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Matt first trekked the Kokoda Track in 2024 as part of a Zero79 Foundation trek, returning in 2025 for his second crossing. On that second trek, he trained and conditioned his 15-year-old son, who completed the Track alongside him without the assistance of a porter. Sharing that journey and watching his son’s resilience grow day by day remains one of Matt’s proudest moments as a father.
For Matt, Kokoda is unlike any other trek. It challenges people physically and mentally, while also teaching powerful lessons in perseverance, teamwork, and belief in oneself. The remoteness of the Track, its history, and the shared hardship create bonds that endure long after the trek is complete.
Matt grew up around Newcastle, New South Wales, in an outdoor-focused family, with a childhood shaped by camping, surfing, fishing, hiking, and team sport. These experiences helped form his values and eventually led him to join the Australian Army, where he completed three combat tours of Afghanistan before discharging in 2010.
Now living with his wife and three children, Matt continues to embrace adventure and the outdoors as a family. Teaching his children the importance of service, respect, and giving back is central to their family values, and these principles strongly influence the way he guides on the Kokoda Track.
As a guide, Matt sees Kokoda as far more than a physical challenge. It is an opportunity to mentor, support, and encourage others — particularly younger trekkers and families — while helping them understand the significance of service, sacrifice, and community. Guiding on Kokoda is an absolute honour, and meeting the local people, sharing the history, and helping trekkers discover what they are truly capable of is at the heart of why Matt returns.
Matt’s Guide Insights
Trekking & Guiding Background
Matt’s trekking and leadership experience is grounded in his military service, where he led teams through demanding environments including the Australian bush, the Malaysian jungle, and the mountains of Afghanistan. These experiences shaped his calm leadership style, resilience, and practical approach to operating in remote terrain.
Journey to Kokoda Spirit
Matt completed his first crossing of the Kokoda Track as part of the Australian-led Zero79 Foundation annual fundraising trek. He chose to remain with Kokoda Spirit because of the strong sense of familiarity within the team and the smaller group sizes, which create a more personal and supportive trekking experience.
Connection to Kokoda History
Matt’s connection to the campaign is personal — his great uncle fought on the Kokoda Track. This family link deepens his respect for the soldiers who served and reinforces the significance of the ground he now walks as a guide.
A Moment That Never Gets Old
Matt particularly values watching trekkers transition from nervous anticipation at the start to a confident “I’ve got this” mindset in the final days. Seeing people slip in the mud, laugh at themselves, and keep moving forward is all part of the shared experience that makes Kokoda memorable.
Which Direction Is “Easier”?
Neither direction offers an easy path. Even when you feel comfortable and in rhythm, a steep climb or long descent can quickly remind you who’s in charge. Kokoda has a way of keeping everyone honest — sometimes it’s the terrain, and sometimes it’s just the extra lunch catching up with you.
The Most Meaningful Place on the Track
As a former soldier with a strong understanding of the campaign, Matt finds meaning across the entire Track rather than in a single location. Every section holds personal stories, battles fought, and sacrifices made — many of which will never be fully known. He walks with those thoughts in mind, recognising that each soldier carried his own war.
Favourite Village
Matt doesn’t single out one village — for him, each offers something unique, and he values the experience of walking through them all.
Best Meal on the Track
Porridge with honey at sunrise. Warm, simple, and hard to beat with a tea or coffee as the day begins.
One Item He’d Never Trek Without
A reliable Gore-Tex jacket — when you’re cold and wet, staying warm makes all the difference.
What Makes a Great Kokoda Trekker
A great trekker is someone who finishes the journey able to say, “That was a slog — and I loved it.”
In Matt’s Words
Kokoda changes people because when you’re cold, wet, tired, and sore, you still have to keep walking. That’s the making of an adventurer — not a tourist.