DAY 1 TREKKING: KOKODA TO DENIKI
Tuesday 06 October
The trekkers arrived in Port Moresby yesterday, where they were warmly welcomed at the airport by their Australian guide, Mick. After a short five-minute transfer, they checked into the luxurious five-star Airways Hotel. With the first stage of the journey complete, the group had some time to settle in and unwind. Some chose to relax with a drink at the bar, while others took the opportunity to explore the hotel and its facilities.
Later in the evening, everyone came together for a comprehensive pre-trek briefing. This provided an opportunity to discuss the days ahead, go over safety procedures, and make sure the group understood what to expect on the Kokoda Track. The briefing was followed by a 5-star dinner, giving everyone a chance to enjoy a hearty meal and get to know one another before the adventure began in earnest. After dinner, the trekkers returned to their rooms to organise their equipment, pack their bags, and prepare for an early start.
This morning began with a mixture of anticipation, excitement, and a few understandable nerves. Over a hot breakfast, the group discussed the journey ahead before making their way to the airport for the flight to Popondetta. The short 30-minute flight offered spectacular views as it crossed the Owen Stanley Range and passed over sections of the historic Kokoda Track. Seeing the rugged terrain from above gave the trekkers their first real appreciation of the challenging landscape they would soon be travelling through on foot.
On arrival in Popondetta, the group boarded a troop carrier for the short journey into town. There, they collected some final supplies before continuing on to Kokoda Station. Once in Kokoda, they met their guides and porters, visited and inspected the Kokoda Plateau and museum, taking time to learn more about the history of the campaign and the significance of the ground on which they were about to trek.
Before setting off, the group gathered beneath the famous Kokoda arches for a team photograph—an important moment marking the official beginning of their trek. From there, they started along a relatively gentle section of track, trekking for approximately 90 minutes and passing through Kovelo before reaching Hoi, where they stopped for a well-earned break. The weather was warm and skies were clear.
After resting and refuelling, the group shouldered their packs once again and continued towards Deniki Hill. This was the first serious test of the Kokoda Track, and the climb provided an early reminder that the days ahead would be physically demanding. The steep terrain had a few trekkers wondering—perhaps briefly—what they had signed up for. Luckily, the sun disappeared and nevertheless, everyone pushed on and reached camp in good spirits at 5:30pm.
The group has now settled in, with trekkers enjoying a much-needed shower and some time to recover after their first day on the track. There is no doubt that everyone is feeling the effects of the journey, and there is already plenty of speculation about what tomorrow will bring. Despite the fatigue and the first challenging climb, morale remains high as the group reflects on the day’s achievements and prepares for the next stage of this remarkable adventure.
