This year, Trigg Island members Josie Burton, Milla Tan, and Maddie Bourne joined a joint St Mary’s and Hale School expedition to walk the Kokoda Track — a 10-day trek across one of the world’s most challenging and historically significant trails.
What awaited them was more than just a physical challenge. From the first step into the dense Papua New Guinea jungle, the journey became one of endurance, reflection, and respect for those who fought and fell along the same path more than 80 years ago.
“The Kokoda experience was truly one I’ll never forget,” Josie shared. “Each day tested our limits — steep climbs, thick humidity, heavy packs — but it also showed us the power of teamwork and positivity.”
The group covered more than 100 kilometres from Kokoda Village to Goldie River, navigating steep terrain, tropical rain, and endless mud. Along the way, they honoured the memory of fallen soldiers with a moving service at Brigade Hill, supported one another through moments of exhaustion, and experienced the incredible kindness and spirit of their Papua New Guinean porters.
The trek finished at Bomana War Cemetery, where more than 3,200 Australian soldiers are buried. For Josie, it was a moment that brought the entire journey into perspective.
“Seeing the graves of soldiers as young as 15 was heartbreaking,” she said. “It reminded me how lucky we are to live freely in the peaceful community we have today — and how much we owe to those who sacrificed everything to protect it.”
Returning home to Trigg, Josie reflected on the parallels between service, teamwork, and gratitude — values shared across lifesaving and the Kokoda spirit.
“We’re so fortunate to live in a beautiful place like Trigg Beach. Walking Kokoda helped me see that more clearly — it deepened my appreciation for what others gave up so we could have this life.”
Read Josie’s Full Kokoda Journal
Follow Josie’s detailed day-by-day account of her Kokoda experience — complete with reflections and highlights from the trail. CLICK HERE
Trigg Island Surf Life Saving Club acknowledges the traditional owners, the Whadjuk People of the Noongar Nation, of the beach on which we work and play. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and are grateful for their continuing connection to the land, sea and sky.
