As part of our fundraising initiative for 2010 we are organising the 13^th annual cycle tour within our northern region.  The route for the 2010 Yellow Pages Hell on Wheels Cycle Tour starts in the south of our flight region on Saturday October 9 in Dorrigo and concludes back at the helibase in Lismore on Saturday October 16. The full lists of dates and locations are as follows:

Day 1: Oct 9 - Dorrigo (short ride around Deer Vale Loop)

Day 2: Oct 10 – Dorrigo to Urunga

Day 3: Oct 11 – Urunga to Woolgoolga

Day 4: Oct 12 – Woolgoolga to Wooli

Day 5: Oct 13 – Wooli to Maclean

Day 6: Oct 14 – Maclean to Casino

Day 7: Oct 15 – Casino to Ballina

Day 8: Oct 16 – Ballina to Lismore  

In previous years the event has been a major success with riders continuing to come back each year to participate.  The tour is fast approaching  but there is still time to be involved and if you are interested in participating as a rider or volunteer please do not hesitate to contact the base.

2009 Group in front of Westpac Rescue Helicopter

Entries will close on Friday 3rd September, however other entries after this date will be considered. Unfortunately these riders will be unable to receive a Hell On Wheels rider jersey, so be quick to secure your spot in what will be an exciting 8 days.

We are limited to a maximum of 50 riders so any interested parties are encouraged to make contact with us as soon as they are able to in order to guarentee their place on the tour.

Throughout the previous 12 years, over half a million dollars has now been raised by the riders on Hell on Wheels for our regions vital aero-medical service.  This is a free service to our community whenever life or property is threatened, 24hrs a day, everyday of the year.

                                                   
                                                   Gold Sponsors

    Silver Sponsors                     

They will listen to the Operational Orders as issued to the 39th Infantry Battalion soldiers on departure. They will Commence the trek and follow the track down to the Goldie River and onto the abandoned village site of Uberi.

From there they will trek to the campstie at Imata Base.

Day 2- Monday 16th August 2010:
The Trekkers will follow the wartime trek to the Golden Staircases and climb to Imita Ridge. They will then inspect weapon pits on the Brigade position amongst the sheer rock face of ‘fortress Imita’.  This was the ridgeline the Australians were ordered to defend at all costs and fight to the death if necesary. It was the final obstacle between the advancing Japanese and their objective Port Moresby.

From there the trekkers will follow the Track to Va Ule Creek then climb to the wartime village of Ioribaiwa which was the furthest point of the Japanese advance.  They will then descend to campsite at Ofi Creek.

Day 3- Tuesday 17th August 2010:
Today the trekkers have a grinding climb ahead of them to the crest of the Maguli Range (known as Mogolonumu) with numerous false ridges along the way and spectacular views. They will then descend to Nauro village via the Brown River to the capsite at Agulogo.

Day 4- Wednesday 18th August 2010:
Today the trekkers have a sharp climb to Ladavi Saddle which has extensive views over Menari, the southern slopes of Brigade Hill and the valley beyond. They will then descend to their campsite at Menari Village- this is the site where Lieutenan Colonel Ralph Honner adressed his young bravehearts after the battle of Isurva.

The trekkers will then trek via Menari airfield down through the village gardens to Vabuyavi River. This will lead them to climb up Southern Ridge to a track junction located at Tabunumu. The trekkers will then endure another grinding climb to the crest of the ridge to Brigade Hill- which will see them at the site of the biggest battle of the Kokoda campaign.

From there, they will trek around the crest of the hill to Mission Ridge. The diggers of the 2/27th Batallion referred to this as ‘Butchers Ridge because of the carnage that occured during the battle. From here, they will have views across the Launumu village where the Japanese assembled for their attack on 7 December 1942. Follow wartime trek down the ridge to the campsite of Efogi.

Day 5- Thursday 19th August 2010:
Today the team will trek down to Efoge Creek and climb to Kagi where 6,000 Japanese assembled in preperation for their attack against 1, 000 Australian defenders from the 21st Brigade. Trek towards the Kagi Gap then detour down to Kolui Creek and Kovovo School.

