DAY 3 - ALOLA TO VASI CAMPSITE

Monday 07 September

Day Three on the Kokoda Track: Exploring Eora Creek and Templeton’s Crossing

The trekkers made a quiet start from camp this morning, walking for around an hour as they descended towards a creek. Along the way, they enjoyed spectacular views across the valley before reaching the crossing. The track was dry, and the weather was great with clear skies.

After a short climb and a brief rest, the group began a long, gradual ascent towards the Eora Creek battle site. They left the main track briefly to follow a side trail to a Japanese ammunition dump, where they discussed the fort’s defensive importance and explored how the battle to capture the position unfolded.

The trek continued for another hour before the group stopped for morning tea. After refuelling, they shouldered their packs for a challenging 45-minute climb to inspect an Australian ammunition dump containing live grenades and rounds.

From there, the trekkers faced a two-and-a-half-hour journey over undulating terrain, negotiating several fallen trees along the track before reaching Templeton’s Crossing in time for lunch. The conditions were ideal for walking, and everyone is enjoying the experience and the camaraderie of the journey.

After lunch, the group tackled a steep 30-minute climb before the track levelled out briefly. They then continued over a mixture of climbs and flatter sections for around an hour, eventually reaching the mountain’s summit. The final 30-minute descent brought them into Vasi campsite, their home for the third night.

The trekkers arrived at camp by 3:30 pm and once again, only a few brave souls ventured into the cold creek for a swim, while the rest of the group relaxed with popcorn and prepared for dinner.