Commemorate 100 years of our Aussie Heroes with yLead this June. 
The history of Kokoda
In 1942 Australian soldiers banded together to fight a 4 month pitched battle in some of the most rugged and inhospitable terrain in the world. The tenacity and bravery they displayed, their code of courage, endurance, mateship, self-sacrifice and their ultimate victory is worthy of legend.
Many historians consider Kokoda to be the most significant battle fought by Australians in World War II. The battle, fought in the most appalling conditions has defined the spirit of our nation and forged an impenetrable relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Want to show your gratitude?
On 28 June 2015, yLead will walk in the footsteps of our nation’s heroes to pay tribute to all Australian service personnel – past & present – who protected, and continue to protect, our way of life and freedom. We will commemorate the 100th year of our ANZACs at Gallipoli, stopping at Isurava, Brigade Hill and Bomana War cemetery to perform special memorial services.
Along the track your yLead tour leader will re-tell the story of Kokoda, allowing you to re-live the journey of our ANZACs and learn the legend of the Kokoda Track.
Up for the Challenge?
The Kokoda Trek is renowned for its physical and mental toughness – it’s 96km of mud, jungle and torrential rain, hot humid days, intensely cold nights, 6,000ft peaks and raging creek crossings. Prior to the trek you will be provided with an intense training program and participate in many yLead Kokoda training sessions, ensuring you are prepared.
With support from your fellow comrades through training and preparation, you will complete the Kokoda track making friends and memories that will last a lifetime.
A past trekker’s thoughts…
Why did you want to do Kokoda?
My mum had walked the trail 7 years before me and really enjoyed it. She loved the people, the challenge and the history. I had completed many adventures in other parts of the world; Mt Kilimanjaro, Everest base camp, Machu Picchu but not something so close to home.
What made the experience so memorable for you?
So many things but three things really stood out.
Definitely the stories of our soldiers. I finished the trek with a new sense of what it meant to be an Australian. We were extremely lucky to have a well researched yLead tour leader who facilitated incredible discussions and memorials. It was something so special.
The New Guineans. I loved having a personal porter (a life saver) walk every step of the 96km journey with me. His name was Moby. We spent our days talking about life in different parts of the world and singing Old McDonald had a farm.
Finally, the group of yLead adventurers. These guys were so crucial to my success on the trek. We committed to walking the trail together as a team and we did. It was so helpful to walk with such a supportive and encouraging group of people. I owe them a lot.
Was it the toughest challenge you’ve faced to date?
Physically it was definitely high on the list. Extremely demanding but we trained HARD and we were prepared. To be honest I would say that sometimes the challenges we face every day as every day people can sometimes be more emotionally challenging. Kokoda was definitely a HUGE achievement and I am very proud I did it!
Would you recommend it to other Aussie’s out there? Why?
Absolutely! Walking the Kokoda Trail should be on EVERY Australians bucket list.
More Info?
Click here to learn more about yLead’s Kokoda trek check or contact Emma on 07 3266 2828 or emma.thomas@ylead.com.au to find out how you can be part of this year’s expedition!
