DAY 2 TREKKING: KOKODA TO ALOLA
Wednesday 07 October
After their first night sleeping on the Kokoda Track, the crew were up early and preparing for another demanding day in the mountains.
The day’s trek began with the group making their way out of Deniki. The track quickly led them through thick vegetation and tangled choko vines, which stretched across the track. Progress was steady but at times challenging, as everyone negotiated the uneven ground while carrying their packs. The track was dry and the weather was sunny.
They trekked to the village of Isurava, a place of enormous historical importance. It was here that the 39th Battalion was finally reinforced by the 21st Brigade during the Kokoda campaign. The village also provided an opportunity for the trekkers to meet some of the local children. The group spent time playing with them and handing out presents, creating some wonderful moments of connection and bringing plenty of smiles and laughter to the morning.
Before continuing, the trekkers received a briefing on the history of the campaign in the area. Hearing about the events that unfolded across this rugged terrain helped place the physical journey into perspective and gave the group a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought here.
From Isurava village, the group continued towards the Isurava Battle Site. Upon arrival, they gathered at the memorial’s four pillars, representing Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice. Here, they held a moving service to honour the Australian soldiers who served in the campaign, paying their respects to both those who returned and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The service was a particularly poignant part of the day. The trekkers listened to recordings featuring the stories of soldiers who fought on the Kokoda Track, hearing firsthand accounts of extraordinary courage, hardship and determination. Among the stories were those of Corporal John Metson, Charlie McCallum, Lindsay Bear, Bruce Kingsbury and many others who gave everything during the campaign. Listening to their experiences while standing on the very ground where these events took place made the history feel deeply personal and incredibly real.
After the service, the group stopped for lunch at the battle site. It was an opportunity to rest, reflect on the morning, and refuel before taking on the next section of the track. Although the distance ahead was relatively short, the terrain remained steep, rough and demanding.
Following lunch, the trekkers set off for the Surgeons Stone. The journey took approximately 30 minutes, but it proved to be a tough section of track, with the terrain testing tired legs and shoulders already feeling the weight of the day. At the Surgeons Stone, they paused to hear more remarkable stories from the Kokoda campaign and to learn about the conditions faced by the medical personnel who treated the wounded along the track.
With the afternoon moving on, it was time to put their packs back on and continue towards Alola. The final section took around 60 minutes, and although everyone was beginning to feel the effects of the day, the group maintained a steady pace and supported one another through the final kilometres.
The trekkers arrived at Alola at 4:30pm, completing another significant stage of their journey. They are now settled into camp and taking the opportunity to enjoy a well-earned shower and some time to recover. Despite the challenging terrain and the emotional weight of the day, everyone is doing well and remains in good spirits.
With another big day ahead tomorrow, the group is now resting, preparing their equipment and getting ready for the next chapter of their adventure.
