Kokoda Myth Busters

There are many Myths surrounding the Kokoda Track. Many of these Myths are perpetrated by Operators who try to differentiate themselves from the pack.

The following is a short list of Myths that we have come across that need to be rectified in both the name of truth and simple fairness.

War Time Track vs Tourist Track

There has been for some time a belief that there is a War Time Track and a Tourist Track. This is simply not true!

During the Kokoda Campaign, the mountain theatre ran from Kokoda Village to Owers Corner. Battles and troop movement ran along many Tracks and Trails between these points but all followed a similar route.

There are 3 sections of the Kokoda Track that diverge off what would be called the main Track.

The first is a Track that runs from Missima to Abuari and then to Eora Creek. This was the Track the Japanese used to try and out flank Australians during the Battle of Isurava. Groups doing this Track miss out on the section running from Isurava to Alola, a section of the Track that most Australians used during the war.

The second Track diversion is over Mt Bellamy. One Track leads to Myola where the Biscuit Bombers dropped supplies and another leads directly from Propellar Junction directly to Kagi via the Kagi Gap. Again you can do one or the other. Furthermore, if you trek to Myola then onto Naduri and then Efogi you are skipping a huge section of the War Time Track and using trails that were hardly used during the campaign.

The third diversion is from Kagi to Mission Ridge. This is the true War Time Track but is hardly used as there is a land dispute between villages. Expedition PNG has done this section several times but we cannot guarantee this trail due to the dispute. Most Operators miss this section completely and walk from Naduri or Kagi to Brigade Hill via Efogi.

There are many other small diversions and trails that were used during the campaign that are not used today because their significance is of little interest or the Track has been lost. Examples of these include the second crossing of Ofi Creek, the trail that runs from Lemagi to Templeton's 2 and the 2/27th trail from Brigade Hill back to Nigabiafa.

It is interesting to note that the Operators that say they are doing the true "War Time" Track are often bumped into along the Track by Operators that are accused of doing the "Tourist" Track. Both cannot be right. It is absurd to say that the supposed "Tourist" Track is easier and not the true Track. It diminishes the effort Australian trekkers make to walk the Track and undermines the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers that fought along the Track.

Were the Japanese Planning to Invade Australia?

This question is a little controversial however it can be explained. 

There are no Imperial records that show that the Japanese had any intention of invading Australia. The records show plans for Pearl Harbour and the sweeping advance through SE Asia, but no reference to Australia. From this perspective we can say that the Japanese had no intention of invading Australia and as such Australia was never threatened.

However, battle plans change rapidly. And it is here that we can postulate a few questions. What if the Japanese advance through PNG was unchecked and they took Port Moresby quickly? Would the Solomon Islands be as significant if they had then moved onto Nth Queensland and occupied Allied forces there? Would the Allies have concentrated forces on Guadalcanal and the northern coast of PNG if Australia was occupied by Japanese forces? Would the Japanese had simply stopped in Port Moresby if they were unchecked because they had simply not planned to invade Australia?

It is obvious that if the Japanese advance was not checked by Australian Forces the Japanese would have taken the advantage to the shores of Australia. This would have kept the Allies busy and in many respects out of the Pacific.

Are all Tour Operators the same?

The answer to this question is an obvious No! 

Expedition PNG is a professional adventure operator. We have been operating expeditions along the Kokoda Track for 6 years and along with No Roads Expeditions, we run trips in Indonesia, Nepal, Kilimanjaro and beyond.

Of the 33 operators on the Kokoda Market, we can safely say that approximately 6 are of any repute. They have good safety records, they have good equipment and they have good guides.

An impressive website does not mean an impressive operation. Far from it! You need to know if the Porters are being well paid and fed, that equipment is suitable for the Track, that guides are knowledgeable about safety, first aid and the history of the Track, that they are insured in Australia, that they are a Licenced Travel Agent and so on.

We do not want to scare you, but you do not always get what you pay for in PNG.

Eco Operators vs Military Operators

Another area we have noticed Operators differentiating themselves from others is the fact that their leaders have a Military background and as such are better served to take you across the Track than and eco adventure operator.

It is true that some Australian Guides know the Track better than others. However, just because you have a Military background, does not automatically make you an expert on the Track History.

At Expedition PNG, we have a range of Guides from various backgrounds. Some are Military some are not. However, several of our non-Military people have some of the best Track and History knowledge around.

Furthermore, we have found that many Guides with an extensive Military background might know the Track but they are terrible Guides. There is so much more to Guiding than rattling off facts and figures of a battle. Guides need to understand the needs of both the trekkers and the local team, to treat them with compassion, to serve them in times of need and to relate to them as "normal" individuals in an extraordinary situation. Many Military Guides just don't have these skills and as such, run their trips with Military precision (not much fun really).

Just because one Operator emphasises the treatment of the environment as a core concern does not mean they don't understand nor can't convey military history. Likewise, those companies that purport to be military experts can also look after the environment and all your needs.

Click here for Australian Led Kokoda 2012 and click here for Local Led Kokoda 2012.