Susan Blinkhoff

Susan Blinkhoff

Australian Trek Guide

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.

During her years in PNG, Susan also picked up some of the local pidgin language, further strengthening her connection to the people and culture.

Now based in Brisbane, Susan works as an Intensive Care Nurse, bringing calm professionalism, care, and attention to detail into every trek. Her nursing career has enabled her to return to Port Moresby volunteering with Operation Open Heart, an organisation providing life-saving cardiac surgery to children in need — a role that has deepened her respect for PNG and its communities.

Susan has guided 12 Kokoda treks and recently had the honour of leading the Mark Hughes Foundation Back-to-Back Kokoda Trek. She was also part of the guide team that led the Sydney Roosters NRL team across the Track.

Kokoda holds a special place for Susan as a shared chapter of Australian and Papua New Guinean history, and she is passionate about sharing the stories, meaning, and lessons of this iconic journey with her trekkers.

A lover of the outdoors and exploring new places, Susan is excited to guide others through the beauty and challenges of Kokoda, helping

Susan’s Guide Insights

Trekking & Guiding Background
Susan has been trek leading for three years and first walked the Kokoda Track in 2019. Since then, she has completed 10 Kokoda treks. One of her standout experiences was leading the Mark Hughes Foundation on their remarkable back-to-back Kokoda challenge, completing the Track twice in just six days each time. She has also been part of the guide team that led the Sydney Roosters NRL team across the Track.

Outside of Kokoda, Susan makes a point of completing at least one different trek each year. This year, she is taking on Cradle Mountain.

Journey to Kokoda Spirit
Susan first walked Kokoda with a large group of family and friends to celebrate her brother’s 40th birthday. She later began trek leading with Kokoda Spirit and has remained with the company because of its strong commitment to safety, care for trekkers, and genuine respect for the local people of Papua New Guinea.

She feels deeply connected to Kokoda — its people, its land, and its history. For Susan, Kokoda is not only a significant physical and mental challenge, but also one of the most beautiful rainforest walks, rich with history and meaning. That connection is what keeps her coming back.

Connection to Kokoda History
Susan had limited knowledge of the Kokoda Campaign before her first trek. Walking the Track with Kokoda Spirit opened her eyes to the sacrifice and hardship endured by Australian soldiers and gave her a deep sense of gratitude. She believes you cannot walk Kokoda without wondering how the soldiers survived in such conditions — an emotional realisation that only comes from walking in their footsteps.

A Moment That Never Gets Old
Passing the halfway point at Efogi is always special for Susan. Regardless of the direction, she feels the group collectively exhale as they realise they can do this. The mood shifts, energy lifts, and confidence grows. Swimming in the creeks along the Track is another highlight — a chance to cool down, recharge, and reset.

Which Direction Is “Easier”?
Susan prefers trekking from Kokoda to Owers’ Corner and feels it is the easier direction — perhaps because it was the way she first walked the Track. That said, she believes both directions have their own challenging days.

The Most Meaningful Place on the Track
Brigade Hill. While it doesn’t have the large memorial pillars of Isurava, Susan finds there is something deeply powerful in its simplicity. It is always emotional, and you can’t help but feel something there.

Favourite Village
A close call, but Deniki is Susan’s favourite, with its incredible views down towards Kokoda and unforgettable sunrises. Eora Creek is a close second — a beautiful place to camp while listening to the roar of the creek.

Best Meal on the Track
Bangers and mash — without question. Pancakes are a close second, and the bananas in the villages are always incredibly sweet.

One Item She’d Never Trek Without
Wipes — they keep you feeling clean no matter what the weather throws at you.

What Makes a Great Kokoda Trekker
Someone who looks after their health and practises good self-care. Staying on top of hydration, foot care, and wound management is essential so the elements don’t take over.

In Susan’s Words
Kokoda changes people because it pushes them far outside their comfort zone. Finding the mental strength to keep going is life-changing, and the time on the Track gives people space to reflect and gain clarity. Susan has never met anyone who hasn’t taken something meaningful away from the experience.