KOKODA 2010
A ROUND SQUARE/CADET/OUTDOOR ED
ADVENTURE TREK
(Easter Vacation)
Hand Out: 2 (09.12.09)
New information since the last brochure is shown in Italics.
Tour Inclusions:
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All international and domestic airfare, including taxes and charges.
Transfers to and from airport in PNG.
Travel Insurance & Satellite Phone
Bus hire for visits to local areas of interest.
2 nights hotel accommodation in Port Moresby (POM), 2 nights Lodge accommodation and dinner
in Kokoda Village, 7 nights camping in Villages on Kokoda Track.
 Experienced TSS Tour Leader & one PNG local Guide & two PNG local Porters.
 Visits to local craft market, Bomona War Cemetary, Botanical Gardens & Zoo.
 Full supervision by TSS staff.
1. Port Moresby (POM)
2. Kokoda Village
 I night hotel accom.
 2 nights Lodge accom with dinner.
 Bomona War Cemetary visit.
 War museum visit.
 Local craft market visit.
 Food market visit.
 Botanical Gardens & Zoo visit.
 Assist Lodge family in jungle food
garden.
 Discovery walks in the beautiful local
area.
3. Kokoda Track
4. Port Moresby (POM)
 8 days / 7 night walk along Kokoda Track.
 1 night hotel accom.
 Camping in local villages.
 Clean gear for flight home.
 Swimming in local waterholes.
 Dinner with TSS PNG Old Boys.
 Visiting points of interest along the track.
Tour Exclusions:
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Transfers to and from Brisbane.
All meals (except where indicated above).
All individual medical supplies and vaccination needs, and medical tests.
Spending money.
Any gear required.
Porter hire (other than the one PNG Guide and two PNG Porters)

PNG Departure Tax of approx K30
Costs:
The estimated cost of the tour is $2800.00 for students and $3000 for parents. The final figure will depend on
numbers, currency fluctuations, changes in Hotel and airline costs, tariffs and charges. The payment schedule is
included below:
Payment Deadline
Amount of Payment
Deposit
Due upon application
$200
2nd Payment
Wed 25 Nov 2009
$800
Final Payment
Fri 5 Feb 2010
$1800 or $2000* (Student or parent*)
*The Tour Leader will advise any changes to the final amount prior to the Final Payment.
Parents/students are asked to complete the notice of commitment and return it to the Tour Leader. A deposit of
$200 is due upon application. Payments can be made by cheque addressed to ‘The Southport School’ , by cash, by
credit card or by direct debit. Please reference payments ‘Kokoda 2010 TSS acct 1630K’.
Please follow up such payments with an email to the Tour Leader advising date and amount of payment.
All other payments can be made at any time before the deadline. Please note all payments are non-refundable.
As comprehensive Travel insurance is included, any cancellation can be negotiated with the Travel insurer directly.
Please be aware that the Tour Leader or TSS will not be involved in any claims by any traveller. As the Travel
Insurance is supplied by a third party, it is essential that you read the product disclosure statement.
Should the proposed tour not proceed for any reason, all claims for refunds where no costs were incurred will be
made for the full amount paid. In the event that costs have been incurred, refunds will be made under the terms of
the travel insurance and a pro rata entitlement of any monies held by TSS account ‘Kokoda 2010 TSS acct 1630K’.
Selection:
Due to limitations on the number of places available, they will be reserved on a first-come-first-served basis. There
will be 11 places for students & parents, and 4 places for teachers (with the 3 PNG staff a total of 18 will fill one
plane). Once the places are filled any student or parent that misses out may be wait-listed for spaces that may
become available.
Selection for the Kokoda 2010 Adventure Trek is subject to the satisfactory completion of TSS medical forms for
students and parents, as well as for parents the provision of a medical approval in writing from a medical GP , as
well as the approval of the Deputy Headmaster, Mr Alan Parsons.
Tour Information
Tour Dates:
The tour departs Brisbane airport on Monday 29 March 2010. It returns to Brisbane on Friday 9
April 2010.
Visas :
All visitors from Aus require a 30 day visa which can be obtained at the Port Moresby airport.
