DAY 8 - UA ULE CREEK TO OWERS CORNER
Saturday 26 August
The trekkers spent their final night on the Kokoda Track with a mixture of emotions. There was a real sense of excitement knowing they were just one day away from reaching the finish line, but also a feeling of sadness and disbelief at how quickly the past eight days had passed. What had begun as a challenging adventure had become an unforgettable journey, with lifelong friendships formed, personal goals achieved and countless memories made along the way.
As first light broke over the mountains, the group packed up camp for the final time and set off on the last day of their Kokoda adventure. The morning began by making their way back into Ua Ule Creek, crossing the water half a dozen times over the course of the first hour as they carefully worked their way towards the base of the infamous Imita Ridge.
Waiting ahead was one final challenge. The climb up Imita Ridge took around an hour and proved to be one of the toughest ascents of the entire trek. Despite tired legs after more than a week on the track, the trekkers dug deep and supported one another all the way to the top. For many, this climb was voted the most physically demanding of the entire Kokoda experience, making the achievement of reaching the summit even more rewarding.
After taking time to appreciate how far they had come, the group began the descent along Imita Ridge, making their way towards the village of Goodwater before continuing for another hour to Goldie River. With every step, the finish line drew closer, and there was a growing sense of pride as the trekkers reflected on everything they had overcome during the past nine days.
Crossing beneath the arches at Owers' Corner marked the official completion of their Kokoda Trek. There were smiles, hugs, handshakes and plenty of celebrations as the group completed one of Australia's most iconic adventures. Waiting at the finish line was a well-deserved barbecue lunch and cold refreshments, providing the perfect opportunity to celebrate this incredible achievement with fellow trekkers, guides and porters.
The journey, however, was not quite over. From Owers' Corner, the group travelled to Bomana War Cemetery, where they paid their respects to the Australian service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Papua Campaign. Walking among the beautifully maintained rows of headstones provided a fitting and emotional conclusion to the historical journey they had experienced over the past nine days on the Kokoda Track.
This evening, the trekkers will return to the five-star Airways Hotel in Port Moresby for some well-earned comfort before enjoying a special celebration dinner with their guides and porters. It will be a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the challenges overcome, the friendships formed and the remarkable teamwork that made this unforgettable Kokoda adventure possible. Congratulations to everyone on completing an extraordinary journey that will no doubt stay with them for the rest of their lives.
