Media Release, Kokoda Info, Kokoda Spirit

MEDIA RELEASE

KOKODA BACK ON TRACK

Trekking the Kokoda Track or Trail is considered one of the most challenging, rewarding and humbling experiences of a lifetime. Those who undertake and complete the challenge return home feeling personal pride but even more so they feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for those who fought in the Kokoda Campaign.

Kokoda Spirit has seen firsthand the interest in the Kokoda Campaign increase considerably and this is evidenced in particular with the numbers they are leading on treks for ANZAC Day ceremonies this year. Many Australians have attended moving Services at Gallipoli and many are also now embracing the opportunity to trek, and then be present, for ANZAC Day ceremonies at either Bomana Cemetery or Isurava Memorial.

Interestingly, less than 1% of the Australian population have walked Kokoda. However, like the large numbers making the trek to Gallipoli, it is expected numbers to Kokoda will increase over the next two years as more and more Australians became aware of the heroic deeds achieved on Kokoda defending Australian territory in 1942.

Kokoda Spirit takes great pride in sharing with trekkers the history of the Kokoda Campaign while leading them along this legendry track. The 70^th anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign will be commemorated in 2012 and will hold special meaning. Kokoda Spirit is offering a number of treks that will acknowledge the many significant battles of this Campaign. Services will be held at each battle site to honour the Australian and Papua New Guinea peoples who sacrificed so much.

Kokoda Spirit is experiencing a significant increase in the number of people booking and inquiring about trekking the Kokoda Track. The majority express their desire to acknowledge the history of the Campaign and pay their respects to those who did not return home. Importantly they also wish to give thanks to the surviving Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels who contributed so much to the Australian Diggers.

The Kokoda Track will always be challenging and hard but as outlined in a recent Kokoda Track Authority newsletter improvements to facilities are ongoing, all of which are adding to the safety and management of trekkers and the Track itself.

If you want to experience the feeling of walking in the footsteps of heroes, sharing in the wonderful culture and warmth of the local Papuan New Guinea people while undertaking a personal journey guaranteed to change your life, then trekking the Kokoda Track is something you should do.

For information about treks and the many options offered by Kokoda Spirit please check out our website www.kokodaspirit.com or phone (61+7) 5445 2758.

Note: Wayne Wetherall, Managing Director Kokoda Spirit, is available on 0437 473 900.