Cost is K100 and needs a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds for your stay, an onward airline
ticket with confirmed booking and Kina cash. If applied for in Australia, the cost is around $50. A
valid passport and a completed application form is needed. Forms will be forwarded by the Tour
Coordinator to each traveller. Each traveller will then forward completed forms to the Tour
Coordinator with payment of the Fee to TSS (Fee amount will be confirmed), where a bulk
application will be made by the Tour Coordinator.
PNG Consulate, Christie centre, Level 11 Suite 8, 320 Adelaide St. Brisbane 4000 Tel 07 3221 7915
Passports:
Australian passports will need a validity of 12 months still available. I am sure the same will apply
for other nationalities passports. Passport renewal will be the responsibility of each traveller.
Passports will need to be carried individually by travellers.
In the event of a passport being lost or stolen, it is advised that a photocopy of the following be
placed in a different waterproof location in the pack: Passport, visa, credit card, drivers licence,
airline tickets
Flights:
A detailed flight itinerary will be available before departure. It is intended that seating be
allocated as a group. The following Airlines to be used are:

Brisbane to POM and return – Airlines PNG

POM to Kokoda – Airlines PNG
E tickets will most probably be used, so travellers will be required to show photographic evidence
it is indeed you.
Travellers will need to store their own flight tickets in their packs.
Luggage:
Travellers will have to carry and care for their own luggage. Travellers should ensure their
luggage is lockable or tamper proof. Travellers should take a backpack and a bag for hand
luggage. The backpack allowance will be 20kg and the hand luggage will be 8kg. It is intended
that travellers will carry backpacks on the Track. Unless a Porter is specifically engaged, each
traveller will carry and care for their own luggage.
Travellers will be personally responsible for any excess luggage charges imposed by airlines
and that luggage and its contents meets aviation, customs and Quarantine laws (opened
food packets will not be let thru quarantine in POM so plan to break closed packets in POM.
There is no quarantine check from POM to Kokoda).
Travel Insurance:
Comprehensive Travel Insurance has been included in the cost of the tour. As the Travel
Insurance is supplied by a third party, it is essential that you read the product disclosure
statement.
As comprehensive Travel insurance is included, any cancellation can be negotiated with the
Travel insurer directly. Please be aware that the Tour Leader or TSS will not be involved in any
individual claims by any traveller.
Transport on
ground:
Transfers both ways from the airport/hotel in POM will be made by Hotel tour bus. Visits in POM
to the markets, war cemetery and Botanical Gardens will be made by bus under the supervision
of a security firm. In kokoda village and on the Kokoda Track all transport will be on foot under
the supervision of the Lodge and/or the PNG Guide or Porter. Transport from Owers Cnr to POM
will be by a hired PMV.
Accommodation:
Accommodation will be arranged on a share basis. There will be an emphasis on security at
all times. In POM the standard will be *** to ****. In Kokoda village, the Lodge it will be
small room dormitory style in a typical grass PNG structure. On the track, wherever possible,
PNG huts will be used where available, otherwise tents will have to be erected.
Free Time &
Security:
There will be absolutely no opportunity for free time in POM outside of the secure Hotel.
Outside of the Hotel, the group will move as a group with security when visits to the Boroka
Markets, Bomana War Cemetary, Botanical Garden/Zoo are made. No traveller is to move
away from the group at any time.
In Kokoda village security is a little more relaxed, but all travellers must report to The Tour
Coordinator if they are planning to leave the Lodge. In most instances a member of Priscilla’s
lodge will accompany travellers.
On the Track, the group will stay together and move along the track together. At all times the
traveller will maintain a visual with the person in front and the person behind. The PNG
guide will be in charge of the group once the trek is started and travellers must move as he
directs.
At all times, travellers must remain vigilant to what is going on around them.
Australian mobile phones will not work in PNG. The group will have a satellite phone on
standby at all times but only for emergencies. It will not be made available for social calls.
A mid-week call will be made on the satellite phone to a designated person back on the
Gold Coast who will distribute the information to all others. Similarly, important messages
from AUS can be channelled to the travellers the same way.
