Charlie's Premium Kokoda Campaign Trek

Days
10
From
$4,695
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

Major Charlie Lynn's Premium 10-day trek

Over the past 30 years Charlie has developed the ultimate trek itinerary to allow trekkers to maximise the value of their pilgrimage.

His Premium Treks include visits to all battlefields, fire support bases, logistic areas and evacuation centres along the original Kokoda Trail. 

In addition to this we take a day to explore the mystical, historical Myola lakes which were considered to be tabu by the local Koiari  tribes from the beginning of time until 1942.

We also trek across to the eastern side of the range that was defended by the 53rd and 2/16th Battalions.

We provide superior battlefield presentations regarding the strategy of the Kokoda campaign; the phases of war; the principles applicable to each phase; our battlefield tactics; and soldiers recollections.

We follow the original wartime trail mapped by the Royal Australian Army Survey Corps in 1981 and rediscovered through numerous mapping expeditions led by Major Charlie Lynn over a three year period from 2010 - 2013.

What's included

  • Meals
  • All transportation
  • All accommodation
  • All trek fees
  • Mosquito-proof tents

Dates & Availability for Charlie's Premium Kokoda Campaign Trek

Date
Status Price  
29 Mar - 9 Apr 2024
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Peter Morrison Taking Bookings $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795
13 Apr - 25 Apr 2024
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Scott Babington Fully Booked $6,295 $5,895 $5,995 $5,095 Booking closed
14 Apr - 25 Apr 2024
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Chad Sherrin Fully Booked $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795 Booking closed
24 Apr - 5 May 2024
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Craig Moffat Taking Bookings $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795
6 May - 17 May 2024
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Chad Sherrin Taking Bookings $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795
13 May - 24 May 2024
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Dave Sherry Taking Bookings $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795
1 Jun - 12 Jun 2024
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Reg Yates Taking Bookings $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795
10 Jun - 21 Jun 2024
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Scott Babington Taking Bookings $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795
24 Jun - 5 Jul 2024
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Rowan Tracey Taking Bookings $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795
1 Jul - 12 Jul 2024
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Scott Babington Taking Bookings $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795
5 Jul - 16 Jul 2024
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Peter Morrison Taking Bookings $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795
21 Jul - 1 Aug 2024
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Peter Davis Taking Bookings $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795
5 Aug - 16 Aug 2024
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Private group only Private group
12 Aug - 23 Aug 2024
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Chad Sherrin Taking Bookings $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795
23 Aug - 3 Sep 2024
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Scott Babington Taking Bookings $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795
31 Aug - 11 Sep 2024
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Scott Babington Taking Bookings $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795
2 Sep - 13 Sep 2024
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Peter Morrison Taking Bookings $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795
16 Sep - 27 Sep 2024
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Craig Moffat Taking Bookings $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795
23 Sep - 4 Oct 2024
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Private group only Private group
24 Sep - 5 Oct 2024
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Peter Morrison Taking Bookings $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795
1 Oct - 12 Oct 2024
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Craig Moffat Taking Bookings $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795
7 Oct - 18 Oct 2024
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Dave Sherry Taking Bookings $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795
24 Oct - 4 Nov 2024
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Peter Morrison Taking Bookings $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795
13 Apr - 25 Apr 2025
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Scott Babington Taking Bookings $6,445 $6,045 $6,145 $5,245
14 Apr - 25 Apr 2025
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Taking Bookings $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795
24 Apr - 5 May 2025
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Taking Bookings $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795
13 Apr - 25 Apr 2026
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Scott Babington Taking Bookings $6,445 $6,045 $6,145 $5,245
14 Apr - 25 Apr 2026
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Taking Bookings $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795
24 Apr - 5 May 2026
Owers Corner to Kokoda
Taking Bookings $5,995 $5,595 $5,695 $4,795

Photos from the Charlie's Premium Kokoda Campaign Trek

FAQs about this trek

We provide a personal tent for each trekker. 

Our tents are fully screened and provide protection from malarial mosquitos, leeches, cockroaches, mice and other creepy-crawlies.

For personal protection, privacy, comfort and convenience our guides will set up your tent each night - pack it up the next morning - carry if to the next campsite and have it ready for you again.

Guesthouses in villages along the trail are built from local bush materials - they offer basic shelter from the elements but don't have any privacy or screened protection from malarial mosquitos, leeches, cockroaches, rats and mice, etc!

The increase in trekker numbers over recent years has led to an increase in infestation in villages guesthouses.

If you have to sleep in these because your trek operator does not provide mosquito proof tents make sure you sleep with your mouth closed and that you don't mind the pitter-patter of little mice running across your forehead - if you are a bit sensitive in this area the only guarantee you have against the local infestation is to sleep in an insect proof tent.

