In support of mental health awareness, Tim King, Senior Lighting Designer, represented COVA in a remarkable effort to raise funds for R U Ok? by taking on the challenge of trekking the challenging 96KM Kokoda Trail.
Originally scheduled for September, the journey was postponed, but in May this year, Tim finally set foot on the historic track. His determination not only paid off on the trail, but in raising an incredible $3,710 for R U Ok?
Port Moresby to Deniki
Day 1
We woke at 3 am and took a bus to the Port Moresby domestic airport for a short flight to Kokoda. From there, we endured a slow and bumpy 3-hour truck ride to the start of the track.
Here we met our guides, cooks, historians and porters. We carefully repacked our bags, mindful of every gram. Most of us had definitely overpacked but not much we could do about it now.
After lunch, it was time to set off, ready or not. The first day involved a 4-5 hour hike straight into a steep climb to our first camp at Deniki, located at 900 metres above sea level.
We were all a bit shocked of how hard the first day was expecting to ease into it.
Deniki - Isurava Village - Alola
Day 2
Our first full day of trekking began with a 4am wake up to pack up tents and eat breakfast, hitting the track by 6am.
We stopped at Isurava Village, a peaceful place and memorial site built by the Australian government. We spent time learning about the famous Battle of Isurava and reflected on what the troops endured here.
After lunch we continued up into the mountains reaching the village of Alola (1,400m above sea level) where we spent the night. After today we felt like we had really made good dent into our journey.
Aloha - Templeton’s Crossing - Eora Creek
Day 3
Same 4 am routine.
The trek to Templeton’s Crossing took us through lush rainforest and our first serious river crossing (the start of many). After lunch at Templeton’s Crossing, we climbed again to our campsite at Eora Creek. The temperature dropped noticeably. A welcome change from the heat as we trekked higher along the ridge.
Eora Creek - Mt Bellamy - Digger’s Camp
Day 4
Another early 4am start.
This morning we rise for a tough day of trekking as we climb to 2200m, the highest point of the trail known as Mount Bellamy. We had to stay close to our porter while navigating the ascent. We got some spectacular views across the Owen Stanley Ranges and then descend a few hundred metres to Digger’s Camp.
Digger’s Camp - Efogi I
Day 5
Rise and shine again at 4am.
Today we trekked toward the northern face of Mt Bellamy, with views of Naduri, Kagi, Brigade Hill, and Nauro. A 2-hour descent brought us to EfogiI. Passing through open grassland and slippery trails, with a break at Naduri. The standout section of this day was a near-vertical climb up a waterfall. It absolutely floored me - I threw up as I reached the stop. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of a rough patch.
This was when I was hit with a jungle parasite, which kept me glued to the drop toilet most of the night.
Efogi I -Brigade Hill - Menari
Day 6
This was one of the most challenging days for me. It’s often considered one of the hardest days of the trek and being up all night sick, unable to hold down food or much water, didn’t help.
We set off even earlier and followed the path taken by retreating Australian solders. Our first climb took us to Mission Ridge, where we looked back over Efogi I and II.
We continued along the ridge to Brigade Hill, learning more about the area’s wartime history.
The descent down Mission Ridge to Menari was steep and very slippery. After lunch, we climbed steeply for 1.5 hours to the top of Menari Ridge. We were told we’d “broken the back” of the Kokoda Track. We then descended into the Nauro Valley and crossed the Brown River to reach camp.
Once we arrived, I basically collapsed onto the grass until dinner. I couldn’t eat much, and during dinner I started feeling really unwell and distorted hearing set in. Likely from dehydration, low blood sugar, and exhaustion.
Thankfully, I had a much better sleep that night and thought I was through the worst of it… or so I thought!
Menari - Ioribaiwa - Uaule Creek
Day 7
We kicked off the day with the Nine False Peaks - 3 hours of serious uphill trekking to the top of the Maguli Range (1,350m). I was starting to feel better and managed to eat a little breakfast.
From the ridge, we began a long descent, taking a break at Jap’s Ladder. At Ioribaiwa, we paused where Australian troops first heard that the war had ended.
From there, we descended a steep slope to Uaele Creek. At the base of Ioribaiwa Ridge, we crossed nine creeks and rivers before reaching our final camp for the night.
Uaule Creek - Owers Corner - Port Moresby - THE FINAL DAY!!
Day 8
We all started feeling very excited and a little emotional knowing that in just 3-4 hours we will have completed the Kokoda Trek.
The day started across multiple river crossing along Uaule Creek. I did not come prepared with good sandals, only slides. I decided to use strapping tape to tape the slides on top of feet much to the amusement of other trekkers.
After the river crossings it was all up hill to Imita Ridge. From here, it was down again on a trail once known as the Golden Staircase, built by Australian troops down the war. Once we reached Goldie River it was then for the final climb to Owers Corner with the finish line at the top.
We had now officially completed the Kokoda Trail! We meet with our driver and transfer back to Port Moresby, stopping en route to visit Bomana War Cemetery, where 3,600 Australian Soldiers were laid to rest.
Once we were back to the hotel it was time to call our families. I had the best shower I’ve ever had.
Later that night we met for dinner and said our final good byes to our porters and guides. They presented us with wood carvings that they worked on during the trek. A meaningful end to an unforgettable experience.