The team will then climb to Naduri village then trek upwards towards Tovovl Ridge. They will enter the Moss Forest area that is known as ‘Natures Wonderland’ and inspect an abandoned mortar position which was only discovered in January 04. They will continue to trek up to the top of the ridge and exit the jungle canopy to enter Lake Myola  No1 which is an extinct volcanic crater.

Day 6- Friday 20th August 2010:
The team will trek to the Kokoda Gap via the Bert Kienzle wartime track and connect with the 39th Battalion wartime trek in the vicinity of Mt Bellamy which is the highest point of the trek. From here, they will trek down to the campsite at the wartime Templeton’s Crossing.

Day 7- Saturday 21st August 2010:
The team will trek to Eora Creek which is the site of the abandoned village Eora. This was the scene of utter chaos dring the withdrawal with wounded diggers forced to crawl up the track while their mates deperately tried to buy them time against the advancing Japanese.

Past this, they will climb to Japanese position with dominating views over Eora Creek. The team will then trek down to Lala Creek and climb to Alola vilage and onto the campsite at Isurava Memorial.

Day 8- Sunday August 22nd 2010:
After attending a Dawn Service, today the team will trek down to the campsite at Kovello.  The humidity is still overwhelming.

Day 9- Monday August 23rd 2010:
On their final day, the team will trek to Kokoda and inspect the Australian defensive positions on the Kokoda Plateau and visit the Bomana War Cemetary.  From Kokoda the seven will fly to Port Moresby – where they will spend their last night in Papua New Guinea IN A MOTEL!!  A real bed! It has been an incredibly long journey and such a fantastic experience.  But they are all looking forward to returning home tomorrow.

Day 10 - Tuesday August 24th 2010:
Finally they have arrived back into Australia. Congratulations all on a phenomenal achievement.
The group are arriving back at the Lismore Helibase 5pm.

They made it!

Roger Fry

I’m Roger, and am one of the stalwarts of Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, I turned 50 in March and decided I wanted to walk the trek to raise funds for the rescue helicopter.

 I’ve spoken to others who have walked the Kokoda Track and the one thing they’ve warned me to do is ‘prepare myself’. I looked at a few different things I could have done, but I thought Kokoda was the perfect choice for a challenge now that I’m 50.I know this is going to be physically and mentally challenging but thats just what I wanted.

 To help support Roger in achieving his fundraising target please  click here:

 Sue Mills

My names Sue Mills, commonly known as Wallii, I work at the Coffs Harbour City Council and have worked there for 7 years.

Im 42 yrs of age… I turn 43  2 weeks after I get back… so I guess this trip is sort of like a birthday present to myself.  Kokoda has been on my “bucket List” for a while and when I saw the ad in the local Advocate I thought “Right I’m going to do this trip.” The bonus was that it was for a great cause.

I have since found out that my Uncle Leonard (Digger) Crowhurst was a Private in the army in Papua New Guinea, his main job was a stretcher bearer. He was one of the fortunate ones that made it home. This makes it not only a personal challenge but also a personal journey.

Sue would like to thank the Coffs Hotel, Publican Marty Phillips and the staff of the Coffs Harbour City Council’s for all their generous support and allowing her to reach her fundraising target.

 To help support Sue in achieving her fundrasing target please click here:

James Young

 Doctor James Young is a local doctor working at the Lismore Clinic.

Doctor Young is proud to be supporting the Rescue Helicopter in this exciting fundraising activity.

To help support James in achieving his fundraising target please click here:

Gary Manning

I have wanted to travel to PNG and do the Kodada Trek after hearing about it from an old Digger many years ago. He said, while it was the worst time of his life, it also had some of the best memories. He didn’t talk very much about the starvation, humidity, insects or being fired upon and loosing your mates; but he did love to talk about the friendships.

I was planning to go off on my own and just join a random group, but then I heard that some great people from the Westpac Helicopter were also planning a trip. So I have joined them to help raise much needed funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Fund.

 To help support Gary in achieving his fundraising target please click here:

Maryanne Sewell

 I am Maryanne Sewell. I am married to Mark Sewell crewperson at the Helicopter. We have three children: Claire 19, Amanda 16 and Shaun 13 I am doing the walk as I like the idea of the challenge.