There is also no protection from the inevitable snorer in guesthouses where everybody is required to bunk together.

Most trekkers bring some of their favourite snacks to nibble on between meals during the day.  These include biscuits, chocolate bars, jelly beans, etc.

Try and avoid too many dried fruit and nut mixes as they are heavy and can be a bit hard on the digestive system.

Your daily snack pack should not exceed 150 grams.

When planning to complete the journey along the Kokoda Trail the most common question we are asked is whether it is safe. 

The Kokoda Trail is a rugged and remote 130 kilometre jungle path across some of the most hazardous terrain most people will ever traverse. The trail itself can be quite dangerous with steep jungle clad mountains and swift-flowing rivers/creeks strewn with large rocky boulders.  Much of the area is inaccessible by helicopter.  Rivers and creeks can rise rapidly after heavy rain in the catchment area and can be dangerous to cross.

In order to minimise risk it is therefore essential to trek with a reputable trek operator.

If an emergency occurs it is vital that your trek leader be experienced and capable of handling the situation.  Ideally they should also be equipped with a satellite phone and VHF radio with a reliable back-to-base line of communication that maintains a 24/7 listening watch.

As a trekker you need to ensure you are protected with a personal Travel Insurance policy to cover your medical evacuation and treatment costs should you become sick or suffer a personal injury.  It is your responsibility to ensure the insurer you select will approve immediate air evacuation from the Kokoda Trail if the call is made by your trek leader.

You also need to ensure the operator you choose to trek with has suitable Public Liability Insurance protection.  If they don't have it don't even think about trekking with them.

You should not confuse Personal Travel Insurance (your responsibility) with Public Liability Insurance (trek operator's responsibility).

Adventure Kokoda only use trek guides and personal carriers from the Koiari and Orokaiva people who live along the trail. These are the sons of the famous 'fuzzy-wuzzy angels' who look after our trekkers just as their fathers looked after our diggers.

Our trek leaders are trained in emergency evacuation procedures and are qualified in emergency first aid.  They also carry satellite phones and VHF radios with direct links to our rear base at Sogeri for use in emergency situations.

Adventure Kokoda is one of the few trekking companies to complete a  comprehensive risk assessment of the trek and has been able to secure public liability insurance protection for trekkers as a result.  The policy has a limit of A$10 million per claim. 

Our good relationship formed over the past 30 years with our guides, carriers and the people living along the trail ensures our trekkers have a safe passage.

Yes he does. 

The VHF radio net along the Kokoda Trail has improved however there is only one channel and it is sometimes difficult to break into the chatter.  The system does not have a base station with a 24/7 listening watch which could be critical in an emergency.

Professional operators are equipped with satellite phones for use in emergencies.

Trek Operators who do not have a satellite phone with an active account fall into the 'dodgy' category - unfortunately they exist and the only protection trekkers have is the old caveat emptor of 'Let the buyer beware'.

 

You should not have any worries if you are travelling with a reputable trek operator who utilizes a secure hotel and pre-arranged transport in Port Moresby.

Our trek leaders meet you on arrival at the Port Moresby airport; accompany you to your accommodation; provide detailed pre-trek briefings and equipment checks; lead you safely across the trail; and escort you back to the Port Moresby airport at the end of your trek.  We are with you the entire time you are in PNG.

Our relationships with local villagers along the trail is based on mutual respect because of the employment we provide to their local Koiari and Orokaiva guides; the money we have invested into their local campsites; and the community benefits we provide through our not-for-profit company, Network Kokoda.

 

 

Meet the Trek Leaders

Major Charlie Lynn OAM OL

In 2015 Charlie was inducted as an Officer of the Logohu by the Government of Papua New Guinea in their New Years Honours and Awards list 'for service to the bilateral relations between Papua New Guinea and Australia and especially in the development of the Kokoda Trail and its honoured place in the history of both nations' over the past 25 years.'   More..

Major Chad Sherrin MM

Chad is a decorated Vietnam veteran - he was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in action.  Chad first joined the 8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (8 RAR) as a tracking dog handler.  He was promoted through the ranks to Sergeant while serving with 8 RAR and served with the Battalion in Malaysia and South Vietnam.  More..

Peter Morrison

Peter Morrison is an unassuming young Australian.  He first trekked with Adventure Kokoda almost a decade ago and developed a strong desire to learn more about the campaign and the people he met along the trail.  Peter is a professional boxer and former NSW Welterweight  Champion.  More..

