Trek the Kokoda Trail Travel Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Kokoda Track Authority’

As our trekking season nears the end for 2010, we implore all potential trekkers to book now with us if they wish to be on the Track for Anzac day 2011. We have 3 treks fully booked for Anzac day and have just opened a fourth and last Team and already this new departure is half full.  Dont miss out, book now.

On Tuesday the 28th, I was at Brisbane Airport to welcome home Team 13. While talking with the trekkers who had just had a wonderful trek, I was delighted to hear them speaking with such high praise for the organisation along the Track. Campsites were clean, village welcomes were enthusiastic and friendly and ongoing  maintenance all  along the Track  was clearly visible  as were the newly appointed Track Rangers. It was pleasing to hear trekkers talking about the “professionalism” of the entire Track operation.

This is what we want to hear. Many years ago, it was  easy for the media to pick faults with PNG infrastructure and to highlight social problems and carry all these issues over  to the newly developing Kokda Track Tourism industry.  The Kokoda Track was subjected to sensationalised negative stories.

But in recent times, Tour Operators, the Kokoda Track Authority and the local people living all along the Track have been working very hard improving trekkers facilities,  Track maintenance, safety issues and public relations.

The kokoda Track is destined to become one of the great walks of the world.

Back Track are happy to announce that Fuzzy Wuzzy Day 2010 is now official.  Mr James Enage, the CEO of the Kokoda  Track Authority has confirmed the a programme  for the inaugral 2010 celebration will be available shortly.

When contacted recently MrEnage advised, “ we are currently planning the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels Day for 3^rd of November, 2010 and have agreed on Kokoda Station as the main focus place for the celebrations. Tentative Programs in discussion are flag raising ceremony which will be followed by Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels Medal Presentation that will be further complimented with Cultural Dance Festival. This Cultural Dance Festival will include various groups within the Oro Province and other invited guest Provinces in PNG and may require an additional two days.”

 A Back Track trekking  team will be  attending the inaugral Fuzzy Wuzzy day celebrations for 2010.  Our Team 17 itinerary has been designed  so we will be at Kokoda Station for the celebrations. Team 17 is completely sold out and we are now taking bookings for the same trek in 2011. let us know if you are interested in being there for 2011.  Our 2011 Itinerary will be slightly modified so  trekkers can opt to spend 1 or 3 days in Kokoda after their trek so they can take part inj some or all of the celebrations over the 3 days.

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An enormous effort has been made around the Kokoda airstrip in March.  The entire airstrip has been slashed and mown, the new terminal area has been surveyed and cleared, 60 safety cones and 2 windsocks installed, and a signal circle cleared and painted.

The airstrip has now been cleared to the northern end of the market road. Part 2 of the safety package will see  the airstrip extended further, a new terminal building and apron and navigation and weather equipment installed later this year.

A team of Doctors, in conjunction with the Kokoda Track Authority, have recently returned from the Kokoda Track with a wealth of research information.

Over 185 trekkers on Anzac Day treks  volunteered to give a blood sample to the research teams who were strategically placed  at Iorobaiwa and Isurava .

The study data is yet to be statistically analysed, but the general message to come from the study is in keeping with similar research in competitive endurance events. Put simply to drink when you feel thirsty. The Kokoda Track places the body under significant physiological stress and a consistent, sensible fluid intake is required. Trekkers need to avoid dehydration but must resist the temptation to force themselves to drink too much fluid while on the Track.