The preparation for Kokoda has been fun with a small group doing regular long local walks. It has been a great way of getting to know the area and the coffee shops.  We did return walks from Cabarita to Kingscliff, Lennox to Ballina, Byron to Bangalow as well as Mount Warning. I just hope that I am fit enough for Kokoda.  

I have wanted to walk Kokoda since a couple of my friends did it in 1984 and I missed the opportunity. I don’t have any family connection with the Kokoda battles, although one of my best friends dad fought there.

 To help support Maryanne in achieving her fundraising target please click here:

Callum Fry

 I’ll be the youngest team member on the Westpac Helicopter Rescue Kokoda Trek, I’ve never been overseas before so this will be a great experience for me personnally.

 I love the outdoors and I can’t wait to start the trek. My Mum and Dad are hoping the experience will be a turning point for me.

My Mum is looking at my time away as ’respite’, at 15yo I have heaps of energy, so I’m looking forward to the challenge of the trek and to see how the the local communities live along Kokoda Track.

 To help support Callum in achieving his fundraising target please click here:

Danielle Teague

Danielle works at the Lismore Helicopter Base as the Finance Officer. 

KOKODA is a dream for me – I like to challenge myself and believe this will be not just a challenge but a moment in my life I will never forget.  I will celebrate my birthday whilst on the trek on August 22nd.

To help support Danielle in achieving her fundraising target please click here:

The idea for the trek came from Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter chief crewman Roger Fry, who wanted to do something adventurous for his 50th birthday, and raise money for the rescue helicopter.

The idea almost came to a stand-still, however, after some of the trekkers had to withdraw from the trip. Making matters worse, the idea of the trip being a ‘fundraiser’ was looking very shaky when a major sponsor could not be found.

As luck would have it, however, North Coast Radiology heard about the event and stepped forward to become the trek’s major sponsor.

North Coast Radiology managing partner Lincoln Gillam said the owners and staff of North Coast Radiology had been donating to the rescue helicopter for many years, and sponsoring a rescue helicopter event made perfect sense.

“When the opportunity came up to sponsor the Kokoda walk, it seemed the obvious thing to do,” Dr Gillam said.

“The rescue helicopter is a vital part of our medical and wider community, and plays a critical role in getting injured and seriously ill people to hospital. Without this vital resource, many lives would be needlessly lost.

“Our radiologists are routinely involved in just about all trauma cases brought in by the helicopter.”

Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter manager of business and events Andy Stewart said organising the trek had been ‘a hard slog’.

“It’s been an incredibly big challenge to make this trip happen; but the biggest challenge is still to come – and that’s the trek, itself,” Mr Stewart said.

The trekkers will depart the Westpac Life Saver Helibase on Friday, August 13, at 2pm.

North Coast Radiology show their Support

Join members our rescue helicopter staff and TREK KOKODA in August 2010 to fundraise for our vital aero-medical service.

HELP OUR FUNDRAISING CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR OUR TREKKERS

Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter is organising a trek to follow the Kokoda Trail in August this year.  Places are limited so be sure to join the adventure now and help save lives in our region. Staff members from the rescue helicopter team will be joining you on this exciting trek.

The Trek will take 10 days; and the whole trip 12 days. Trekkers will depart Sunday, August 14 from Brisbane Airport for Port Moresby and return to Brisbane on Thursday, August 24.

If you choose, you can fundraise the $1500 yourself through washing cars, organising raffles or other ideas and the $1500 can be reimbursed to you, reducing the total cost to $4465. And, those supporting you can receive a tax deductible receipt for donations over $2.

 The Trek participants are encouraged to raise even more than this amount and the person who raises the most will receive a bonus luxury weekend away to relax and enjoy when you return from Kokoda.

 Other charity organisations are charging up to $9000 for similar Kokoda Treks. Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter is able to keep costs down by organising this trek in-house. That way, all of your fundraising efforts stay here with us – in our region – to pay for life saving missions.

