Our Guides

I am an active member of Alexandra Headland Surf Club and a Masters Surfboat rower.
I have had two Great Uncles that served in PNG during WW2.
I first trekked Kokoda in 2009 and became inspired by the story of Kokoda.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

Rob first experienced the Kokoda Track in 2012 during the 70th anniversary commemorations, working as a remote medic and outdoor guide. His connection to Papua New Guinea is also personal — his late grandfather served as an aircraft mechanic in PNG during World War II. Rob brings a broad and diverse background to guiding. He grew up working on remote cattle stations throughout central Queensland and has completed two trades as an auto electrician and builder. His career has also included service in the Australian Army, close protection work, and roles as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor.

I served as an Infantryman in the Australian Regular Army for over 35 years including operational service in South Vietnam and Somalia finishing my career as a Warrant Officer Class 1 (W O 1).
Since my discharge in late 2004 I have worked in the Fitness Industry as a Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor.

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.

“Kokoda changes people because the hardship humbles you, the history inspires you, and the journey makes you more resilient and grateful”

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.

A retired Senior Sergeant with the Victorian Police Force, Darren brings decades of leadership, discipline, and calm decision-making into every trek. His background in policing supports a steady, professional approach on the Track, particularly when conditions are demanding and sound judgement matters most.

“Kokoda changes people because it shows you who you really are”

Brian brings a strong background in elite sport and leadership to his role as an Australian Trek Guide with Kokoda Spirit. He has a history of playing elite-level tennis and coaching professional sportspeople and remains actively involved as a member coach at Umina Beach Surf Club alongside his wife and three children. Brian began his journey with Kokoda Spirit in 2008 and, over the past 17 years, has led many successful treks across the Kokoda Track.

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.

“Kokoda changes people because you can’t walk in their shoes without feeling pride in their achievements — and pride in what you’ve achieved yourself”

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.

In 2007, I was drawn to Kokoda and found the experience so uplifting; it was to change my life forever. I feel extremely privileged to be in a position where I can not only add value to peoples lives but often share a life changing experience, this is very humbling to me.

I served in the Australian Army from 1988 – 2001 in both a full-time and part-time capacity. The majority of which I was an Air Dispatcher. For the last 23 years I have been teaching as a PE Teacher. My current role is Dean of Students 7-10 at William Carey Christian School. I have always loved the outdoors and have…

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. 

I initially completed the Kokoda track for charity in 2013 and it was such an incredible experience I always knew I would go back.

When the opportunity came up to guide groups of like-minded adventurers across the unique track, I jumped at the chance.