If you have any comments, questions or want more information please get in contact and let us know. We are here to support you with all information to help you prepare for your travels.
A valid passport is required by all foreigners traveling to PNG (valid for at least 6 months after your return date). All visitors to PNG require a Tourist Visa and for Australian passport holders, this can now be obtained on arrival at no cost and no documentation. However you are still able to secure your visa prior to arrival and to do this, you will need to provide with your application a valid passport , a copy of your flight details, proof of sufficient funds for your stay and details of your accommodation. Your Departure tax is included in your international ticket. All non-Australian passport holders should check with the PNG consulate to confirm if they require a visa prior to arrival.
Personal Travel Insurance
Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance is mandatory for all trekkers. Trip cancellation insurance will reimburse you for any non-recoverable air or land expenses should you have to cancel your trip due to personal or family illness or leave the expedition early due to other reasons. It will also cover any emergency medical evacuation expenses should you become ill during the expedition. We strongly recommend that you take out baggage loss and accident insurance. In the event that an aircraft evacuation is required, we will undertake to arrange the evacuation on the condition that the expenses will be reimbursed by the passenger before departing the country.Note: Accidents caused by the inappropriate consumption of alcohol or drugs may void your travel insurance.
Please find a link to our preferred insurance company as below.
PLAN A: Comprehensive Plan. This plan provides comprehensive cover and is a premium cover for international travel. (Recommended)
PLAN BAUS: Budget Plan. This plan is a value for money and provides reduced benefits however still has medical evacuation. The cover and premium is limited to the age limits described in the Product Disclosure.
Note: Accidents caused by the inappropriate consumption of alcohol or drugs may void your travel insurance.
PNG Tourist Visa
All visitors to PNG require a Tourist Visa and Australian passport holders can obtain this on arrival at no cost. However you are still able to secure your visa prior to arrival. You will need to provide with your application a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months after your return date to Australia), a copy of your flight details, proof of sufficient funds for your stay and details of your accommodation. This can be done directly with the PNG Consulate and the Visa is free of charge, however can take up-to 30 days to process. Your Departure tax is included in your international ticket. All non-Australian passport holders should check with the PNG consulate to confirm if they require a visa prior to arrival.
Hotel accommodation details (you will need to include in your Visa application) are:
Jacksons International Airport
Papua New Guinea
Please contact us if you are unclear or need advise with your application.
The Papua New Guinean Consulate can be contacted via:
Consulate-General of Papua New Guinea
Level 2, Clarence Street
Sydeny NSW 2000
PO Box A2273
Sydney South, NSW 1235
Tel: (02) 9283 9020 Fax: (02) 9283 5424
Consulate-General of Papua New Guinea
Suite 4 Conservatory Building 12-14 Lake Street
Cairns Qld 4870
Tel: (07) 4031 8881/8882/8883/8884
Tel: () 0411 270 955
Fax: (07) 4051 3589
Domestic Flight - Kokoda or Popondetta Flight
Flights for Kokoda or Popondetta will be organised for you prior to leaving Australia, you do not need to worry about this. We usually take the earliest flight of the day so that we can be on the track by mid-morning or Lunchtime. The flight from Port Moresby to Popondetta usually takes just over 35-40 minutes with great views of the Owen Stanley Ranges and some of the Kokoda Track sites. A 14kg luggage limit applies.
Clothing Equipment & Gear
Clothing Equipment List
On top of the list below, we recommend you bring a fresh set of clothes to leave in Port Moresby during the expedition. This way you will have a fresh set of clothes to change into when you return from the Track. Please ensure you have a lockable bag, this way you can leave your passport, wallet and valuables in your bag at the hotel.
For those of you carrying your own personal backpack you only need bring the bare essentials. A backpack with pack cover will be supplied for you (excluding the ex Port Moresby package). Please note, the rain in PNG can be very heavy so it is advisable to pack your sleeping gear in waterproof dry-bags. Also food and personal items in zip lock plastic bags to protect them from the wet, especially your camera, toilet rolls and confectionary. If you wish to lighten your load we can provide a personal porter for the expedition, including your daypack and the cost of this would be $700 (Recommended). It is also advisable to label your clothes.
- 1 pair of lightweight quick dry long pants
- 2 pair lightweight quick dry shorts (long pants and shorts can be substituted with 1 pair of zip off pants.)
