Anzac Treks

Anzac Day Kokoda Treks

To walk in the footsteps of our Diggers across the track; to inspect weapon pits they fought from; to hear their stories of courage, sacrifice, mateship and endurance; to kneel at the places they fell; to commemorate those who died and salute those who returned is a powerful emotional experience.

Treks coinciding with the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Bomana War Cemetery are the most popular on the Kokoda trekking agenda.

The journey concludes with the Anzac Day Dawn Service under the shadow of the distant Owen Stanley Ranges at Bomana War Cemetery. The solemn sound of the Last Post as the flag is lowered in silent tribute - the haunting lament of a Lone Piper drifting across thousands of white crosses in row after regimental row of manicured lawns – the Ode of Remembrance – the laying of wreaths at the Cross of Sacrifice – the ageless hymn ‘Abide with me’ – then personal reflection as we move amongst the ranks of the brave – the recognition of names now familiar to us – Bruce Kingsbury, Charlie McCallum, Claude Nye, Lefty Langridge, Mocca Treacy, Sam Templeton -

“We think of them in sorrow and with pride but there should be a third feeling stronger than grief, greater than pride. A sense of fullness and of achievement. To us their lives may seem to be severely shortened, yet in truth they were full lives. It is now how many years a man lives that matters but what he does with those years, many or few that are granted to him, and those who sleep here did much with theirs.”

Field Marshall Sir William Slim

After the Service we move to the Diggers at Bomana Dawn Service April 2005 Australian High Commission for a traditional ‘Gunfire Breakfast’ and to mingle with returned PNG veterans.

We then have a tour of Port Moresby which includes the National Parliament, the National Museum and Art Gallery and PNG Art.

“Time and rain and the jungle will obliterate this little native pad, but for evermore will live the memory of weary men who have passed this way, ghosts of glorious men that have gone, gone far beyond the Kokoda Trail.”

Major General Sir Frank Kingsley Norris

Golden Staircase