Stand among the immaculate white headstones of Bomana War Cemetery — the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the Pacific — then hike the legendary opening section of the Kokoda Track with a private guide whose family walked it in 1942. Deeply moving and physically stirring.
What to expect
Your private vehicle departs Port Moresby for the 30-minute drive to Bomana, where 3,824 Commonwealth soldiers rest beneath frangipani trees in an immaculately maintained garden cemetery. Your guide weaves individual stories of the fallen — diggers, Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, and Papuan infantry — into the landscape. You then transfer to the Kokoda trailhead for a guided 2–3 hour walk through jungle terrain and ridgeline, retracing the exact ground where Australian troops held against overwhelming odds. A moving, meditative experience that resonates long after you return to the ship.
Good to know
Applicable for ships calling at Port Moresby. Bomana is 30 minutes inland; the Kokoda trailhead is a further 30–45 minutes. Wear sturdy walking shoes and light moisture-wicking clothing. The jungle section involves moderate elevation gain — suitable for reasonably fit travellers. Book private transfers to manage all-aboard timing precisely.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Papua — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.