Adventure Kokoda

Why Adventure Kokoda?

10 reasons to trek with Adventure Kokoda:Cathy Weeks at Efogi Village

1. We have more FUN! - check our Facebook pics here

2. We have 20 years experience leading groups safely across the Kokoda Trail.

4. Our trek leaders are experts in the history, culture and trekking environment of Kokoda. 

5. Our sensible 10-day trek itinerary allows us to follow more of the original wartime trail than any other trekking company.

6. There are no 'hidden extras' in our trek prices.

7. We are the leading advocates for the preservation of our wartime heritage along the Kokoda Trail.

8. We are the company of choice for media networks - our treks have featured in television documentaries on all major stations.

9. We established the Network Kokoda Foundation to honour the legacy of our Kokoda veterans and the PNG Wartime Carriers.

10.  We are the leading philanthropic company on the Kokoda Trail - see below . . .

How is Adventure Kokoda different from other trek operators?

We are the only Australian trekking company to specialise exclusively on the Kokoda Trail.

Our trek leaders are wartime historians and experienced expedition leaders - their job is to get you safely across the Kokoda Trail and provide you with a historical and cultural experience you will never forget. There is a touch of the digger larrikin in all of them so we tend to have a lot of fun in the course of our 'adversity' along the trail.

Your personal safety is paramount. We therefore have a 24-hour rear link to Port Moresby by satellite phone and VHF radio in case you need help. We are experienced in remote area first aid. We carry a comprehensive 1st Aid Kit and we have mapped every helipad along the entire Kokoda Trail.

We have been the leading advocate for Kokoda for the past 20 years. While others talk about veterans they have read about - we met with them while they were still alive and had extensive dialogue with them - Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Honner MC, Lietenant Colonel Phil Rhoden OBE, Sergeant Lindsay Bear DCM MM, Charlie Butler, Albert Moore and Rapheal Oembari (the famous fuzzy wuzzy angel) to name a few. This was a decade before the goldrush of trek operators arrived after the 60th anniversary of the Kokoda campaign in 2002.

Trek Leaders, Major Charlie Lynn and Major Chad Sherrin, were trained by WW11 New Guinea veterans before going to Vietnam in the 1960s. They have passed on their knowledge and experience to each of our Adventure Kokoda Trek leaders.

We also pride ourselves on leaving the biggest footprint behind in Papua New Guinea. We sponsor students at Port Moresby Grammar School; we sponsor a student at the University of PNG; we support the Tessie Soi Friends Foundation; we build water systems in villages; we deliver school supplies to villages on every one of our treks; and we provide medical supplies and support to the Kokoda Hospital and the Sogeri Medical Clinic. We don't talk about it - we do it!

When you trek with us you become part of a special Kokoda network. You become eligible to attend our two annual Kokoda Reunion Dinners at Parliament House in Melbourne (March) and Parliament House in Sydney (August). These are sell-out functions which raise funds to support our philanthropic endeavours in Papua New Guinea.

Kokoda is more than a trek to us - and our trekkers. It is the beginning of a special relationship with our neighbours in Papua New Guinea - the descendents of the famous 'fuzzy-wuzzy angels'. It is also arouses our consciosness about the sacrifice our diggers made in defence of our homeland during the war in the Pacific from 1941 to 1945.

Why trek with Adventure Kokoda is best answered by a recent female trekker . . .

'It started with our usual Saturday morning sojourn to Chelsea. This time however, as we walked passed an empty shop, we noticed that Personal Gym Trainers were moving in. Sparking our interest, we read their information on the window. Among their list of achievements and goals was the statement “Training for the Kokoda Trail”. After reading this, Martin turned to me and said “you could do that”, and my reply was “I would love to”! “Well then”, he said, “you better make enquiries”. My incredulous “are you serious” was greeted by “of course”.

'And so my 15 week journey began. “Kokoda”, Googled on the internet brings up a myriad of sites and links, but it didn’t take me long to locate “Adventure Kokoda”, and to decide that they were the people that I would travel with. My first reason was because of the Historical content of the trek, - we would be following “In the footsteps of the brave”, retracing the battle of retreat, and the various battle stands and abandond armaments etc. Secondly, the strong emphasis on safety (which was paramount to Martin), was not biased just on what Adventure Kokoda offered, but made you well aware that whoever you trekked with – there was certain criteria and procedures that were essential. And lastly (this appealed to me most), was the financial and practical support that Adventure Kokoda gave to the different villages that we would be passing though . . . click here to read of her remarkable journey.