- 1 or 2 quick dry t-shirts or 1 quick dry t-shirt and 1 quick dry singlet (we will supply you with one shirt) (also be aware that if wearing a singlet your backpack may cause chaffing or rubbing on your shoulders)
- 1 long sleeve cotton t-shirt (for sleeping in)
- 4 pair underwear or 2 pair Speedo’s (or 8 pairs of disposable underwear)
- Lightweight hiking boots or hiking shoes - shoes are usually quicker drying (personal choice, however please wear these on the plane and bring any other essential items in your carry on luggage as luggage can go missing)
- Pair of Sandals or thongs to wear around camp and in villages (note: thongs can be slippery)
- Lightweight jacket / jumper & beanie if you feel the cold to wear around camp and in villages
- 4 pairs of light-weight hiking socks or 8 pairs that you will dispose of. (Recommended Steigen Socks)
- Inflatable camping mattress
- Inflatable pillow or your pillow from home packed in a manual roll up space saver bag
- 2 seasons sleeping bag rated at 0oC
- Hat with wide brim to keep sun and rain off your face (preferably lightweight)
- Rain poncho (something light weight)
- Quick-dry sports towel/chamois
- Two rolls of toilet paper or wipes (Travel Pack Tissues are recommended)
- Gaiters (optional)
- Personal toiletries - Toothbrush and paste, sports deodorant, lip balm, etc., we provide environmentally friendly liquid soap & shampoo which can be used in creeks and rivers.
- One-litre water bottle to carry with you or a 2 litre Camelback depending on how much you drink and sweat (or 2 water bottles)
- Personal first aid kit – See MEDICINES AND FIRST AID below
- Earplugs (if you are a light sleeper - optional)
- Waterproof head torch and spare batteries
- Any extra lollies on top of the ones supplied in Snack Packs
- Skins, help to aid with recovery when worn at night (optional)
- Mosquito net if not sleeping in a tent (Mosquitos are not a big problem anymore - optional)
- Tropical strength Sunscreen
- Tropical strength insect repellent
- Hand sanitiser - MUST
- Sunglasses (optional & recommend a hard carry case to prevent scratching)
- A book or pad to write in (optional)
- Camera (please set your digital camera to the correct date - optional)
- Spare lockable bag to leave fresh set of clothes in at the hotel (safety deposit boxes are also available at the hotel)
- 4 AA Lithium Batteries for Steripen (note: Steripens will only operate with Lithium batteries)
- Spare batteries for headlight
*If you have something you are particularly prone to, ear infections or sinus problems; bring what you need with you. Also please advise us of any allergies.
To sleep on, we will supply foam sleep mats. These are really only adequate to protect your own thin inflatable mattress. To sleep in we suggest you bring a two season sleeping bag rated at 0oC. (Also stored in a waterproof dry-bag)
We recommend wearing shorts because they are comfortable and there maybe times where you will wade knee-deep through running creeks. Leeches are not a big problem anymore.
- Camera, film, camera batteries, lens cleaner.
- Small pad or paper.
- A small supply of favourite snacks.
If you have any questions regarding the above list or any other items that you want to ask about please contact us. We can provide you additional information at anytime.
- 60-70 Litre Backpacks (not included in the ex Port Moresby package but can be hired for $50. or if you prefer you may wish to use your own backpack)
- Walking Pole
- All meals on the track & in Port Moresby (meals in Port Moresby are not included in the Ex Port Moresby package)
- All eating and drinking equipment
- Snack packs
- Steripens (shared - one between 2 trekkers) for water purification
- All safety equipment including satellite phones, track radios, safety ropes etc.…
- Two persons tent (which you may have to share)
- Foam sleeping mat
- Clothesline and pegs
- Wilderness First Aid Kit
You will be given prior to your expedition a Snack Pack that will contain:
- 8 Soups
- 8 Muesli Bars
- 250gms Lollies
- 500gms Nut mix
- 8 days of electrolyte replacement capsules
- 2 packets of tuna
14 Kg per person
If you have additional weight there may be extra baggage charge of approximately $10 - $15 per kilo over 14kg on the flight to Kokoda or Popondetta, so please ensure the weight of your pack before we leave the hotel. (If you have a personal porter your allowance of 16kg will accepted on the plane).