          DAY 1           Sunday 15 August – Brisbane to Port Moresby

          DAY 2           Port Moresby to Owers Corner,

Trek Owers Corner to Charlie’s camp

          DAY 3           Charlie’s camp to Ofi Creek

via Imita Ridge and wartime Ioribaiwa village

          DAY 4           Ofi Creek to Agulogo

via the Maguli Range and Nauro village

          DAY 5           Agulogo to Efogi Villiage

via Ladavi Saddle, Menari and Brigade Hill

          DAY 6           Efogi to Lake Myola via Kagi, Naduri and Tovovo Ridge

          DAY 7           Lake Myola to Templeton’s Crossing No2

via Mt Ballamy and the Kokoda Gap

          DAY 8           Templeton’s Crossing No2 to Abuari via Eora Creek

          DAY 9           Abuari village to Isurava Memorial

via waterfall and Eora Creek

          DAY 10         Isurava Memorial to Kovello via Deniki and Hoi

          DAY 11         Kovello to Kokoda.  Charter flight to Port Moresby

          DAY 12         Port Moresby to Brisbane – Thursday 26 August

Joining this trek, you will be part of a team which has a common goal – helping the rescue helicopter save lives. Without doubt, anyone who joins this trek will become part of a special group who share a common bond. 

 Learn more about the trekking company click here

This is the first time Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter has undertaken a fundraising activity such as this.  

The inspiration to do something so exciting and bold came from our Chief Crewman, Roger Fry, who turned 50 this year. This is what Roger had to say about the trek.

The Kokoda idea developed in 2010 because of reaching my 50^th year. Three of my brother in-laws are also reaching this milestone in 2010 and so I suggested to them that a real life challenge is what’s needed in our lives.

The track is also a reflection and recognition of the sacrifices made by Aussie Diggers who were truly challenged by the Kokoda Track in WW2.

I’m proud to be part of the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Kokoda Track challenge, I’ve gained a significant amount of satisfaction whilst being involved in this community based helicopter service.

Danielle Teague, Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter’s finance officer, will be joining Roger on the trek. Never one to say no to an adventure, Danielle said the Trek was too good an opportunity to pass by.

This year, Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter needs to raise an extra $1 million to continue its life-saving missions. The service’s operating budget for 2010 is $6.5M; almost double what it was just four years ago.

Please consider joining us on this exciting trek. Or, support those who do decide to take up the challenge. You can also make a donation online or by phone to show your support.

Places are limited so contact events@helirescue.com.au or phone Andy Stewart on (02) 6627 4406 to register and receive a full information pack today.

Our trek company, ‘Adventure Kokoda’, has been running treks for more than 15 years. After looking at many trek providers, we believe we have chosen the best company for our trek.

We have no doubt this will be one of the greatest experiences you will ever have; it’s sure to be something you’ll tell your grandchildren about.

WHAT ADVENTURE KOKODA SAYS . . .

Our trek leaders are Kokoda historians – many are ex-servicemen. Among them is a decorated Vietnam Veteran; a former Captain of one of Australia’s frontline battleships; a graduate of the army command and staff college; a former officer who served in PNG and is fluent in Pidgin English (Tok Pisin).

Our treks follow the footsteps of the brave along the original wartime track – this is a bit tougher and a bit longer than the more popular ‘eco-tourist track’ but it is far more rewarding for those interested in the history of the campaign.

The route for our 8-day Kokoda treks follows the footsteps of the 39^th Battalion as they crossed the Owen Stanley Ranges to stop the Japanese at Kokoda.  These treks cover all the major battle sites of the campaign including Kokoda, Deniki, Eora Creek, Templetons Crossing, Brigade Hill, Ioribaiwa and Imita Ridge.

Whilst our treks have a strong emphasis on the military history of the Kokoda campaign we have developed a special relationship with the Koiari and Orokaiva people who live along the track over the past 17 years. We provided financial support for village community schools, medical support for people along the track and have donated significant quantities of medical supplies to village medical centres and the Kokoda hospital. As a result of this relationship, our trekkers receive some wonderful hospitality including offerings of local fruits and sing-sings. We also sponsor village students at High Schools in Port Moresby.

The Kokoda Trail is a physically demanding challenge in a rugged and remote environment. We are therefore conscious of our duty of care and have completed a detailed risk assessment of the treks.

WHAT OTHERS SAY about KOKODA ADVENTURE . . .

 Dr Ron Henderson . . .

I can’t recommend you guys highly enough. I have already been approached by my accountant and I will be recommending you to her as the operator of choice. Please keep up the good work.