Adventure Kokoda is a specialist Kokoda trekking company. We have been leading groups over the Owen Stanley Range for 20 years and have the most experienced trek leaders operating on the Kokoda Trail. These include:

  • Major Charlie Lynn. A Vietnam Veteran who has been leading treks across the track for the past 20 years - he has made more than 50 crossings of the track. Charlie established Adventure Kokoda in 1991 - a specialist Kokoda Trekking Company with professional trek leaders who are expert in expedition leadership and the history of the Kokoda campaign.
  • Major Chad Sherrin MM. A Vietnam war hero who was awarded a Military Medal for bravery during the war. After his service in Vietnam Chad was posted to the Army Jungle Training School at Canungra where he was an expert instructor. He is also an expert on weapons and ammunition used by both the Australian and Japanese forces. Chad has led more than more than 30 expeditons across the track.
  • Commodore Simon Hart. Simon had a distinguished Naval career which included command of two frontline battle-ships - HMAS Hobart and HMAS Brisbane. Simon is also an expert bushman and passionate advocate of the Kokoda campaign.
  • Lieutenant-Colonel Rowan Tracey. Rowan was the Brigade Sergeant Major of his class at the Royal Military College in Duntroon. He graduated as an officer in the Armoured Corp and later transferred to Ordnance where he specialised in higher level logistics. During his distinguished career he served with the PNG Defence Force and is fluent in Tok-Pisin.
  • Lieutenant-Colonel Ron Beattie. Ron is a graduate of the Royal Military College, Duntroon. During his 21 years service in the Australian Army he completed two tours of active duty in Vietnam and held command positions at platoon, company and battalion level. Ron later served on the Directing Staff at the prestigious Army Command and Staff College.
  • John Nalder. A great bushman who used to work for Aussie icon, Steve Irwin. John is an Emergency Services trainer with extensive experience in remote area 1st Aid. He has a passionate interest in the history of the campaign and a detailed knowledge of each battle site. John recently featured on a television documentary with the ABC Compass Program when he led a group of disadvantaged young people across the track as part of the Adventure Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge.
  • Peter Davis. Peter has been trekking Kokoda for the past six years. He is currently studying for a PhD in Military History with the Australian Defence Force Academy. Peter also accompanies the Army History Unit to Papua New Guinea to investigate issues of interest regarding the campaigns in New Guinea during WW2. He has recently climbed Mt Victoria and explored the area to the west of the Kokoda track. Peter is a committed Rotarian and has worked throughout PNG on village aid projects.
  • Bernie Rowell. Bernie has completed more than 20 crossings of the Kokoda Trail as a Deputy Trek Leader with Charlie Lynn, Chad Sherrin and Simon Hart. Bernie is passionate about the Kokoda campaign and the culture of the Koiari and Orokaiva people who live along it.

All Adventure Kokoda Trek Leaders are qualified in first aid, emergency evacuation, communications and expedition leadership.

From Tom Misden - a recent trekker with Adventure Kokoda . . .

“Dear Charlie,

“The main reasons for writing are firstly to compliment our leaders, John and Peter. Their leadership, management and absolute passion for the trail, the people and the history were simply outstanding. John's passion and his commitment to helping us share so much of Kokoda without doubt made our experience so much more valuable. And he seemed to have private time for everybody, an amazing man. And the emotion that surfaced because of John's delivery caught us by surprise, such was his passion for 'Kokoda'. Peter, although relatively 'new' also displays the great affection and relationship with the people, particularly the young, and commitment to the diggers. No doubt he is a great developing asset for Adventure Kokoda, in the mould of John.

“Secondly, now having compared notes with other trekkers, individually or with other companies, it is clear to us that Adventure Kokoda are very professional in all aspects leading up to the trek and then, critically, every aspect on the track is planned and managed. You and your whole organisation deserve every credit for what you do for trekkers, villages, schools and for the memory of our brave young Aussies who 'created' Kokoda. We have only just begun to live the spirit, thanks to Adventure Kokoda that will only grow.”