If you don’t wish to carry your backpack or if you have additional items (heavy camera equipment, etc) we can arrange a 'personal porter'. In this case a maximum weight of 16kg is allowed for a personal porter. If you become ill or are struggling on the track the services of a personal porter can also be secured anytime on the track. Personal porter fees are currently AUD $700 for the trek, including your backpack and day pack.
(Also by using the services of a personal porter you will be providing a local with much needed work)
You do not need to be an elite sportsperson or hiker to complete the expedition but the fitter you are the more enjoyable you will find it. All participants should be either walking or jogging (i.e. stair climbing, hills, inclines and anything that goes in the upward direction). Every participant needs to consult a physician well before the expedition date and make sure that they do not suffer from any chronic heart, lungs, cerebral, physical or any other serious illness. We will provide you with a medical clearance form to be filled out that can usually be bulk billed by most doctors. However we are not a medical facility and we take no legal responsibility for medical or other emergencies that may arise on the course of the training or the trek. However as your service provider and hosts we will take all necessary steps needed to evacuate injured or ill clients with the greatest of care.
Please see About - Training
Medicines and First Aid
All trekkers are recommended to carry a personal first aid kit with medicines for common ailments, cuts and bruises, painkillers, etc. Anyone using any prescription medicines regularly should carry a supply for the whole duration of their expedition.
Please consult your doctor and include items and medicines that may be required for you. We provide a first aid kit and all guides are minimum level 2 first aid qualified, however we will not supply any medicines and will take no legal responsibility for any medical treatment or professional medical support to clients.
*If you have something you are particularly prone to such as ear infections, sinus problems or mild asthma bring what you need with you. Also please advise us of any allergies as we do use nuts in our cooking.
We will be carrying an extensive Wilderness First Aid Kit including a fully equipped Automated External Defibrillator.
Your personal first aid kit should contain:
Bandaids, paracetamol, deep heat or other muscle liniment, disposable gloves, second skin blister pack dressings, crepe bandages, antibiotic cream for bites, grazes, cuts and scratches, 'Imodium' tablets, strapping tape (for knees and ankles), anti chaffing cream e.g. Paw-Paw cream, foot powder, waterless antibacterial hand disinfectant/gel, anti-malarial drugs (see your doctor), gastro stop, anti-inflammatory cream/gel, broad spectrum antibiotic tablets and insect repellent.
If travelling with a partner or friend most of these items can be shared.
On top of the normal health consideration, women are advised to bring a tube of Canestan and tampons. The Canestan is used for the treatment of thrush (which can be very painful if left untreated) and can be applied to both internal and external thrush. The tampons are used to apply the Canestan internally.
There are no current vaccinations required for entry to PNG. However consideration should be given to the below and make sure your tetanus cover is up to date.
Plan ahead for getting your vaccinations, some of them require an initial shot followed by a booster, while some vaccinations should not be given together. Also please note that most malaria prophylactics require the entire course be taken and can also have side effects.
- Malaria: We strongly recommend Malaria medication and note that some malaria prophylactics, may have to be begun at least a week before you leave home and continued for 2 weeks upon your arrival home. (also please note, most have side effects)
- Typhoid: This is recommended for Papua New Guinea, most have to be started 2 weeks prior to travel.
- Hepatitis A: This is recommended for Papua New Guinea, most have to be started 2 weeks prior to travel.
- Hepatitis B: This is recommended for Papua New Guinea, most have to be started 2 months prior to travel.
- Cholera: This is recommended for Papua New Guinea, most have to be started 2 weeks prior to travel.
- Tuberculosis: This is recommended for Papua New Guinea, most have to be started 3 months prior to travel.
- Yellow Fever: A certificate of vaccination is required if arriving from an area with any risk of yellow fever transmission. 10 days before travel
- Japanese B encephalitis: This is recommended for Papua New Guinea, most have to be started 1 month prior to travel.
Please don't hesitate to contact us should you require any clarification on the above, or please consult your physician.
Money & Currency
The currency in PNG is the Kina (K) and exchange rates vary depending on the strength of the US dollar. Cash and travellers’ checks are readily accepted and can be exchanged for Kina at the airport, hotels or banks in any major city. Credit cards such as American Express, Visa and MasterCard are accepted in many hotels, shops and restaurants in major towns and cities. Bankcard is not accepted in PNG. For spending money while on expedition it is best to have money in local currency (K). Although you can usually obtain a better exchange rate in PNG, it is safer to exchange in Australia as time delays can prove difficult. You should approximately allow for $250 - $500 for the 10 days. We usually get a better rate if we exchange our money as a group, so you will be contacted closer to departure to organise a time for the group to exchange their money.