 Peter Bennett . . .

A wonderful experience that could only have happened because of the passion and respect the Adventure Kokoda team has for Track and its heritage.

 Dean Fielke . . .

We definitely chose the right Trekking company, and the right tour (battlefield). Chad topped it off with his leadership, knowledge and humour and the other trek leaders and porters completed the whole experience. The best history lesson my 2 sons could ever have. Well done and keep showing the world the importance of the Kokoda battle in our short history, and the wonderful people, culture and beauty in the “land of the unexpected”.

Leigh Beardwood 

All the ‘grand finals’ in life added together does not compare to walking under the Owen Stanley Memorial gates. I thought I would shout and punch the air – I didn’t. I simply slapped the upright – walked though the singing porters and sat for a moment – my heart felt full, light tears in my eyes and thanked God I made it. I get the same feeling when ever I talk about it with friends, and now as I write this – for this I am truly thankful for the opportunity Adventure Kokoda allowed me to undertake.

Col Ryder . . .

We came across another trekking company taking a group along the trail. It was pretty obvious that Adventure Kokoda was miles in front of them when it comes to professionalism. No contest.

About our Niugini Guides and Carriers . . .  

(Adventure Kokoda only engages Koiari and Orokaiva guides from villages along the track – they are the sons of the legendary Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels)

Caroline Pemberton

The boys are heroes on the trek. Their generosity, thoughtful helpfulness and selflessness is incredible. Whenever you were about to slip, hands would come out of nowhere to set you right again.

Christine Green . . .  

AMAZING, couldn’t have done it without them! Their singing was especially inspiring. It would have been nice to interact with the porters more at the camp sites. I found the segregation a little difficult.

Sean Pearson . . .

Without them the trek would not have been as enjoyable. They are the best advert for Adventure Kokoda.

DON’T MISS OUT – PLEASE REMEMBER…

Places are limited, so contact events@helirescue.com.au or phone Andy Stewart on (02) 6627 4406 to register and receive a full information pack today.

JOIN OUR TEAM!

TREK KOKODA

For your rescue helicopter

Now in its thirteenth year, the Show has raised more than $800,000 for Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter and last year injected approximately $2 million into the Northern Rivers economy. And, it’s your opportunity to view hundreds of the industry’s latest products at the one, convenient venue.

Again this year, there is a great lucky door prize to be won. Everyone who attends the show will have a chance to win a three-metre Quintrex tinny – with motor – valued at $2100, courtesy of Watsons Trimming and Marine.

This run-about would be a great little addition to anyone’s recreational suitcase and is compact enough to be towed by even a four-cylinder car.

In addition to great prizes and being able to see the latest industry products, the Show is about raising funds for Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter. Yellow Pages has demonstrated its strong community support by coming on-board as the Show’s naming-rights sponsor. Yellow Pages has also generously got behind other projects run by Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter

Yellow Pages account director Chrissy Burton said Yellow Pages believed the rescue helicopter was a vital regional service and was proud to be supporting it.

“Yellow Pages is heavily committed to supporting the local community and the rescue helicopter is a very worthy local organisation,” Ms Burton said.

FOR TICKETS please click “HERE”

Opera at The Channon is one of the most popular cultural events on the NSW north coast and features the young stars of the Queensland Opera Company.

A very unique event, Opera at The Channon caters to a variety of different tastes – opera buffs and novices alike can choose to dress formally and enjoy a ‘silver service’ luncheon under a grand marquee or take their own picnic hampers and enjoy the picturesque country setting and lush green hills in Coronation Park. Following lunch guests are treated to an afternoon of fine music, with a stunning selection from famous operas and musicals.

Tickets to the popular event always sell quickly, so get in early to avoid disappointment! Purchase an ‘early bird’ ticket before June 11 and save $10 on ‘Opera/Luncheon’ tickets and $5 on ‘Opera Only’ tickets.

Opera & Luncheon tickets: $135 (Early Bird: $125)
Opera Only: $50 (Early Bird: $45) 

TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT GO ON SALE Friday 21 May.  Early Bird price ends Friday 11 June

A bus service to The Channon will be available on the day – picking up from Byron Bay, Lennox Head, Ballina, Alstonville and Lismore (cost is $10).

