Journey of a Lifetime

Over the Term 2 School Holidays, our very own Year 11 student embarked on the journey of a lifetime and conquered the Kokoda Track. 

Zoe was one of three Wangaratta students, the only from Wangaratta High School to receive the Bob Iskov Scholarship, allowing her the opportunity to walk the track. 

Here is Zoe's take on the experience:

On the 27th of June I set off to the Melbourne airport, waiting for the plane to fly us out to Brisbane. Once we landed in Brisbane we rushed off to the international airport, getting ready to board the plane to go to Papua New Guinea. 

Once I was on the plane ready for take-off it started to set in, this is really happening, and all my dreams were becoming a reality. 

When we got our bus out to Owens corner the nerves started to kick in and I met my porter who was going to support me through my amazing journey. His name was Martin. The first day allowed us the opportunity to meet everyone and we had a pretty short day of walking. We set up camp and had a swim in the river for the first night. 

On the second day we got up at 5:30am, packed up our gear, had breakfast, which was Weetabix and warm milk, and started trekking for the day. 

It all started to set in for me, how tough the journey was going to be, but I knew I had the chance to absolutely thrive off our incredible opportunity. 

For lunches and dinners we had tuna and rice or two-minute noodles with tuna. 

Every camp we stopped at the views were something I’ve never witnessed in my life, and we were always welcomed by all the friendly village people and children. 

On the fourth day I started to realise the appreciation I had towards the reasoning behind why I got chosen. The stories we got told along the track not only hit a soft spot but made me tear up too. Having to hear what our brave soldiers went through to give us the life we have now was confronting but definitely worth it. 

We had to climb up the steepest of hills for 4 hours on one day and I was exhausted. No training could prepare you for this crazy terrain. 

On some nights I thought about how grateful I am to have all the things in my life. 

The village kids came and sang for us, as well as all of the adventure Kokoda staff and porters. It was truly breathtaking and once again brought tears to my eyes. 

On the last night the porters asked us to sing for them which they got a lot of entertainment out of and were laughing constantly because of course we had to sing a classic ‘old McDonald had a farm’. 

Finishing the trek was a relief that we had all made it as a team safely to the end, but I was going to miss all the people I met. 

I’ve made lifelong friends that share the same appreciation, understanding and sacrifice. 

I will never in my life forget this experience that I want to describe in so many ways but can’t put into words. How beautiful and peaceful the place is.

 I will always cherish my experience and share my knowledge as I believe this is something young people should hear. 

Thanks Zoe