Kokoda Trek 2027: Get ready for the journey of a lifetime
For the very first time in our school's history, Bishop Druitt College and Discover Kokoda Treks are taking on the real, iconic Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea in July 2027.
Designed for our Year 10 students and a parent/carer (optional), this once-in-a-lifetime expedition offers a powerful shared experience grounded in courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice.
To make this inaugural trek even more extraordinary, 2027 marks the historic 85th Anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign. Walking through the lush, rugged Papua New Guinea jungle alongside peers and/or family members, while honouring Australia’s heroic history and connection to PNG, makes this more than just a hike; it’s a transformative experience and a deeply moving immersion.
The 2027 Kokoda Trek enables participants to live the Round Square ideals of Adventure and Internationalism within an Australian context. The Kokoda Track is more than a 96km trek through the Owen Stanley Range; it is an immersive journey into the heart of Australian identity.
For participants, the 2027 experience will deeply embed four main Bishop Druitt Values: Courage, Mutual Respect, Integrity and Service.
The 11-day experience begins on 5 July 2027 at Brisbane Airport, with a flight to Port Moresby. On Day 2, the group will fly to Kokoda, join up with local porters and guides, and begin the nine-day trek before flying home on 15 July.
Trekking Papua New Guinea’s Kokoda Track requires high physical fitness and moderate trekking resilience. While prior trekking skills are not necessary, the Track is widely considered one of the world’s most physically demanding endurance experiences.
As the College prepares for this exciting new opportunity, students and families are invited to hear more about the 2027 Kokoda Trek at an information session on Thursday 22 October at 5:30pm in the Roger Oats Centre at Bishop Druitt College.
The session will be joined by Matt Bragg of Discover Kokoda Treks and will provide further information about the expedition, including costs and timelines.
The 2027 Kokoda Trek promises to be an extraordinary opportunity for our Year 10 students and families — combining history, adventure, challenge and connection in an experience that will be remembered long after the final kilometre has been walked.
As we all gather and stand upon Country, may we acknowledge and respect Gumbaynggirr Land and the thousands of years’ worth of both physical and spiritual connection to Country, culture and teachings embedded forever within these Lands.