The Australian media has expressed a keen interest in pilgrimages across the Kokoda Trail since Major Charlie Lynn led his first expedition to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Kokoda campaign in 1992.
The Kokoda Trail has since emerged as Papua New Guinea’s most popular tourism destination.
The following television programs, newspaper, and magazine articles capture the spirit of the pilgrimage which has seen Kokoda emerge as the No1 ‘bucket list’ item for Australians from all walks of life.
On the 50th anniversary of the Kokoda campaign in 1992 Prime Minister Paul Keating dropped to his knees to kiss the ground on the Kokoda plateau and proclaim its sacredness for our shared wartime heritage.
Until then a trek across the trail was generally restricted to a few small groups of hardy adventurers.
Keating ignited awareness of the campaign which had been overshadowed by a pilgrimage to Gallipoli until then.
‘Kokoda’ has since emerged as the complete adventure experience for Australian baby-boomers and young adventurers. It requires physical stamina and mental tenacity. The wartime history evokes strong emotions. The unconditional care and support of local PNG guides and villagers is humbling. The environment is rugged, remote and pristine.
The following selection of media articles provide first-hand recollections of their experiences:
TELEVISION DOCUMENTARIES
GENERAL TREKKING ARTICLES
| Australian Geographic Magazine: ‘Walking Among Ghosts’ |
| The Bulletin with Newsweek: ‘A Walk on the Wild Side’ |
| The Canberra Times: ‘A Hard Slog to Kokoda’ |
| Angry Anderson: Stars Rise and Fall on Kokoda |
LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
| Sydney Swans Conquer Kokoda |
| Geo Magazine: ‘Trek to Hell and Back’ |
| Sunday Life Magazine; ‘Lessons in Life’ |
| Daily Telegraph: ‘Flag Burner on the Kokoda track’ |
MAJOR CHARLIE LYNN OAM OL
| Sydney Morning Herald: ‘Is this the Worlds meanest tour guide?’ |
| GWP Magazine: ‘The Enshrinement of Kokoda’ |
| Airlines PNG Magazine: ‘The King of Kokoda’ |
PERSONAL STORIES
