Our Guides

Rob brings extensive global expedition experience and advanced medical capability to his role with Kokoda Spirit. Raised on remote cattle stations in Queensland, he developed an early connection to rugged environments — a foundation that shaped his career in remote-area leadership and expedition guiding.

“Kokoda changes people because it strips life back to its essentials. Removed from distraction, individuals confront fatigue, doubt, and the need to keep moving forward.

Jules has been guiding for nearly two decades and, as of 2025, has trekked the Kokoda Track more than 38 times. She first walked Kokoda in 2008 and was so deeply affected by the experience that she returned just eight weeks later — the beginning of what has become one of her great life passions: guiding people across the Kokoda Track.

“Kokoda changes people because it gives them perspective and the opportunity to fully be themselves, reflect on their lives and realise what’s important to them.”

Darren has been guiding on the Kokoda Track since 2009 and has completed 24 treks to date, with 100% of his trekkers successfully reaching the finish. Over the years, he has guided a wide range of groups, including elite athletes, corporate executives, current and former ADF members, and trekkers aged from 12 to 76.

Susan’s connection to Papua New Guinea began early in life. She grew up in Port Moresby, completed all her schooling there, and has carried a deep love and connection to the country ever since. As a child, she would ride her horses past Bomana War Cemetery, long before she fully understood the significance of Kokoda or the history that surrounded her.

Adam brings extensive expedition and remote area guiding experience to his role as an Australian Trek Guide with Kokoda Spirit. His guiding career began in the Victorian Alpine region, where he led technical backcountry skiing expeditions through the Falls Creek wilderness — environments where sound judgement, terrain awareness, and safety management are critical.

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.

Shane first trekked the Kokoda Track in 2007 and found the experience profoundly life-changing — a moment that would shape the path he has followed ever since. Nearly two decades later, he continues to guide with the same passion, viewing it as both a privilege and a responsibility to share the story of Kokoda with those who walk it.

Known for his steady mindset and natural endurance, Kiwi brings calm leadership and quiet resilience to every Kokoda expedition. As a current serving member of the Australian Army, he understands the physical and mental demands of operating in challenging environments and applies that experience to supporting trekkers throughout their journey.

Cam is an Australian Trek Guide with Kokoda Spirit and a commissioned officer with the Queensland Police, bringing more than 37 years of operational service to the Track. His background includes extensive experience in planning, team leadership, and risk management — skills that translate seamlessly into safe, well-managed Kokoda expeditions.

Greg brings a lifetime of leadership, discipline, and operational experience to the Kokoda Track. He served for more than 35 years as an Infantryman in the Australian Regular Army, including active operational service in South Vietnam and Somalia, and concluded his distinguished military career as a Warrant Officer Class One.

John has been guiding with Kokoda Spirit since 2010 and is one of the company’s most experienced Australian Guides. Over that time, he has walked the Kokoda Track 34 times in both directions and has extensively explored the battlefield areas north of Kokoda, including Oivi, Gorari, and Waju, as well as the Northern Beaches of Buna, Giriwa, Sanananda, and Gona.

Chris is a professional firefighter based in Melbourne and an Australian Trek Guide with Kokoda Spirit. He is also a co-founder of the Zero79 Foundation (formerly Cam’s Cause), a charity established in honour of his best mate, the late Corporal Cameron Baird VC, MG — Australia’s 100th Victoria Cross recipient.

Peter first walked the Kokoda Track in 2010 and quickly developed a deep passion for this iconic Australian story. Since then, he has trekked Kokoda 15 times, including 14 treks as an Australian Guide with Kokoda Spirit. He has also led treks across the Sandakan Memorial Track in Borneo on eight occasions, seven of those as a guide, including treks with students from the Kokoda Youth Foundation.

Phil brings a unique combination of military experience, educational leadership, and outdoor expertise to his role as an Australian Trek Guide with Kokoda Spirit.
He served in the Australian Army from 1988 to 2001 in both full-time and part-time capacities, primarily as an Air Dispatcher.

Brian has been guiding on the Kokoda Track with Kokoda Spirit since 2008 and is widely respected for the leadership, care, and emotional intelligence he brings to every expedition. Over more than 17 years, he has led a diverse range of groups across the Track, supporting trekkers through journeys that are as personally transformative as they are physically demanding.

Steve is an Australian Trek Guide with Kokoda Spirit and has been guiding on the Kokoda Track since 2016. Based in Mandurah, Western Australia, Steve is retired and spends his time travelling and trekking some of the world’s most iconic destinations.

Kokoda changes people because, regardless of preparation, everyone is tested in some way — and it gives them the drive to say, “I can do it,” whatever “it” may be.

The challenge of the Kokoda track drew me here in 2012, and it was on this trip were I fell in love with the rich history and the people along the track.
I am passionate about Kokoda, our history, the people of the track and their rich culture and heritage.
The opportunity to take those seeking adventure on a bucket list trip and share the history and also their stories along the way in itself is an uplifting experience for me personally.