In accordance with TSS Policy, TSS staff will have completed a risk assessment document
prior to our departure.
Behaviour &
Conduct:
This tour is an extension of the normal learning environment of TSS and as such, normal
TSS expectations for behaviour and conduct will apply to both students and adults. Any
student whose behaviour fails to meet these expectations will face consequences, up to and
including a forced return to TSS. Such an event will occur after consultation with the Deputy
Headmaster and will be at the cost of the parents of the student. Parents/adults will be
expected to comply with expectations of TSS and the touring staff.
Normal TSS expectations on drugs and alcohol will be strictly enforced.
Please consider that PNG can be a very conservative society and that sensitivity needs to be
shown towards local culture and customs.
We may be joined on the trek by TSS PNG Old Boys. In the past two treks, Leonard Warisa
(DEL 99) has joined us and has been a great help and provided fantastic company.
Alcohol:
TSS has a no alcohol policy. It also is not to be offered to our PNG Guide & Porters.
Money/Food:
Only PNG Kena is used in PNG. To try to change Aus$ for K at anywhere other than the
airport is quite difficult. To exchange Aus$ for K$ on the Gold Coast, try Travelex at
Helensvale Town Centre Tel: 1800 637 642.
Australian Visa/Mastercards are accepted in POM only. There is no opportunity for card use
in Kokoda village or along the track.
On the flight btn Bris – POM – Bris, inflight meals will be provided.
At the hotel in POM, breakfast is likely to cost btn 35 – 50K for full buffet and 20K for
continental. Lunch will be approx 20K, and dinner is likely to be in the range 20 – 50K (allow
at least 50K for the Old Boys PNG dinner on the final night).
Travellers should allow some spending money for local purchases of souvenirs, snacks etc.
Souvenirs can be made at the Boroka markets (haggling is done) and the airport (much more
expensive). All purchases will be subjected to aviation and Australian Customs and
Quarantine inspections. Travellers will be solely responsible for ensuring purchases comply
with all Laws.
At Kokoda Village, travellers should cater for their own breakfasts and lunches, but dinner
will be provided by the lodge. There is a Trading Post which sells basic packaged food such as
rice, matches, kero, bottled water and close-by is a market for fruit/vegetables.
Along the Kokoda Track, villages will sometimes sell fruit and root veges (a full plate was 5K
in 2007) which are good to take advantage of. It is suggested each traveller carries some
spare Kena for this purpose. Some villages even sell softdrink, but we have a pact that we do
without this luxury until we get back to POM. There are no shops outside of Kokoda village.
There is an entry fee for the Botanical Gardens (around 10K) and maybe some K allowed for
the local craft market in Boroka.
Water will have to be purchased in POM and Kokoda Village, but can be collected along the
Kokoda Track from streams/springs (allow for 8 days of sterilization tabs or sterilization pen).
Food for the Track needs to be sorted between groups of 2 or 3. The Tour Coordinator will
contact travellers to form food groups. Once formed Food Groups will need to plan cooking
gear as well. Usually each person supplies their own b’fast, then shares lunch, and a turn is
taken to do dinner for your group every 2nd or 3rd night depending on group size.
Allow 10K for the Fuzzy Wuzzy photo in Nadouri. Our group will pass the hat around
and it is our way to show appreciation to these gentle old men. Such money is the
only way income goes into villages.
Allow 25K to cover a tip for the 3 PNG boys helping our group (1 guide and 2
Porters). Allow 50K to 100K for a personal Porter.
Each traveller is to allow for payment of a PNG Departure Tax of around 30K upon
in for the flight back from POM to Brisbane.
Tipping &
Photographs:
check-
Each traveler will be asked to contribute 25K to cover a tip to the one PNG guide and the
two porters.
If you have a personal Porter, then you might consider btn K50 -100.
The only photos to be paid for are with the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. If others ask for money
for a photo, don't take the photo. Allow 10K for the Fuzzy Wuzzy photo in Nadouri.
Show respect by not pointing a camera at anyone if they are exhibiting signs they are not
comfortable. The PNG locals are beautiful fun loving people and mostly are very comfortable
with cameras.
