Kokoda Track

What People Don’t Realise About Kokoda Until It’s Too LateMost people think they know what makes the Kokoda Track hard. They expect steep climbs, jungle heat, and physical exhaustion.But those who have actually walked Kokoda know the real challenge runs far deeper. In this opening episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast, Glenn Azar — founder and lead guide of Adventure Professionals with over 90 crossings of the Track — shares the realities of Kokoda that don’t show up in brochures or social media posts. Drawing on decades of experience leading people through the Owen Stanley Range, Glenn explores why Kokoda isn’t hard in the way people expect, how mental fatigue and cumulative stress quietly undo even the fittest trekkers, and why purpose and humility matter far more than ego on this Track. This episode is part storytelling, part education, and part personal reflection — offering listeners an honest insight into what Kokoda truly asks of those who choose to walk it. Whether you’re considering trekking Kokoda, already booked, or simply seeking to understand why this place changes people, this episode sets the foundation for everything that follows. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why Kokoda’s difficulty is more about relentlessness than fitness The mental traps that catch people off guard on the Track How ego, expectation, and fatigue shape the Kokoda experience What over 90 crossings have revealed about who thrives on Kokoda — and why Follow The Kokoda Track Podcast for future episodes covering Kokoda’s military history, Papua New Guinea’s culture, trekking preparation, and the deeper lessons this Track has to offer. This podcast is proudly brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we head into 2026, The Kokoda Track Podcast is evolving. Until now, this podcast has largely focused on interviews with people who have trekked the Kokoda Track and shared their personal experiences. Those stories still matter — and they’re not going anywhere — but it’s time to broaden the conversation. In this episode, Glenn Azar outlines a new direction for the podcast, one that brings deeper education, stronger context, and more responsibility to how Kokoda is talked about and understood. Drawing on his military background, more than 90 crossings of the Kokoda Track, and a deep personal connection to Papua New Guinea through his partner Mili, Glenn explains why there is a growing gap between what people are told about Kokoda and what they actually experience on the ground. From 2026 onwards, the podcast will focus on three core pillars: Trekking reality and preparation — honest conversations about fitness, boots, foot care, trekking poles, pacing, fatigue, and the small details that can make or break a trek Military history and meaning — not just dates and battles, but the human stories, terrain, leadership, and sacrifice that shaped the Kokoda Campaign Culture, custom, and respect — essential knowledge about Papua New Guinea, Wantok, village life, porters, ethics, and how to walk the Track as a guest, not a tourist This episode also outlines what listeners can expect going forward, including: A weekly episode as a minimum More solo, educational episodes Occasional interviews when they add depth and insight A stronger focus on caring for Kokoda well beyond the trekking experience This is not about selling Kokoda. It’s about honouring it — through preparation, understanding, and respect for the land, the history, and the people who call it home. If you’re considering Kokoda, preparing for a trek, or simply want to understand why this place matters so deeply, this episode sets the foundation for everything that follows. In This Episode, Glenn Covers: Why the podcast is evolving in 2026 The information most trekkers aren’t given — and why that matters The three pillars guiding the future of the show The importance of cultural respect and responsibility on Kokoda What listeners can expect from future episodes Follow The Kokoda Track Podcast as we move into a new chapter — one focused on depth, respect, and understanding Kokoda beyond the Track itself.This podcast is proudly brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kokoda Track Podcast: Your Questions Answered Are you preparing for the adventure of a lifetime on the Kokoda Track? In this informative episode, host Glenn Azar addresses three critical questions from a future trekker that many potential hikers wonder about but rarely ask. From the practical aspects of food and meal timing on the track to managing illness in the jungle and surviving the infamous "Chiropractor Express" truck ride, Glenn shares insights from his impressive 98 crossings of the Kokoda Track. This episode offers valuable preparation tips that go beyond physical training, helping you prepare mentally and practically for this life-changing journey. Timestamps and Key Takeaways: **1:15** - Food on the track: Glenn explains the 24-hour ration pack system that allows trekkers to graze throughout the day rather than having set meal times- Packs include a variety of foods: rolled oats, canned goods, noodles, snacks, and beverages- The grazing approach helps those who can't exercise on a full stomach **4:30** - Managing illness on the track: What happens when trekkers get sick?