OUR 'FUZZY WUZZY ANGEL' PLEDGE

'To use Adventure Kokoda for the betterment of the villages along the Kokoda Trail and the people of PNG'.


How does Adventure Kokoda operate in PNG?

Adventure Kokoda uses local PNG companies to provide logistic support for our trek operations. Trek guides and porters are provided by a local trekking company, Kokoda Experience PNG and all trek logistics - transport, air charters, meals, etc are provided by Sogeri Enterprise PNG.

How does Adventure Kokoda help villages along the Kokoda Trail?

Adventure Kokoda has a philosophy of 'giving back to the track'. The company has a proud record of funding special projects and assisting the health and education needs of villages along the track. It has:

  • Raised $500,000 for the devastating drought in PNG in 1996 in partnership with the Returned Services League of Australia.
  • Raised $175,000 to complete a strategic plan for the Kokoda Trail to be proclaimed as a National Memorial Park.
  • Established a ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel Scholarship Program' in partnership with the PNG Kokoda Track Authority to educate 50 village students across the track at boarding schools in Sogeri and Popondetta.
  • Established a 'Kokoda Bursary Program' for Koiari and Orokaiva students to study at the Port Moresby Grammar School.
  •  Raised $15,000 to support the following village schools along the Kokoda track:
    • Nauro Village Community School
    • Menari Primary School
    • Efogi Village Community School
    • Kovovo Primary School
    • Kovello Primary School
    • Alola Village Community School
    • Abuari Village Community School
    • Kokoda Primary School
  • Donated $10,000 to the Kokoda Hospital and $2,500 to the Menari Medical Clinic for medical supplies
  • Raised K4,500 for an emergency operation for a young boy from Hoi Village.
  • Raised $80,000 for Legacy during special fundraising treks in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
  • Raised $10,000 by sponsoring an entrant in the ‘RSL Girl-in-a-Million Quest’ to trek Kokoda in 2006.
  • Sponsored treks for young people from the following organisations:
    • Legacy
    • Father Chris Riley's Youth Off The Streets
    • Youth Insearch
    • Camp Dare
    • Westmead Childrens Hospital
    • The 39th Militia Battalion Association
    • The 39th Combat Support Battalion
  • Donated treks to raise funds for the following organisations:
    • The Kokoda Track Foundation
    • The Humpty Dumpty Foundation
    • The Royal Blind Society
    • The Diabetes Foundation
    • Foodbank in Mt Gambier
    • Lions International

How does Charlie Lynn help PNG and Kokoda?

Charlie worked closely with the PNG Minister for Intergovernment Relations, Sir Peter Barter MP, in having the PNG Kokoda Track Authority established to manage trek operations along the Kokoda track.

In addition to this Charlie has taken the following initiatives to ensure the historical, cultural and environmentat integrity of the Kokoda Trail are protected for future generations:

The following testimonials are indicative of the recognition given to Charlie in his efforts to have the Kokoda Trail properly recognised:

From the National President of the RSL on 27 November 2001:

'Dear Charlie,

I am pleased to advise that the National Executive of the RSL has endorsed the proposal to establish a master plan for development of a Kokoda Track Memorial Park.

Thank you for taking the time to address our National Executive and for the personal effort you have put into promoting this concept.

As we approach the 60th anniverary of the epic battles of the Kokodoa Track, it is appropriate that we honour those who lost their lives there or served their country so valiantly.

Yours sincerely.

Major-General Peter Phillips AO MC''


From the Premier of New South Wales on 12 December 2002:

Dear Charlie,

I've always been impressed by your love of the Track and your determination to ensure its place in the Australian imagination is never lost.

You know better than most that the Kokoda Track isn't just a place where our salvation was won - though we should remember and document and treasure every inch of it. Kokoda's now part of the Australian dreaming, a sacred site.

More than than. The men of Kokoda are among the greatest of heroes in a land that rightly canonises few heroes. And as time slowly steals the survivors from our midst, it's hard to resist thinking that Australians in the not too distant future will look back with almost disbelief at the giants who lived in those days.

Thanks again.

Yours sincerely,

Bob Carr MP

Premier


From The Hon Arthur Somare MP on 21 September 2004:

Dear Mr Lynn,

I write to personally thank you for arranging to meet the members of the PNG Parliamentary Select Committee on the Pacific Economic Community in Sydney last week. We are very grateful for you hosting lunch for us at your beautiful parliament setting.