Climate:
PORT MORESBY W.O. 9 38 S, 147 21 E, 190 feet (58 meters) above sea level.
Dec
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Avg. Temperature
27 27
26 26
26
26 25 25
26 26 27
27
Avg. Max
31 30
30 30
29
29 28 28
30 30 31
31
Temperature
Avg. Min
Temperature
23 23
23 23
23
23 22 22
23 23 23
23
Avg. Rain Days
7
8
8
4
3
1
2
2
1
1
4
3
Avg. Snow Days
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
It will be the end of the wet season and travellers should have backpack rain covers. A
rain poncho is better than a rain coat as it lets the heat out, but generally it’s refreshing to
walk in the rain. Use the poncho when camping in the village though.
It will be cold in the highlands on the Track. A 50C sleeping bag is warm enough. For
your change into your night clothing, a thin pair of long trousers is enough (zip off legs
are good in case we get to camp early) and include a thin long sleeve shirt, a fleece (a
fleece is warm but light and will pack without wrinkles) and a fleece beanie.
Electrical Items
Medical
Electrical current and sockets are the same as Australia’s. Mobile phones will not operate
without prior arrangements by individual Travellers.
I pods (etc) can be used in the privacy of the travellers own company. In the spirit of
improving the bodies senses to the jungle and the Kokoda experience, it is asked that such
music devices not be used during the day or in the company of others.
Craig Humbley (TSS staff) will be the designated ‘TSS Medical Officer’. Each traveller must
complete a ‘TSS Medical Form’ and Craig will hold these for the whole tour.
Each traveller is to organise a medical checkup and submit a copy of clearance by the GP to
the Tour Coordinator prior to 1 February 2010.
Each traveller is to organise their own vaccinations for the tour. Staff will consult the Travel
Doctor (Dr Michael Reid), Lvl2/92 Nerang St Southport (tel 07 5526 4444).The Travel Doctor
has confirmed that travellers should arrange visits asap (even Dec 09) as it gets booked out.
They have advised that a consultation will cost $126.50 ($76.50 rebate as a single consult or
$101.50 rebate a pair consult) plus the cost of any vaccinations.
Travellers with allergies of any sort need to seek medical advice before travelling and attach
a written course of action to the ‘TSS Medical Form’ to avoid confusion.
Travellers carrying prescription medication are asked to include a written prescription or
Doctor’s note to avoid confusion at Customs. A copy of this should also be attached to the TSS
Medical Form for monitoring by the TSS Medical Officer.
Please note that no TSS staff member can administer any type of medicine or drug to a
traveller, including headache tablets. Should a traveller become sick during the tour, the TSS
Medical Officer will make a decision to seek advice. Travellers should carry a Diahorrea Kit
but must discuss any plan to start taking medicine from this kit with the TSS Medical Officer
prior to starting and then advise the TSS Medical Officer of each intake. A written register of
all such events will be made in a dedicated journal.
TSS staff will always carry a First-Aid Kit for emergency use.
Travellers will be in PNG for 11 days with 8 days on the Kokoda Track. Malaria poses the
most serious health threat. Most malaria treatments start prior to travelling and continue on
for numerous days after. On the track in the highlands, mosquitos are not a major problem,
but vigilance is absolutely necessary. Precautions to avoid mosquito bites are:
 Take anti-malarial tablets as prescribed. Re-take tablets after any vomiting.
 Use 80% DEET insect repellent to exposed skin. Re-apply at all stops. Apply to
exposed skin areas immediately when changing clothes.
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Wear suitable clothing such as long sleeved light coloured shirt.
Sleep in a tent with insect screen or under mosquito net.
Avoid swampy areas at dusk.
The best defence is to avoid being bitten.
Another issue for vigilance is water for consumption. Bottled water can be purchased in
Kokoda village. On the Track around 750ml will be consumed each hour. Generally 2 litres
(can be a floppy camel pac) will be carried under the top flap of the backpack on stand by
(remember 1L weighs 1Kg) and 750mL will be carried for active drinking in a sports bottle
(has to be wide mouth opening for fast filling Note: narrow opening PET plastic containers
are not recommended). A second light weight 2 L bottle is needed in the pack that can be
filled and be under the action of sterilization tabs ( these require a few hours to work).