Tickets are not yet available for this event . Available from Friday 21 May

Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter is organising a trek to follow the Kokoda Trail in August this year.  Places are limited so be sure to join the adventure now and help save lives in our region. Staff members from the rescue helicopter team will be joining you on this exciting trek.

The Trek will take 10 days; and the whole trip 12 days. Trekkers will depart Sunday, August 15, from Brisbane Airport for Port Moresby and return to Brisbane on Thursday, August 26.

The cost of this adventure of a life-time is $5,965. But how does this work as a fundraiser? 

Your $5,965 includes everything – accommodation, most meals and return airfares from Brisbane. As well, $1500 of the cost is built-in as a donation to the rescue helicopter. 

If you choose, you can fundraise the $1500 yourself through washing cars, organising raffles or other ideas and the $1500 can be reimbursed to you, reducing the total cost to $4465. And, those supporting you can receive a tax deductible receipt for donations over $2.

The Trek participants are encouraged to raise even more than this amount and the person who raises the most will receive a bonus luxury weekend away to relax and enjoy when you return from Kokoda.

Other charity organisations are charging up to $9000 for similar Kokoda Treks. Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter is able to keep costs down by organising this trek in-house. That way, all of your fundraising efforts stay here with us – in our region – to pay for life saving missions.

DAY 1           Sunday 15 August – Brisbane to Port Moresby

          DAY 2           Port Moresby to Owers Corner,

Trek Owers Corner to Charlie’s camp

          DAY 3           Charlie’s camp to Ofi Creek

via Imita Ridge and wartime Ioribaiwa village

          DAY 4           Ofi Creek to Agulogo

via the Maguli Range and Nauro village

          DAY 5           Agulogo to Efogi Villiage

via Ladavi Saddle, Menari and Brigade Hill

          DAY 6           Efogi to Lake Myola via Kagi, Naduri and Tovovo Ridge

          DAY 7           Lake Myola to Templeton’s Crossing No2

via Mt Ballamy and the Kokoda Gap

          DAY 8           Templeton’s Crossing No2 to Abuari via Eora Creek

          DAY 9           Abuari village to Isurava Memorial

via waterfall and Eora Creek

          DAY 10         Isurava Memorial to Kovello via Deniki and Hoi

          DAY 11         Kovello to Kokoda.  Charter flight to Port Moresby

          DAY 12         Port Moresby to Brisbane – Thursday 26 August

Joining this trek, you will be part of a team which has a common goal – helping the rescue helicopter save lives. Without doubt, anyone who joins this trek will become part of a special group who share a common bond. 

This is the first time Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter has undertaken a fundraising activity such as this.  

The inspiration to do something so exciting and bold came from our Chief Crewman, Roger Fry, who turned 50 this year. This is what Roger had to say about the trek.

The Kokoda idea developed in 2010 because of reaching my 50^th year. Three of my brother in-laws are also reaching this milestone in 2010 and so I suggested to them that a real life challenge is what’s needed in our lives.

The track is also a reflection and recognition of the sacrifices made by Aussie Diggers who were truly challenged by the Kokoda Track in WW2.

I’m proud to be part of the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Kokoda Track challenge, I’ve gained a significant amount of satisfaction whilst being involved in this community based helicopter service.

Danielle Teague, Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter’s finance officer, will be joining Roger on the trek. Never one to say no to an adventure, Danielle said the Trek was too good an opportunity to pass by.

This year, Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter needs to raise an extra $1 million to continue its life-saving missions. The service’s operating budget for 2010 is $6.5M; almost double what it was just four years ago.

Please consider joining us on this exciting trek. Or, support those who do decide to take up the challenge. You can also make a donation online or by phone to show your support.

Places are limited so contact events@helirescue.com.au or phone Andy Stewart on (02) 6627 4406 to register and receive a full information pack today.

Our trek company, ‘Adventure Kokoda’, has been running treks for more than 15 years. After looking at many trek providers, we believe we have chosen the best company for our trek.

We have no doubt this will be one of the greatest experiences you will ever have; it’s sure to be something you’ll tell your grandchildren about.

WHAT ADVENTURE KOKODA SAYS . . .