Your tireless work over the years in promoting Papua New Guinea in Australia and the world is something we are very grateful for and will do everything possible to compliment your efforts in the future. I am pleased that the PNG Tourism Authority has been working closely with you on issues of interest concerning the Kokoda Trail and the promotion of tourism as a vibrant industry in PNG.

I will shortly be bringing to the attention of the Ministry for Works the urgency to upgrade the road leading to Owers Corner in Sogeri area.

It is my hope that our meeting in Sydney has set the foundation for further ehhancement of relations at a personal level between our two countries. I very much look forward to meeting you and your co-workers again when you next visit Port Moresby.

Yours sincerely,

Arthur T. Somare MP

Does Adventure Kokoda have a Code of Conduct for PNG Trek Guides?

Adventure Kokoda provides the following for trek guides and carriers they engage:

  • Daily pay scale as recommended by the Kokoda Track Authority
  • Trek uniform comprising a cap, shirt and shorts
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping mat
  • Fresh meals
  • First Aid Training for Trek Medics
  • First Aid Kit for Guides and Carriers
  • Transport to and from the track

How does Adventure Kokoda build a bridge between PNG and young Australians?

Adventure Kokoda has:
Raised $80,000 for Legacy during special fundraising treks in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Raised $10,000 by sponsoring an entrant in the ‘RSL Girl-in-a-Million Quest’ to trek Kokoda in 2006.
Sponsored treks for young people from the following organisations:
. Legacy
. Father Chris Riley's Youth Off The Streets
. Youth Insearch
. Camp Dare
. Westmead Childrens Hospital
. The 39th Militia Battalion Association
. The 39th Combat Support Battalion
Donated treks to raise funds for the following organisations:
. Diabetes Australia
. The Royal Blind SociThe Kokoda Track Foundation
. The Humpty Dumpty Foundation
. Foodbank in Mt Gambier
. Lions International


From Major Charlie Lynn, founder of Adventure Kokoda . . .

My interest in the Kokoda campaign goes back to early childhood VX 131849 Private Keith Charles Lynnreadings of the 'Khaki and Green' series of books produced at the end of the Pacific War. These books featured short stories, poems and illustrations of diggers who fought in the battles that saved Australia. One of these was my late father, VX 131849, Private Keith Charles Lynn (pictured) who served in Milne Bay, Lae and Finschafen in New Guinea.

The stories I read were etched in my mind from an early age as were my memories of Anzac Day parades and reunions in our small Gippsland town of Orbost. I now know that these stories and memories were replicated in every town throughout Australia after the war. Through the telling of these stories one word captured the spirit of our involvement in the Pacific War - Kokoda!

When I first walked the track in 1991 I was sadly disappointed to find that this important icon had been ignored by successive governments since the end of the war. The jungle had reclaimed the battlesites; no monuments or memorials had been erected by Government along the track; the legendary 'fuzzy-wuzzy angels' had never been issued with a medal; the study of the campaign is not part of our education systems; and no feature film had ever been produced.

“I felt strongly that the spirit of Kokoda deserved better recognition than this.

I therefore organised a special commemorative trek for the 50th anniversary of the Kokoda campaign in April 1992. The trek featured as the cover story of The Bulletin magazine. This led to increased public interest in the story of the diggers who fought against all the odds during the darkest days of our history in 1942.

“Since then I have led more than 50 expeditions involving Australians from all walks of life across the track. During this time we have identified the battlesites of Mission Ridge, Brigade Hill, Isurava, Eora Creek and Deniki. We have encouraged the Federal Government to erect a magnificent memorial at Isurava and have established the Kokoda Trust to have the track proclaimed as a National Memorial Park.Charlie Lynn

With more and more Australians now wanting to explore Kokoda we have established a specialist trekking company and enlisted the support of experienced trek leaders with a passionate interest in the military historical aspects of the Kokoda campaign. Our aim is to ensure that trekkers can complete the journey safely, learn about Australia’s history and discover something about themselves in the process.

Together we will ensure the spirit of Kokoda is never forgotten.

Hepi trekking - lukim yu,

Charlie Lynn
Australian Army: 1965-1986


Obituary: VX131849, Private Keith Charles Lynn - New Guinea Veteran