Kokoda in pictures

Photos from the trail

Iwas fortunate enough to walk the Kokoda Trail late last year, following in the footsteps of many heroes and legends – not just from the war, but all those who have taken on the challenge of walking 96 kilometres over seven nights in Papua New Guinea’s Owen Stanley Ranges.

The trail is seen as a pilgrimage to honour soldiers and family members who fought during times of war. For me, however, as someone with no family ties to the military, my motivations and mindset were a little different.

I love the idea that through challenging ourselves we become better versions of ourselves.

I love the idea that through challenging ourselves we become better versions of ourselves – stronger, both physically and mentally. This challenge pulled me out of my comfortable home routine and placed me in a remote jungle, walking for eight hours a day and tolerating sore knee joints (from all the downhill descents).

Without a doubt, however, it was one of the best things I have pushed myself to do. The trip was organised to raise funds for Mates in Construction, a not-for-profit Australian construction-based suicide awareness charity. For myself, the trip was made extra special by completing it with my father.

The best time to do the Kokoda Trail is during the dry season, from April to October. For a list of accredited operators and guides, see the Kokoda Track Authority website at kokodatrackauthority.org.

The front line ... the author trekked with this group to raise funds for charity.

On the trail ... locals dance and play music at the end of the trek (above); careful consideration is given to each foot placement during a descent (below right); local students greet trekkers (below).

Taking stock ... trekkers check a map to see how far they have progressed and the challenges to come (right); tough going on the trail (middle right); happy village children met the trekkers all along the trail (far right).

Step by step ... the trekking group‘s mantra was ‘a little bit of uphill, a little bit of downhill, rinse and repeat’.

Mates ... the author with his porter who gifted him a hand-carved stick carved along the trail (above); back in Port Moresby, the trekkers visited the Bomana War Cemetery (right).