Dehydration can be an issue for travellers not used to such physical strains day after day or
the heat of POM. It is very important to monitor hydration (750 mL per hour) and water
needs for the day and the night from the moment of touchdown in POM. Always fill
containers (the sports bottle and both of the 2L containers) each evening before the sun goes
down and prep with sterilization tabs. Because of the loss of electrolytes during the day,
these should be topped up during the day. The most successful way we have found is to run a
300mL (or so) with a concentrated mix of endura (made up each morning from treated water
and endura powder) which is consumed by mouthful. Follow the directions on the pack to
ensure you are taking adequate electrolyte quantities. Headaches and very dark lemonades
(or wee) are a dead giveaway of poor management.
(Endura can be purchased at the ‘Aqua Shop’ in Strathaird Rd Bundall tel 07 5570 3991 or
by mail order. The shop is run by Erica Graham (a past TSS parent) who will offer a discount
of 10% if you let her know you are from TSS and who the Tour Coordinator is).
Diahorrea on the Track is very inconvenient. Travellers should be extremely mindful at all
times of hand cleaning (use soap or alcohol based forms) after toilets, etc, and use of clean
water (water that has been sterilized) in any cooking or washing of foodstuffs. Each traveller
should have their own hand cleaning gel/soap and Diahorrea Pack (a special pre-prepared
pack is avail at Travel Doctor or get your local GP to put one together).
Training:
Training will start in the third week of December 2009 and will take place as an organised
group on Wednesday afternoon and Sunday morning . It is expected that travellers will get to
those as much as possible. If these times and places do not suit, then please advise the Tour
Coordinator to discuss your plan for alternative fitness training.
Wednesday 5pm Stair Repeats: Start on 16 Dec and onwards at 5pm for stair repeats up a
high-rise managed by TSS parents, Carol Dolling, mother of Chris (Radcliffe 2007) and Nic (yr
10). Its advised to start with no backpack, then we will add backpacks and slowly increase the
weight ( could be water in bottles). Water for drinking will be needed. See you at “The
Penthouses, 20 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise.
Sunday 6am Longer hilly walks: Start on 21 Dec and onwards. Firstly meeting in the car-park
just south of Tallebudgera bridge. We will move north around the hilly sections of Burleigh
Heads on both the eastern and western sides of the highway. The walk will build up from 2
hours on the first day and water in a day pack is needed at first. The walks will become longer
with increasing hills with increasing weights in back-packs.
Training offers the ultimate time for travellers to test their gear, especially Boots, Socks, Shirt
and Shorts, and Backpack. Get this gear sorted asap and trial as early as poss and if its not
right the stores will usually help out with replacements and other ideas.
Porters &
In the spirit of Kokoda, travellers will be carrying their own backpacks. However, in the past
Backpacks:
Equipment:
Tour Leader:
there has been a need for particular travellers to have a personal Porter. This is organised
before the trip starts as the Porter will have to be flown to Kokoda with the group.
Each traveller is to assess his own need for a personal Porter. A personal Porter will cost the
traveller AUD $580. Please discuss with Tour Coordinator.
The Guide and two Porters who are booked to accompany the group are to help the group
with security and ensuring safe progress over potentially swollen creek crossings. If there is
an emergency where a traveller cannot carry the gear in their backpack, then the backpack
contents will have to be distributed evenly to the other travellers.
There has been an occasion on one past trek where 2 travellers on the same trek did not
properly prepare physically. Halfway into the first day, the packs of these two had to be
distributed among the group of 8 remaining adding some 6 kg extra to everyone’s pack.
Everyone struggled with the new pack weights at around 28kg on very steep long climbs. It
was not until the group had to distribute the gear that it was found that what the two had
packed contained 24kg each of heavy metal cutlery, metal plates and many other
inappropriate high weight items and that our pre-planning advice had not been taken on
board.
So, each traveller must pack low volume, low weight essentials so that total backpack weight
is at 20kg including a full load of water (up to 4kg).
