during the trek Internal flight within Papua New Guinea (Port Moresby to Popondetta or Popondetta to Port Moresby) Transfers between Popondetta and Kokoda Airport transfers Transfers to and from Ower's Corner Tour of Bomana Cemetary Welcome pack Tents and cooking equipment Safety and medical equipment Pre-trip advice and training Kokoda Historicla Trekking shirt Certificate of completion and commemorative medallion