Julie Attard

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.

Her broader guiding and trekking experience spans some of Australia’s most iconic walks, including the Great Ocean Road Walk in Victoria, the Bay of Fires in Tasmania, and the Aussie Camino from Portland to Penola. Internationally, Jules has completed coast-to-coast hikes across England on the Wainwright Way, as well as Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal. She has also trekked the Larapinta Trail, Three Capes Track, and Cape to Cape.

Despite this global experience, Jules’ heart has always remained with Kokoda — its history, its people, and the profound impact the Track has on those who walk it.

She brings calm leadership, deep respect for Papua New Guinea, and a genuine love of guiding into every trek.

Jules is trained in Wilderness First Aid and has a professional background in education and pathology, giving her a steady, thoughtful, and people-focused approach on the Track.

“Kokoda strips everything back — and what you discover about yourself there stays with you long after the Track ends.”

Jules– Australian Guide Profile

Full Name

Julie Attard (Jules)

Role with Kokoda Spirit

Australian Guide

Trekking & Guiding Background

Jules has been guiding for 19 years. She first trekked Kokoda in 2008 and was so inspired by the experience she returned just 8 weeks later, beginning what has become one of her great passions in life, guiding across the Kokoda Track.

Other guiding gigs have been The Great Ocean Road Walk in Vic, The Bay of Fires in Tas, and The Aussie Camino from Portland to Penola. She’s hiked from coast to coast across England on the Wainwright Way, Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, Larapinta, Three Capes in Tas and Cape to Cape in WA to name the big ones, but her big love is and has always been, for the Kokoda Track and the people of PNG.

Jules is trained in Wilderness First Aid, and has a background in Education and Pathology.

Your Journey to Kokoda Spirit

I came to Kokoda Spirit because it felt like family. The KS family are just wonderful to work alongside. They’re dedicated, kind, fun, and share a wealth of knowledge. They make the experience the best it can be for everyone. We share the same vision and it feels good. Every year the KS family grows, meeting new trekkers and new locals, and my life feels better for it. What’s not to love!

Connection to Kokoda History

When I first hiked the track, I had no prior knowledge of the Kokoda Campaign but soon realised it is a story that needs to be told. Meeting some of the diggers over the years and listening to their stories has solidified this commitment. Their sacrifices are the reason we live a life of freedom as we do today, and are to be respected most reverently. The impact of the campaign on the local people and their sacrifice is equally as important. Every trek I endeavour to learn something new. It’s impossible not to be moved by it.

A Moment That Never Gets Old

A swim at Hoi! It’s like a scene from a picture book and one of my favourite villages. It’s just so pretty…a running stream, tropical foliage and flowers, butterflies, kids everywhere, ladies selling fresh fruits and plenty of smiles. If it’s on your first day, then it’s your first cool down, and if it’s on your last day, it’s just 2 hrs to the finish. I always look forward to it.

Which Direction Is “Easier”?

Hahaha, great question! For me, the one that is easier is the one I’m on at the time. If I think that one way is harder, then it will be. If I think one way is easier, then it will be. Walking Kokoda is a mind game, so I always keep a positive mindset about which direction I’m walking in.

The Most Meaningful Place on the Track

Ooh, a tough one, but I would have to say Isurava battlefield for me. There seems to be a looming presence in that place. The mountains feel close, the view down the Yodda Valley toward Kokoda is devine and ever changing, clouds roll in and out, and the monument and 4 pillars stand virtuously as a poignant reminder of the calibre of our diggers and fuzzy wuzzy angels. The stories of the young diggers at the battle of Isurava are incredibly moving. It’s an opportunity to pay our respects.

Off track, Bomana War Cemetery always hits home.

Favourite Village

I have a few. Hoi, as mentioned, it’s just so pretty and always great for a swim and fresh fruit. Alola, perched high up on the side of the mountain, the views are stunning. Some of our teams are from Alola and it’s always beautiful to see them with their families. Ioribaiwa, the sunsets are incredible and it’s incredibly special to spend time soaking it up and taking it all in.

Best Meal on the Track

Can we call donuts a meal? Because they are next level amazing and when they come out at lunch time everybody’s happy. Other than that, any meal I don’t have to cook is the best…and that’s all of them. The cooks do a stirling job.

One Item You’d Never Trek Without

I love a cuppa soup at the end of the day and I always take it. It’s salty, fills the tummy until dinner comes and it’s like a nice warm hug on the inside.

What Makes a Great Kokoda Trekker

Someone who’s up for putting in and getting the most out of their trek. They’re engaging, they ask questions, they get in and get to know the porters, they have a positive mindset, they encourage their teammates, and they genuinely have a great time because they want to.