At one of the meetings in early March, and this is to help travellers with their choices and to
use the experience of those who have trekked Kokoda before, travellers will be asked to bring
along their packed backpacks, have them weighed and then show what they are planning
to take.
This monitoring of the backpacks might seem overboard to some, but experience tells us that
this proactive process will help the whole team.
Kathmandu has a sale on now and another after xmas. Get membership for 25% off items
not on sale.
Nerang Disposals have good gear too. TSS gets 10% at least and more depending on how
much you buy. Get memebership there too for more discounts.
Travel Doctor at Southport. A discount is available if done in pairs.
Aqua Shop at Strathaird St, Bundall has Endura powder, gel and sports bars. The owners,
Erica Graham are TSS parents and offer 10% discount to TSS. Endura is the only sports
powder to consider as it contains sodium and magnesium (a lot of the others don’t, etc
Gatorade, Powerade….).
Chemist, a discount is being sought from a Chemist and will be advised.
Kenn Williams
Faculty of Mathematics
2nd Lieutenant TSS Cadet Corp
Tel: 07 5531 9911 Fax 07 5531 9977
Mob: 0409 195 007
Email: kenn.williams@tss.qld.edu.au
Kokoda 2010 Tour info avail on TSS web at >Academic & Cultural>Round
Square>Kokoda 2010 Tour
New Items to Note :
AUS Schedule:
1. Dec: Mail out Brochure 2 with new updates.
2. Dec: Please note fly out date has changed from Sunday 28 Mar to Monday 29 Mar.
3. Dec: Start of fitness program Wed 16 Dec at 5pm, Sun 20 Dec at 6am (arrangements to
follow).
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
PNG Schedule:
Dec: Email ‘TSS Medical Form’.
Dec: Adult Travellers to get Medical Check-up to confirm training is ok.
Dec: Check Passports.
Dec: Arrange travel doctor visit asap (get a cheaper rate if in pairs).
Feb 1st: Medical clearance in writing and completed ‘TSS Medical Form’ needed by
Tour Coordinator.
Feb: Final Payment date Fri 5 Feb 2010 (as Pg 3).
Feb: Lodge Visas as group application (Tour Coordinator).
Feb/Mar: Visa’s back.
Feb: Collect travel documents, eg, flight tickets etc.
Feb: Travellers to confirm if there is a need for personal Porter.
Mar: Form food groups. Arrange food purchase plan.
Mar: Arrange purchase of some PNG Kena currency (refer to Money/Food).
Mar: Advise Dept of Foreign Affairs & Trade thru www.smarttraveller.gov.au of trip.
Mar: Meeting with 39th Battalion war veterans one evening (date to be organised).
Collect allergy and prescription medicine advice.
Bring Backpacks with gear packed so each traveller can be
checked.
Distribute Emergency Contacts List to travellers and family.
Explain the designated person for distributing/channelling info mid
tour.
Mar: Travel to Brisbane International Airport for flight to POM.
1. Malaria tabs each am first thing.
2. Sort manufacturer packaged food into zip-lock packs for the trek.
3. Start with managing water immediately on landing.
Kokoda 2010 Equipment List
1. First Aid : Individuals should bring their own kits. Pack items not necessary for everyday access in lightweight take
away plastic food containers and pack inside Backpack. Items for ready access should be placed in a plastic ziplock
bag and stored in the pocket on the top of the Backpack. Recommended items below. A chemist is being sourced that
can bulk the supplies below at a discount. (More on this later).
Feet are the major concern. Some wear soft thin socks under the thick ones to avoid blisters. Each afternoon it is
recommended to thoroughly wash and dry your feet. Consider giving them a liberal coating of tinea or anti fungal
powder to dry them out during the night. If have severe skin damage on feet consider coating with vaseline in the
morning before socks and boots are put on.
Closed-in shoes at camp are to be worn at all times to limit potential damage to feet.
= anti malarial tablets as prescribed
= antihistimine (such as Benadryl) for colds, allergies, and for easing the swelling/itch of insect bites/stings.
= antiseptic mercurochrome, antibiotic powder, antiseptic benadryl/savlon for cuts/scratches. Treat immediately.