- Stomach issues are less common than expected due to sealed food packages and hygiene practices- When illness occurs, the group continues moving but at a slower pace- Proper hydration and basic medications usually resolve issues without major delays **6:15** - The "Chiropractor Express": Surviving the truck ride from Popondetta to Kokoda- Despite the bumpy ride, motion sickness is rarely an issue due to open-air seating with good airflow- The scenery and interaction with locals provide a welcome distraction- Front seating options available for those particularly concerned about motion sickness **9:45** - Glenn's invitation for listeners to submit their own questions and his commitment to keeping the Kokoda spirit alive Ready to take on this incredible journey? Glenn's expert advice will help you prepare properly and approach your trek with confidence. Listen now and take the first step toward your Kokoda adventure. TREK KOKODA WITH US KOKODA FITNESS PROGRAM 1-ON-1 MENTORING SESSION WITH GLENNSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kokoda Track Podcast dives into the experiences of those who have trekked this iconic trail in Papua New Guinea. In this episode, host Glenn interviews Caine, an adventure leader in training, about his perspectives from completing the track multiple times. Get an inside look at Caine's evolving journey on the Kokoda Track, from his first trek for mental health to leading groups and passing on the diggers' stories. Learn how the history and emotions woven into the land continue to draw him back. Timestamps:00:01:30 - Caine's overview of his Kokoda Track experiences 00:08:15 - Handling adversity and challenges on the track00:12:30 - Connecting with the military history 00:18:45 - Caine's advice for first time trekkers00:23:00 - The impact Caine hopes each trek has on people00:26:00 - Rapid fire questions Key Takeaways:- Training is crucial, but take the steep hills slowly - it's a mental challenge as much as physical- Connect with the local people and culture to get the most out of the experience- Everyone is capable of completing the track with the right mindset and preparation- The stories of the diggers must continue to be told to new generations The Kokoda Track is an emotional, perspective-shifting journey. Are you ready to take on the challenge and become part of the story? Tune in to hear Caine's experiences and wisdom for your own upcoming trek.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is different. It's not about Australian battalions, tactics or commanders. It's about the people who walked beside the diggers. The quiet heroes. The ones who didn't carry rifles, but carried lives. Today, we're talking about the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. ADVENTURE WITH US KOKODA FIT TREK KOKODASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we sit with Heidi for Part 2 of our ANZAC Leaders Reflections.

I sat down with Adventure Leader Heidi and asked her these nine questions:

In this episode, we’re going to take a deeper dive into the terrain, geography, and physical demands of the Kokoda Track—arguably one of the most formidable battlegrounds in Australian military history. For anyone preparing to walk this track today, or simply seeking to understand what our soldiers endured in 1942, this episode will give you a real sense of what they were up against. It’s one thing to read about it, another to stand in the mud yourself. But for now, I want to take you there through story and description.ADVENTURE WITH US KOKODA FIT PROGRAM TREK THE KOKODA TRACKSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey Everyone, I finally got to take my partner, and PNG national, Mili Saul to Kokoda. This is her experience. KOKODA FITNESS ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's easy to think if the Kokoda Campaign as a chapter in a history book. But when you walk the track - when you feel the mud under your boots and the weight of history in the air - you realise this story is alive. It lives in every ridge, every village, every monument. It lives in the people. DO KOKODA WITH GLENN FITNESS FOR KOKODA ADVENTURE WITH GLENNSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years this show has been built on interviews from the track. That's not changing - but now we're going deeper. Deeper into the history. Deeper into the battles. Deeper into the country, the people and the lessons Kokoda teaches us. Whether you're preparing to trek the Track or simply want to understand why this place matters, this podcast is now your definitive resource. ADVENTURE WITH GLENN FITNESS FOR KOKODA JOIN GLENN ON THE KOKODA TRACKSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heidi and Glenn are back with even more answers to the most common FAQ's around the Kokoda Track. :-) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Heidi and myself answer some FAQ's which will hopefully help you in your Kokoda prep. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I have a quick announcement for the upcoming ANZAC Kokoda period. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I am sitting down with Adventure Professionals trek leader Heidi and we're chatting all things Kokoda, preparation for a double crossing, ANZAC and everything in between.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are back for the 2025 season of The Kokoda Track Podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An update on the current closure along the Kokoda Track in PNG and thoughts on whether or not it will reopen for 2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I chat with Trek Leader and Human Performance Specialist Sami Dunk, about the changes in her mindset and body when preparing for Kokoda now that she has had children and the hormonal changes that come with that. Plenty in this episode for the ladies and even for the men out there. I trust you'll enjoy this one. :-) ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS WEBSITE GET KOKODA FITSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I had a chat with David Kelly who did Kokoda back in 2019 and then again in 2024, but this time added in the Northern Beaches. We chatted about the differences between the two trips, five years apart and what he did differently this time to prepare. ADVENTURE WITH US KOKODA WITH USSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I spoke with Todd who served in the Army with me and his wife Kate, about their Kokoda experience DO KOKODA WITH USSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Today I am sharing some interviews with myself, Aiden Taylor and Bill James from the 4BC radio station in Brisbane. I really hope you enjoy these because there are some really valuable conversations here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another podcast and another chat with a good mate of mine who trekked Kokoda with me this year. Tuffy kept good notes on his training so I thought it would be good to share those with you. I get asked about training a lot. ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS  KOKODA TRACKSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS   KOKODA TRACK INFORMATIONSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I chat Kokoda with Aiden who just completed the ANZAC Kokoda Trek.ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS WEBSITE KOKODA TRACKSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I sat down with Renee to chat about how she felt after her Kokoda Track experience and what were her highlights, low points, unexpected pieces etc. We touched on her training and what she would do differently knowing what she knows now. :-) KOKODA FITNESS PROGRAM KOKODA TRACK - TREKKING 2024  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I sat and chatted with Penny who trekked Kokoda only three weeks ago after waiting for three years due to the pandemic. She had some great insights. KOKODA FITNESS  TREK KOKODA  KOKODA FITNESS TREK KOKODA See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I am having a high-energy chat with Tara after her recent Kokoda Track and Northern Beaches adventure. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I have the pleasure of having Emma back on the show and taking about her recent Kokoda Experience. Also I have released my 8 week KOKODA FIT program which is a fitness program designed to get you fit and ready for your trek across the Kokoda Track. Click the link below to check it out: KOKODA FIT ONLINE PROGRAM KOKODA FIT ONLINE PROGRAM KOKODA FIT ONLINE PROGRAM KOKODA FIT ONLINE PROGRAMSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I have finally released my 8 week KOKODA FIT program which is a fitness program designed to get you fit and ready for your trek across the Kokoda Track. Click the link below to check it out: KOKODA FIT ONLINE PROGRAM KOKODA FIT ONLINE PROGRAM KOKODA FIT ONLINE PROGRAM KOKODA FIT ONLINE PROGRAM  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I sat down and chatted to Andrew, Emile and Scott sat down and chatted collectively about their Kokoda Track experience for ANZAC 2023.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Clair Whelan popped in via zoom right before her Kokoda Track experience. We will do a follow up to see how close to the mark we were in what she would experience in Papua New Guinea. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Sheree Ramsay shares her Kokoda experience and compares it to other adventures she has done including the Aussie 10 Peaks and Dog Sledding in the Yukon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kokoda Track three years in the making and now Emma is only six weeks away. Here's her chat about what she's expecting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone's Kokoda experience is unique and this week Jay Martin from Sydney is sharing his recent experience on the Kokoda Track.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I sat down and did a chat with Penny about Kokoda but this was a different one because Penny hasn't done the track as yet. :-) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I have just returned from the Kokoda Track ANZAC double and thought I would share some of my experiences with you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After returning from Kokoda yesterday I invited Jules in today to chat on the show and she was fortunate enough to say yes so you get to hear someone's experience hot off the track. I hope you enjoy the messages and stories Jules' and I share about our last week on the track. https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/ https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kokoda season is here. After three years and many false starts we are finally ready to get back to doing what we love with people we love. If you see me on the track, come and say g'day.https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/ https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I sat and chatted to Nathan Whittington who trekked with me back in 2015 as a young soldier who had lost his left leg due to an accident. https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/our-trips/ https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/our-trips/ https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/our-trips/ https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/our-trips/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I am answering questions around the Kokoda Track and this week I have seven questions by Tara that came via facebook. If you would like me to answer any questions then please feel free to send them through and I will do my best to get them on the show for you. INSURANCE for Trekking INSURANCE for Trekking INSURANCE for Trekking INSURANCE for Trekking See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are back not only for the podcast but back trekking Kokoda in 2023. To get involved check out all the available dates below. KOKODA TRACK DATES KOKODA TRACK DATES KOKODA TRACK DATES KOKODA TRACK DATES KOKODA TRACK DATES KOKODA TRACK DATES See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well it feels like we will finally be allowed back onto the Kokoda Track in 2022 so here's a little reboot of the podcast to get us excited.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.