Tips and other things to bring to Kokoda

Are you trekking with Australian Kokoda Tours in 2022? Below we’ve included suggestions for some extras to bring to Kokoda. Please note that these are additional items - refer to the checklists on our website for a detailed outline of what you need to bring. Trekkers have different preferences for what to bring based on their individual experiences. The time of year of the trek may influence what people recommend bringing, i.e. a wet trek compared to a dry trek.

Snacks

Although Australian Kokoda Tours provides trekkers with breakfast, lunch, dinners and snack packs for the eight-day trek, you may want to bring some sweet treats from home for a little extra boost while you’re trekking. Skittles and jelly snakes are great options for this, but don’t bring chocolate- it will melt in your pack!

Games

There’s no Wifi in Kokoda! Our trekkers can be found at camp keeping themselves entertained with a game of cards. We welcome trekkers to bring small games like this in their pack to play during their downtime at camp.

Community gifts

All Australian Kokoda Tours trekkers have the opportunity to donate gifts to Papua New Guinean locals during their Kokoda trek. These communities don’t have access to facilities as we do in Australia, and they are always appreciative to receive small gifts from our trekkers. Examples of gifts that our trekkers have donated in the past include pencils and paper, or sports balls.

For additional tips, check out what our trekkers suggested to bring below:

Georgie Huntt: “A deck of cards is a must… I love apricot delights and sultanas. It doesn’t matter if they get squished, plus they’re a nice sugary pick-me-up. Also, the Twisties the villagers were selling were awesome, plus it gives money to the locals. The (local) kids seemed to love colouring books or any type of ball/frisbee.”

Russell Davis: “Gifts of a sporting nature went down really well- tennis balls, footys, etc. Also pens/pencils and colouring books and puzzle books. Hair ornaments for girls seemed to be appreciated. I reckon adult puzzle books like Sudoku, Word Search would be good too…” 

Simon Cummins: “I personally took educational gifts for the kids, it’s amazing how education is delivered in such a remote location but obviously the resources are restricted. The smile of children’s faces justified the extra pack weight and I would have no hesitation carrying more next time to see that joy! Anything’s sports-related will be a hit, the local kids have the most remarkable natural athletic skill and proved it village after village kicking our backsides in football.” 

Dean Butcher: “Personal items for teenage girls, as many people do tend to bring gifts for younger children.”

Taylah Beard: “Any kind of game is fun; card games are definitely the way to go… Community gifts like school supplies were greatly appreciated on our trek but a mixture of day-to-day essentials was utilised as well. In terms of snacks, RED FROGS! Absolute life saver or protein sticks. I loved the cola and watermelon protein gels. Ever convenient to have when walking, small in size and taste absolutely amazing.”

Rebecca Buzzell: “Uno because lots of people can play, celebrity heads, beef jerky is a must, hot chocolate, lollies, dried fruit, small packets of chips, sayos/vita wheats, Vegemite, cups of soup, sports balls and pump, paper and pencils, football jerseys, toiletries, torches, and batteries.

Thank you to our past trekkers for your suggestions!

Packing your bag

Our trekkers have made some great suggestions, but it’s important to keep in mind what you can and can’t fit into your pack.

Australian Kokoda Tours trekkers are not required to carry tents, food (other than snacks) or cooking equipment at Kokoda. Despite this, it’s still a good idea to pack your bag with the larger, soft items at the base, like your sleeping bag and clothing. This will allow your pack to sit more comfortably while trekking. At the top of your bag, pack things that you may need to get to quickly whilst trekking, such as sunscreen, water, and your camera.

If you have any questions about what to bring, refer to our website for further detail, or you can contact us.