DAY 1 - PORT MORESBY TO HOI

03 November

After a long day of travel yesterday, the trekkers arrived safely in Port Moresby and were transferred on the short 15-minute drive to the luxurious Airways Hotel. A few took the opportunity to enjoy a swim before the group gathered for their pre-trek briefing, followed by a great dinner together.

The evening was spent making final preparations, with plenty of unpacking, repacking, and checking equipment as everyone got ready for the adventure ahead.

This morning, there was a mixture of nerves and excitement as the group rose early for a hearty breakfast before returning to the airport for the flight to Popondetta. Although departure from Port Moresby was delayed, the trekkers were soon airborne, enjoying spectacular views of the Owen Stanley Range and the Kokoda Track below.

Upon arrival in Popondetta, the group boarded a troop carrier for a short ride into town to collect supplies before continuing on to Kokoda Station. Here, they visited the museum and Kokoda Plateau, learning about the opening stages of the Kokoda Campaign and the significance of the ground they were about to walk.

The trekkers then gathered beneath the iconic Kokoda arches for a group photograph before officially stepping onto the track.

From there, the journey truly began as they entered the Papua New Guinea jungle for the next nine days. The group passed through Kovelo Village, and due to the late flight it was an early afternoon as the group stopped at the vilage of Hoi for the night arriving at 5:30pm.

The first day is complete, and the journey across the Kokoda Track is officially underway.