You will require spending money for:
1) Personal items such as laundry, phone calls, snack’s, etc.
2) Alcoholic/bottled beverages and drinks including bottled water.
3) Tips. All tipping is at your discretion. (A usual tip is approximately K80-K100 Kina or $50-$60)
4) Souvenirs and handicrafts.
5) Small snacks along the Track $80 in small Kina notes 1K, 2K and 5K
If you would like to show your appreciation to the local team you may show it by providing a tip. A usual tip is approximately K100 Kina or $50, though this is at your discretion. Please give the tips to the Australian Guide who will then distribute them at the last dinner. Please mention particular team members for good or bad performance to the Australian Guide. The local team also appreciates gifts. If you like you can give them your shoes and clothing at the end of the expedition.
Gifts for Locals
Many of our trekkers want to give to local communities they pass through. We encourage this and recommend either sport balls such as tennis, soccer or Australian Rules balls. Alternatively, educational equipment such as pencils, pencil sharpeners, paper, chalk and small chalkboards are greatly appreciated. As these things can weigh a fair bit, don't overdo it or you may not get to the villages to hand them out. Many groups elect to share the costs of a dedicated gifts porter to carry their gifts.
Power in PNG
PNG has the same power outlets as Australia and thus you do not need to purchase an adapter for your electronic items.
Trek Briefing Meeting
More information and guidelines will be furnished during trek training or prior to your departure for your expedition. Topics discussed then will include the following subjects.
- How to walk.
- Lodging, meals and other conditions while on expedition.
- Security and safety.
- Evacuation Procedures.- Cultural and Environmental Considerations.
- Other relevant information.
Please make sure you have the following items before you travel to the airport.
- Luggage - back pack with personal clothing/equipment, etc.
- Day pack or carry on luggage to leave at hotel with spare change of clothes. (Lockable)
- Valid passport.
- Photocopy of the main page of your passport.
- Return Air-tickets with confirmed seat and other travel documents.
- Medical/travel insurance papers/certificates.
- Traveller’s' checks, credit cards, cash dollars for expenses while in PNG.
- Insurance - Details of the insurance company we prefer as below
Arrival in Papua New Guinea
Upon your arrival on please go through to collect checked luggage and then please come out of the EXIT door. Outside you will see many people waiting for arriving passengers. There will be our operations staff waiting for you upon your arrival. Please go direct to them and introduce yourselves. You will be taken straight to your hotel, issued rooms, time for Expedition Briefing etc. Do let us know if there are any last minute changes to your arrival time.
When packing your backpack for men, keep your heaviest items close to your back, centered between your shoulder blades. You should keep heavy items in the middle of your pack. This helps focus more of the weight over your hips, the area of your body best equipped to carry a heavy load.
Women however due to a different centre of gravity may want to arrange heavier items lower in the main compartment, starting again from the spot between your shoulder blades. This lowers your centre of gravity and increases your stability on uneven terrain.
Stuff your sleeping bag into its lower compartment first. Squeeze in any additional lightweight items you won't need until bedtime (pillowcase, sleeping shirt, etc.) This will serve as the base of the main compartment, which you'll fill next. Tighten all compression straps to limit any load-shifting. You are the ultimate judge of what feels comfortable to you. Experiment with different load arrangements to determine what feels best.
Make sure some items are easily accessible, packed in places where they can be reached with a minimum of digging: E.g. Glasses, Insect Repellent, Snacks, Light, First Aid, Water, Rainwear.
Don't waste empty space. Cram every nook with something. Put a small item of clothing inside your shoes, for example. Smaller items, such as food, pack more efficiently in individual units rather than leave in boxes or cases. Minimize the number of items you strap to the outside of your pack. Gear carried externally may adversely affect your balance. Secure any equipment you carry outside so it doesn't swing or rattle.
Carry a pack cover. Backpacks, though made with waterproof fabric, have vulnerable seams and zippers. After a few hours of exposure to persistent rain, the items inside your pack could become wet - and thus much heavier. It's also advisable to pack your items in zip lock bags.