= calamine lotion or stingose to ease irritation from bites /stings. Treat immediately.
= Diahorrea Kit or your own GP kit for stomach upsets (drugs to treat the bug, immodium to bulk up stools and rehydration powders)
= re-hydration powders eg, Endura as well as Gastrolyte or hydralyte(especially caused by severe diarrhea. Organise
for 2 sachets each night)
= vaseline for feet and chafing
= second skin patches (for placing over skin blisters)
= Tropical strength 80% insect repellant, Bushmans or RID cream repellant (no aerosol cans)
= 2 Senko Blister Packs, 2 rolls of broad bandage and 6 safety pins,
= 1 roll elastoplast 50mm wide for taping of joints, bandaids
= panadol or aspirin for pain relief
= sunscreen, lipbalm
= water purification tablets ( for a minimum of 6 L per day for 8 days)
= Rehydration & electrolyte replacement sachets of Hydralyte or Gastrolyte.
= anti fungal powder for feet or other
= treatment for ear ache, toothache, jointache, eyedrops,
= small nail scissors, tweezers, needles for splinters
2. Safety :
= a whistle, compass, notepad and small pencil, small mirror, waterproof matches, spare shoelaces, light string/rope
say 2mm dia about 5m
3. Gear:
Day clothing for treking
= 1 rimmed hat (preferred) or peak hat (good for under poncho hoods when raining). Hats are essential and not a
negotiable item.
= 1 LS shirt quick dry and lighter colour for day trekking. (long sleeve & light colour for mosquito protection)
= 1 shorts, quick dry for day trekking, leg not too long to restrict knee lift (although some might prefer to trek in long
trousers)
= 1 lycra shorts to stop chafing (or to wear to stop further chafing)
= 2 pr underwear (eg I use speedos, wash and change alternate days)
= poncho rain jacket (good to be worn over self after trek finished each day. Will go over backpack if needed, don't
tend to get as hot as in a jacket).
When trekking don’t wear any raincoat as rain is cleansing.
= bush walking boots covering the ankle (broken in, good grip, ankle support, must be waterproof)
= 2 prs thin soft socks, nylon to go under woollen socks (some people use the 2 sock method, I don’t but have in
case)
= 3 pr thick socks, recommend woollen
= 1 set gators to under knee
= 1 pr shoes for crossing Goldie River which we wade through. (I will use my night shoes for this as it is the last day)
Night clothing
= underwear 2 pr for night
= 1 long trousers (zip off leg type are really good) or track suit pants
= layers for night warmth to incl 1 short sleeve shirt, 1 LS shirt, 1 fleece warm jacket (rain poncho and rain longs can
be another layer for real cold), 1 fleece beanie, 1 fleece gloves.
= 1 pr thick socks, recommend woollen
= I pr dry shoes (as light as possible, I will use sailing shoes)
Other gear
= 1 pr trekking poles (otherwise have PNG Guide cut you a stick). I don’t like 2 poles and only use 1 pole or stick.
= plastic or ltwt rubber to sit on when stopped (plastic shower curtains are good, in fact bring 3 or so, they are so
cheap)
= sunglasses
= camera in waterproof bag
= at least two of 2 L waterstorage ( I use a clear sports drink bottle I have ready access to and a 2 nd 2 L flexible bottle
I keep in my Pack)
= small sharp knife for cutting veges/cup/bowl/eating utensils ( I will only take a table spoon)
= 60-75L proper backpack and 1 pack cover in case of rain. (Kathmandu has a Vardo v4 pack in 65L,70L, 75L that is
typical of the strength and structure typically needed that is on 50% sale ).
= 1 quick dry towel
= 1 self inflating mattress plus light weight shower curtain under sheet (for PNG huts) (Shr curtain from Spotlight for
$2.49 ea). Kathmandu have 50% sale on Thermarest mats.
= 1 sleeping bag (+10 celcius or below)
= 1 small pillow, can use clothes in a bag
= plastic shopping bags for rubbish/dirty gear etc (All rubbish is carried out, ie none is left behind. Also note that only
rubbish without printing paint and without any plastic can be burnt in fires, otherwise noxious gas is formed)
= 1 mosquito net with weights to perimeter
= head torch + 1 set spare batteries
= toiletries, toilet paper, hand wash (for use before meals (the alcohol based wash which requires no water is good)).
