Kokoda Spirit Lark Force Wilderness Track 2010
This track near Rabaul PNG is a reminder of the little-known yet significant experiences of an Australian military unit in WW2 known as the Lark Force.
The Lark Force totalling 1200 men, the majority of whom was the 2/22nd Battalion, were sent to defend Rabaul against a Japanese invasion.
Lark Force not only was routed from Rabaul by a superior Japanese force on 23rd January,1942, but it was informed by Australian authorities that there was to be no reinforcement, no further support and no evacuation. Literally and realistically it became “Every man for himself” for Lark Force personnel retreating from Rabaul.
Totally unfamiliar with the local environment and in the context of thorough mayhem, these Australians fled from the invaders along the contemporary Lark Force Track. Faced with diseases, starvation, disorientation and climatic rigours approximately 250 returned to Australia. More than 160 personnel were massacred by Japanese at Tol, after responding to Japanese re-assurances of support.
Another 850 personnel who were captured by Japanese were embarked on the “Montevideo Maru” which was sunk with total loss of life.
Today’s Lark Force Track is over 60km, traversing an extremely pristine jungle environment incorporating a few small villages. The current beauty and ruggedness of this track belies the horrors, struggles and bravery of those who fled on this track in WW2. Nevertheless there are significant challenges and experiences for today’s trekker on this Track.
The Lark Force Track presents an adventure into unsurpassed environmental beauty, diverse cultural experiences, history and personal challenges.
Proposed Trek Dates
Rabaul Surrender 29th August - 7th September 2010
Lark Force Wilderness track Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Travel to Rabaul and overnight in hotel in Kokopo; Meeting with KS-LFWT team and historian for tour briefing
Day 2: Morning – Prepare for trekking expedition; Lunchtime – Travel by 4x4 to Vunga village; Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with local villagers from Vunga and meet porter team in POM.
Day 3: Vunga to Baram village
Day 4: Baram village to Adenam campsite; Passing through the village of Renagi enroite to Adenam campsite
Day 5: Adenam campsite to Mondrabet village (Bainings fire dance to be performed at either Vunga, Renagi or Mondrabet village)
Day 6: Travel by 4x4 from Mondrabet to Mevelo River launching pad; Board banana boat vessel and travel downstream with local Mengen and Sulka villagers; Fish for black bass, spot crocodiles an sharks and bird watching; Arrive at Karlai Guest Haus and overnight
Day 7: Visit Tol plantation and memorial plaque for Lark Force; Return to Karlai for a tour of of the coconut palm plantation; Enjoy the day relaxing by the coastal village
Day 8: Travel by boat to Rabaul and having a chance to catch some big game fish along the way. Overnight in hotel in Kokopo
Day 9: Land Tour of Rabaul – Military history (WWI, WWII and Japanese occupation), Local culture in Rabaul, Ruins of the old town and a live volcano tour.
Day 10: Tour Ends
Inclusions
• 3 Nights accommodation in Kokopo (Twin Share).
Meals not included and Surcharge applies for single accommodation
• Historical land tour – WWI and WWII relics and sites, cultural sites, old town (ruins) and volcano tour;
KS-LFWT Historian included in tour program LFWT
Trek Content
• Personal porter
• 1 day river expedition – fishing for black bass
• 2 nights at Karlai plantation guest house – Tour of Tol plantation and of coconut palm plantation
• KS - LFWT Tour Guide
• All meals on track and in Karlai
• Bainings fire dance performance
• Boat transfer from Karlai to Rabaul
• Trek Permit & village fees
• Certificate of completion
• Airport transfers
• 4x4 transfers Rates
KOKODA SPIRIT 2010 RATES
• 1 - 6 Trekkers $4,002.00 per person
• 7-10 Trekkers $3,876.00 per person
• 11+ Trekkers $3,852.00
Rates apply to October 2010 (Land Content Only). For more information contact Kokoda Spirit here.
Testimonials
Dr. David Rosengren - Adventure Medicine
Without a doubt one of the most incredible weeks of my life. East New Britain offers the most amazing contrasts from the crystal clear reef waters; to the barren volcanic landscape; to the dense tropical jungles and ruggedness of the Baining Mountain Range; to the crocodile infested splendour of the Mevelo River and finally to the fishing delights of the open waters of the south coast. I feel privileged to have been witness to the extraordinary cultural display and the uninhibited generosity of the local villagers. Being exposed to this diversity of nature and culture added to the solemnity of the remembrance of the sacrifice made by the Lark Force in 1942. I went to New Britain expecting the unexpected and I got everything I could have imagined and then some. It is impossible to select out any specific highlight of the trip. I very much hope that our medical contribution to both the porters and local villagers was of value and I would love to be able to contribute in a positive way in the future Great effort on your behalf .
Rohan Harry - Lark Force Descendant (Victoria)
Thank you again for the tremendous work that you and your team put into making our Lark Force Wilderness Track experience so memorable. It truly was one of the most enjoyable holidays that I have ever been fortunate enough to go on. You have a developed a fantastic adventure holiday, that combines history, culture, personal challenge – and beautiful scenery - into a unique and unforgettable experience. I could not recommend the Lark Force Wilderness Track more highly to any potential trekkers who are looking for an adventure holiday with a difference.
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