In the footsteps of angels

At dawn, you participate in a service at Brigade Hill, paying respects to the soldiers who gave their lives here. As you trek towards Efogi Village, you’ll meet the families of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, whose invaluable support helped save countless lives during the campaign. Their dedication exemplifies true mateship.

Arriving at Naduri Village, where Ovuru Indiki, one of the last surviving Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, once lived, brings home the critical role these locals played. The day’s trek may be shorter, but it’s filled with opportunities to reflect on how the Kokoda campaign depended on not just military efforts but also the support of the local community.

Trekker insight: “Efogi Village is beautiful, before you get into the village, chat to your porter and ask him if he could show you around his family home. Don’t feel like you are being intrusive, he will be proud to take you on a tour. If you have any gifts like books and pencils, give them to him and his family here.”

Trekker insight: “You are in Efogi for a while, it’s a good opportunity to take your shoes off, dry and treat your feet. Also get some fresh fruit from the market.”

Trekker insight: “It was hard to get going after lunch at Efogi, what made matters worse is the climb immediately up to Efogi 2 - There isn't much you can do about it - one step in front of the other!”

Where mateship conquers mountains

The climb to the highest point of the Kokoda Track provides stunning views of the Yodda Valley. As you walk through the Beech Forest, you imagine the soldiers making this same climb, knowing that they were about to engage in fierce combat.

The day’s walk ends at Templeton’s Crossing, named after Captain Sam Templeton, the first Australian officer to engage the Japanese on the track. His leadership and sacrifice resonate as you camp near the crossing, reflecting on the strategic importance of this site and the role it played in delaying the enemy advance ​(Kokoda Challenge).

Trekker insight: “The campsite at Templeton’s crossing is amazing - it was my best night's sleep because of how noisy the river is. The water is also so cold! Make sure you have a swim at the end of the day - you won’t regret it.”

Trekker insight: “You are well and truly past the halfway mark. I felt this part of the trip started to go so fast. I was more comfortable with the experience and routine..It’s a great opportunity to start thinking about how this challenge can be the catalyst for change back home, focus on giving some thought to what goals you may want to set for yourself when you are home and shape how you may achieve them over the next few days.”

Feel the weight of those who carried it all

The trek through Eora Creek leads to one of the most significant battle sites on the Kokoda Track. This area saw heavy fighting, with Australians delaying the Japanese forces for days. As you walk, you can still find remnants of artillery and ammunition left behind from these intense battles​ (Warrandyte Diary).

Arriving at Isurava Battlefield, where 76 Australian soldiers lost their lives, you’ll understand why this is known as the “battle that saved Australia.” The heroism of Bruce Kingsbury and the efforts of soldiers like John Metson, who despite being wounded, continued to lead his men, reflecting the endurance and selflessness required to survive​ (RSL Australia) ​(Warrandyte Diary).

Trekker insight: “I went on this experience for a personal challenge and today I felt this motivation was in some respects selfish. On reflection, the men who fought on this track were being the exact opposite - selfless. I learnt that whilst, it’s great to challenge yourself, it’s equally important to act selflessly in how you live your life an amazing amount can be achieved if this was every Australian's approach.”

Trekker insight: “Isarava was conflicting for me, In a sense there was a celebratory feeling in the group, but you are literally camping on a battlefield where so many people lost their lives. I took a moment to sit down at the memorial by myself and look at the pillars and reflect on this and the significance of the words inscribed on them.”