Toothpaste tube with only enough in for trek(some have enough toothpaste in old film containers)
= 1 tent (lightweight) and tent ground sheet (can use shr curtain which are usually lighter and cheaper and can be
disposed of rather than cleaned)
= extra bag for leaving gear in Port Moresby
= 1 scrub brush for cleaning mud off gear so items can be brought back to Australia
= In Kokoda, I don’t wear my track clothes (except for outer warm gear if needed and my trek boots at night). So I take
some day clothes and a change for night and leave them with Priscilla (Lodge owner) where she has them washed
and then distributes them to her family. I usually leave a pair of old or cheap shoes that I use during the day. (I choose
the shoes as quick dryers as they are worn swimming). In fact, I usually take a bag of clothes to leave with Priscilla
Large Group Cooking Gear
= washing up bowl, rinsing bowl and bio-degradable dishwashing detergent.(Tour Coordinator to supply)
Cooking Group Shared Gear
= Each cooking group will need to plan a cooker, fuel, and bowls or billy to cook in. It is recommended that there be a
division of supplies equally between the group. Cooking is best done on a gas fuelled ‘ rocket stove’ (Kathmandu
currently at $37.49). Kero is avail for purchase in Kokoda, so a kero fuelled cooker is ok, but metho is hard to
purchase in POM (and not avail in Kokoda) and costly to have carried in flight, so the traditional Trangia ‘cooker’ is not
a viable choice. The Trangia bowls are however very worthwhile to cook in (TSS can supply trangia’s if needed).
= Fuel canisters unopened.
= Food for each cooking group (refer to list coming)
= PNG money to purchase fresh fruit, veges along the way for your cooking group.(only limited opportunities).
= Tea towel
Personal Cooking Gear
= 1 small sharp knife (lightweight) for cutting veges for dinner (needs a sheath or cork on knife tip to cover sharp
point).
= 1 table spoon (lightweight) for cooking then eating with, a spork is good too( a combined spoon and fork).
= 1 bowl (plastic lightweight) for Breaky, dinner (food keeps warm in a bowl as opposed to a plate and plate takes up
more space)
= 1 mug (lightweight). Pack a stubby holder type cover to keep liquid hot.
= Matches (waterproof)
Notice of Commitment
TSS KOKODA 2010 ADVENTURE TREK
Departure: 28 March 2010 (Brisbane to POM)
Return: 9 April 2010 (POM to Brisbane)
Cost: $2800 for students $3000 for parents/adults
Please complete the section below and return it to the Tour Leader with the $200 deposit (or confirmation of payment).
[ ] I agree for my child to participate in the KOKODA 2010 Adventure Trek. (please tick)
[ ] I also wish as a parent to my child to participate in the KOKODA 2010 Adventure Trek. (pls tick)
I agree to meet all payments required as detailed in the tour documents. I acknowledge that all payments are nonrefundable.
I understand that a failure to meet any of the conditions outlined in the tour documents may result in the cancellation of
your reservations.
I accept that my son’s and/my (please delete if not applicable) participation in this excursion is subject
to the conditions outlined in this Brochure, to the Policy of TSS and any future tour documentation.
Student Name:
Complete only if parent/Guardian is intending to travel
……………………………………………………………………………..
Year Level
&
……………………………..
Pastoral Care Group:
…………………………………………
Parent/Guardian Name:
Parent/Guardian Name:
……………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
Parent/Guardian Signature:
Parent/Guardian Signature:
……………………………………………………………………………..
For Contact: Student
……………………………………………………………………………..
mob: ……………………………………………………………………
email: …………………………………………………………………..
For Contact: Parent/Guardian
For Contact:Parent/Guardian
mob: …………………………………………………………………….
mob: …………………………………………………………………….
landline: ……………………………………………………………….
landline: ……………………………………………………………….
email: …………………………………………………………………..
email: …………………………………………………………………..
Date: …………………………………………
Date: …………………………………………