John Titmus

Australian Trek Guide

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.

John’s connection to the Kokoda Campaign is longstanding. After researching the campaign for many years — inspired in part by the service of his two great uncles with the 2nd AIF in the South West Pacific — walking the Track for the first time was a life-changing experience. It deepened his understanding of the conditions endured by Australian soldiers and reinforced his commitment to sharing their stories with respect and accuracy.

Qualified in Senior First Aid and an active surf lifesaver for nearly 30 years, John brings calm capability and strong situational awareness to every trek. He is proud to lead groups across Kokoda and considers it a privilege to help trekkers truly understand what it means to walk in the footsteps of heroes.

For John, Kokoda Spirit is more than a workplace — the team in Australia and the PNG guides and porters have become a second family. Witnessing the personal growth and life-changing moments that unfold during each trek remains one of the greatest rewards of his role.

John’s Guide Insights

Trekking & Guiding Background
John has been employed as an Australian Guide with Kokoda Spirit since 2010. In that time, he has completed 34 crossings of the Kokoda Track and Northern Beaches. His deep knowledge of the campaign is supported by firsthand exploration and mapping of key battlefield areas.

He is qualified in Senior First Aid and has been an active surf lifesaver for nearly three decades.

Journey to Kokoda Spirit
John was first introduced to Kokoda Spirit by fellow Australian Guide Shane Moloney. Having researched the Kokoda Campaign for many years, walking the Track was a highlight he will never forget.

When given the opportunity by Wayne and the Kokoda Spirit team to lead treks, Kokoda quickly became a defining part of his life. Today, he regards the guides, porters, and team members as extended family. Seeing trekkers reach the end of their journey with a true understanding of what they have accomplished is, in John’s words, “the best feeling in the world.”

Connection to Kokoda History
John’s interest in the campaign was sparked by his two great uncles’ service during World War II. Walking the Track gave him a profound appreciation for the conditions they endured and helped explain why so many veterans rarely spoke about their experiences.

A Moment That Never Gets Old
John is deeply moved when sharing the story of Stan and Butch Bisset at the place where Butch died in Stan’s arms. After a period of silence and reflection, he sings a verse of Danny Boy — a moment he describes as difficult, yet one that makes you feel profoundly alive.

Which Direction Is “Easier”?
Both directions are challenging; however, John believes trekking from Kokoda to Owers’ Corner is slightly easier and allows the story of the Australian withdrawal to be told in chronological order.

The Most Meaningful Place on the Track
Brigade Hill — a major battle site where many Australians lost their lives. John describes it as hauntingly beautiful and deeply significant.

Favourite Village
Buna, where John says his “other family” lives.

Best Meal on the Track
Kokoda sausage and mash on the first night.

What Makes a Great Kokoda Trekker
In John’s experience, anyone who commits to walking the Track is already demonstrating strong character. A great trekker is someone who seeks not only the physical challenge but also a deeper understanding of what the diggers endured.

In John’s Words
Kokoda changes people because it is one of the most physically challenging treks in the world, but also sacred ground for Australians. Walking the Track becomes more than a physical journey — it is a spiritual one that draws out every emotion. The Kokoda Spirit reflects this journey.