 

Major Scott Babington

Scott joined the Australian Army as a 16 year old apprentice in 1985.  He was promoted through the ranks and has spent over 34 years serving in the Australian Regular Army.  

Scott has worked with the United Nations in Sudan as a Military Observer and as an Adviser in Afghanistan with the US 82nd Airborne and the 3rd Infantry Divisions.  More..

 

Major Craig Moffat OAM

Craig joined the Australian Army in 1979 and was posted to the Royal Australian Infantry Corps where he has served for 40 years with over 20 years serving in Special Operations Command as a Commando.  

Craig has seen regimental service as a soldier and officer rising through the ranks within The Royal Australian Regiment and Special Operations Command, his career culminated as soldier with two Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) appointments prior to commissioning to officer in 2005.  More..

Lieutenant Colonel Rowan Tracey LLB BA

Rowan is a pioneer of the Kokoda Trail.  He first trekked it 30 years ago when he served with the PNG Defence Force.  He is fluent in the local language 'Tok Pisin'.  Rowan is a military historian and is acknowledged as the most eminent authority on the strategy and tactics of the Kokoda campaign.  More..

Captain Reg Yates

Over the past 34 years Captain Reg Yates has explored most of the WW11 battlesites in PNG. He is fluent in Tok Pisin and is well respected by village elders along the Kokoda Trail.  More..

 

Commodore Simon Hart CSC MSc MA

Simon joined the Australian Navy a Cadet Midshipmen in 1973 and carved out an outstanding career spanning 33 years.  He specialised in maritime surface ship operations and spent the majority of his career at sea.  More..

Dave Sherry

Dave began exploring Australia as soon as he was old enough to escape Sydney.  He was born in the city but his heart was in the bush and he now lives on a farm just outside the western country town of Horsham.  There are few places in Australia that Dave hasn’t trekked on foot or explored in off-road vehicles.  He even took to the sea as a crew member on the Tall Ship HMAS Bounty during the Bicentenary in 1988.  More..

 

Peter Davis

Peter served in the Army Reserve for 7 years and has two grandfathers who served in both World Wars - one being a highly decorated soldier.  Peter recently graduated with a MPhil in Military History with the Australian Defence Force Academy and is now studying for his PhD.  More..

Bernie Rowell

Bernie is a Kokoda tragic.  He first trekked with Kokoda to honour his father who served in New Guinea during the war.  He has since trekked it 55 times.  Bernie has transposed his success in business to his passion for leading treks across the Kokoda Trail.  More..

Sergeant Rod Foster

Rod is currently serving as a Sergeant in the Royal Australian Artillery at 4 Field Regiment Townsville.  He has served in the Sinai Peninsula and Iraq and has a deep understanding of the wartime history of the Kokoda campaign.  He is also a competitive ultra-marathon athlete.  More..

John Nalder

Prior to John joining Adventure Kokoda he used to wrestle crocodiles with Steve Irwin.  John is a qualified para-medic and expert bushman.  He has a deep emotional commitment to Kokoda and the veterans he has met over the years.  He is a keen student of the Kokoda campaign.  More..

Fiona Foster

Fiona has a strong passion for Kokoda, PNG and its people which was sparked as a young girl knowing her grandfather fought on Kokoda.

As a school teacher Fiona has extensive experience in developing leadership in young Australians and has been involved in the development of a leadership program within the school environment.  This saw her bring two passions together; teaching our future generations and Kokoda, whilst getting them outside of their comfort zones, and allowing them to learn about themselves.  More..

Carla Valmorbida

Carla brings great organisational skills, energy and humour to her role.  She is passionate about the Kokoda campaign and thrives on seeing how transformative and life-changing this experience can be for trekkers.

Carla was initially inspired to trek Kokoda to honour her Grandfathers service with the AIF in Buna and has now successfully participated in a number of Adventure Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge treks as a Trek Guide.  More..

Tracie Watson

Tracie is the General Manager and engine room of Adventure Kokoda - she is on-call 24/7 and will look after your every need and concern from the moment you book your trek until you arrive back in Australia.  More..

Why Trek with Adventure Kokoda

Our primary goal is to lead you safely across the Kokoda Trail and ensure you have an unforgettable wartime historical and cultural experience.

Charlie has led 100 expeditions across the Kokoda Trail over the past 30 years.

He previously served in the Australian Army for 21 years. During this time he saw active service in Vietnam; was assigned to the joint Australian, New Zealand and British (ANZUK) Force in Singapore/ Malaysia from 1970-72, and as an exchange instructor in Airborne Logistics with the United States Army from 1977-78. He is a graduate of the Army Command and Staff College.

Why choose Adventure Kokoda?

Why is Kokoda so important?Dive into the History