Kokoda Treks

Adventure Challenge Facts Dates: 7th – 16th August 2015 (Fundraising trek – cost is $6,250 ex Brisbane) 16th to 25th October 2015 (For our Mates and their family & friends only)

Start: Brisbane, Australia Finish: Brisbane, Australia Duration: 10 days Hotels: 2 Nights – Twin Share(single avail at extra cost) Tents: 7 Nights – Single Tent Meals: All meals provided Group Sizes: Between 15 - 30 Activity: 8 days and 7 nights trekking, 1 day each side for travel and briefing.

Help support Mates4Mates to provide these much needed services – sign up to Everyday Hero and fundraise – donations are tax deductible. Every dollar counts!

Highlights • Fully guided by Australian Trek Leader and Medic • Memorable Military History briefings and services at Kokoda, Isurava Memorial, Brigade Hill and Owers Corner • Experience the local culture and people • First Class Accommodation in Port Moresby • Celebratory dinner at completion of trip

Trip Overview This is special trip to support our Mates whilst also paying tribute to the soldiers that fought to save our country in 1942. After a 2 ½ hour flight from Australia to Papua New Guinea we will be picked up by our staff in Port Moresby and driven to our hotel for an afternoon of pre adventure briefings, packing and relaxing by the pool. The detailed pre trek briefing outlines what to expect throughout the trip, the role of the local staff, leader and medic. It will also give you time to clarify what vital equipment you will need to bring with you.

The next day we will set off to the airport for an early flight to Popondetta Airport which is the start of your adventure. After a short drive to Kokoda Village we will have the first of many battle briefings on Kokoda. From there we will trek through to Hoi Village and have a lunch break and a swim in the creek if you wish. From here we start the many climbs of the track as we slowly make out way across Kokoda. At Isuarva Battlefield, the Adventure Professionals trek leader will give you a comprehensive briefing of the amazing battle between the Japanese and Australian troops at this site. There will be time for lunch, some photos at the memorial and a chance to reflect and pay your respects to our fallen heroes. The next few days will see us weave our way through the rugged terrain of the Owen Stanley Ranges as the Adventure Professionals team recount the numerous battles along the way to make you really feel like you are walking amongst our heroes. Learn about Bruce Kingsbury, Charlie McCallum, Stan and Butch Bissett and many more. We will also have a service at Brigade Hill. On the last night we will camp on the Goldie River and organise a local feast with our PNG brothers. The next day we will climb our last hill and march triumphantly and emotionally through the famed arches that mark the end of the Kokoda Track at Owers Corner. At Owers Corner our ground operators will arrive with a well deserved fresh meal, cold drinks and some special treats. We will then drive back to Port Moresby where we will unpack our gear, clean up and then celebrate our successful journey, tell some tales and relax over a smorgasbord dinner. The following day, we start our journey back home with an unforgettable memory!

Itinerary Day no:

Activity

Trekking Duration

1

Depart Brisbane, Arrive PNG

2

Fly to Kokoda and begin trek

4 hours

3

Trek to Alola via Isuarva battlefield

8 hours

4

Trek to Templeton’s Crossing via Eora Creek

10 hours

5

Trek to Efogi via Naduri

10 hours

6

Trek to Brown River via Mission Ridge and Brigade Hill

10 hours

7

Trek to Iribaiwa Village via Iribaiwa Ridge

8 hours

8

Trek to Goldie River via the Golden Staircase

7 hours

9

Trek to Owers Corner

6 hours

Fly to Brisbane

3 hours

10

Am I up to this? Trekking in the jungles of PNG need not be a risky proposition. Follow our proven Training Program, while being supervised by our Mates4Mates Physical Training & Rehabilitation Manager and our Trek Leader. They will guide you through the preparation phase, seeing you well on the way to succeeding in this amazing Adventure Challenge. Everyone is capable of this adventure if they approach it with a positive attitude and make a commitment to the training and preparation for the trip. Train well and trek easy!

What we supply

What you supply

• Adventure trek leader and medic • Local PNG Guides and Porters • All international airfares and in country transfers • Full size trek pack • Porter Pack for your extra equipment • 2L camelback (drinking whilst walking) • Sunscreen/antibacterial hand wash/insect repellent • Water purification for the duration of the trip • Sleeping bag and tent • Trekking shirt and trekking cap • All accommodation and meals for the duration of the trip • Satellite Phone • Group medical kit • Travel Insurance • Track permits and fees

• Spending money for phone calls and souvenirs in Port Moresby • Tip money for porters (approx. $50 AUD for Group Porters and $100AUD if you have a Private Porter) • Money for trek (soft drinks and souvenirs) – approx. $150 AUD • Personal equipment including trekking boots etc • Visa for Papua New Guinea (free) • Anti-Malarial Medications • Pre-trek Medical Check

Mates4Mates are fortune to have the services of Adventure Professionals for this trek. Adventure Professionals take great pride in what they do; professionally led adventures that are unsurpassed by anyone in the adventure industry. They live and breathe the adventure with you and will be there every step of the way. The leader for your trek is Glenn Azar, who is the director of Adventure Professionals.

Glenn has been operating in the outdoors for many years in both Australia and overseas as both a guide and a medic. He spent 17 years in the army where he specialised in Aero Medical Evacuation, qualified as a medic and then completed his nursing degree. One his specialties is in adventure travel and he has spent time running expeditions in Papua New Guinea, Nepal, Malaysia and Africa.

Glenn is very experienced on the Kokoda Trail, having trekked it more than 50 times. It’s Glenn’s experience, understanding of the local customs and traditions and his knowledge of military history that makes this trek an amazing adventure.

What’s Next?

Register Now Paying Clients – Complete the Registration Form (August 2015). Our Mates - Complete the Expression of Interest form (October 2015). All forms are available at www.mates4mates.org Hurry as places are limited!

Trekking not your thing but still want to help? Mates4Mates appreciates any support you can give. Help a Mate in their rehabilitation journey by sponsoring one of them to complete this amazing adventure. Or simply make a tax deductible donation by Online Transfer: Bank: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) Account Name: Mates4Mates.org Limited BSB Number: 064 001 Account Number: 1152 0407 Reference: Please let us know your details so we can send you a receipt

Or use the DONATE NOW button on our website: mates4mates.org