Our trek leaders are Kokoda historians – many are ex-servicemen. Among them is a decorated Vietnam Veteran; a former Captain of one of Australia’s frontline battleships; a graduate of the army command and staff college; a former officer who served in PNG and is fluent in Pidgin English (Tok Pisin).

Our treks follow the footsteps of the brave along the original wartime track – this is a bit tougher and a bit longer than the more popular ‘eco-tourist track’ but it is far more rewarding for those interested in the history of the campaign.

The route for our 8-day Kokoda treks follows the footsteps of the 39^th Battalion as they crossed the Owen Stanley Ranges to stop the Japanese at Kokoda.  These treks cover all the major battle sites of the campaign including Kokoda, Deniki, Eora Creek, Templetons Crossing, Brigade Hill, Ioribaiwa and Imita Ridge.

Whilst our treks have a strong emphasis on the military history of the Kokoda campaign we have developed a special relationship with the Koiari and Orokaiva people who live along the track over the past 17 years. We provided financial support for village community schools, medical support for people along the track and have donated significant quantities of medical supplies to village medical centres and the Kokoda hospital. As a result of this relationship, our trekkers receive some wonderful hospitality including offerings of local fruits and sing-sings. We also sponsor village students at High Schools in Port Moresby.

The Kokoda Trail is a physically demanding challenge in a rugged and remote environment. We are therefore conscious of our duty of care and have completed a detailed risk assessment of the treks.

WHAT OTHERS SAY about KOKODA ADVENTURE . . .

 Dr Ron Henderson . . .

I can’t recommend you guys highly enough. I have already been approached by my accountant and I will be recommending you to her as the operator of choice. Please keep up the good work.

 Peter Bennett . . .

A wonderful experience that could only have happened because of the passion and respect the Adventure Kokoda team has for Track and its heritage.

 Dean Fielke . . .

We definitely chose the right Trekking company, and the right tour (battlefield). Chad topped it off with his leadership, knowledge and humour and the other trek leaders and porters completed the whole experience. The best history lesson my 2 sons could ever have. Well done and keep showing the world the importance of the Kokoda battle in our short history, and the wonderful people, culture and beauty in the “land of the unexpected”.

Leigh Beardwood 

All the ‘grand finals’ in life added together does not compare to walking under the Owen Stanley Memorial gates. I thought I would shout and punch the air – I didn’t. I simply slapped the upright – walked though the singing porters and sat for a moment – my heart felt full, light tears in my eyes and thanked God I made it. I get the same feeling when ever I talk about it with friends, and now as I write this – for this I am truly thankful for the opportunity Adventure Kokoda allowed me to undertake.

Col Ryder . . .

We came across another trekking company taking a group along the trail. It was pretty obvious that Adventure Kokoda was miles in front of them when it comes to professionalism. No contest.

About our Niugini Guides and Carriers . . .  

(Adventure Kokoda only engages Koiari and Orokaiva guides from villages along the track – they are the sons of the legendary Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels)

Caroline Pemberton

The boys are heroes on the trek. Their generosity, thoughtful helpfulness and selflessness is incredible. Whenever you were about to slip, hands would come out of nowhere to set you right again.

Christine Green . . .  

AMAZING, couldn’t have done it without them! Their singing was especially inspiring. It would have been nice to interact with the porters more at the camp sites. I found the segregation a little difficult.

Sean Pearson . . .

Without them the trek would not have been as enjoyable. They are the best advert for Adventure Kokoda.

DON’T MISS OUT – PLEASE REMEMBER…

Places are limited, so contact events@helirescue.com.au or phone Andy Stewart on (02) 6627 4406 to register and receive a full information pack today.

JOIN OUR TEAM!

TREK KOKODA

For your rescue helicopter

THESE ARE GREAT VALUE – Buy one for $100 and you will be helping our helicopter while treating yourself. 

This would normally cost you over $600 – but for just $100 it is fantastic value for you – what a way to help the helicopter – and help save lives.  TREAT YOURSELF TODAY. Contact our office 6627 4444 or LISMORE DESTINY

68 Through St, South Grafton

Ph: 6643 3355

Trading Hours

Monday to Friday: 9am until 4pm

Saturday: 9am until noon