28/09/2026
Photos are a beautiful way to capture a trip, but not all the pictures in the world could fully explain the experience of Kokoda 2026.
I’d like to introduce the McFaddens and Aunty Kel 😄🇵🇬🇦🇺
Paul and Emma—Mum and Dad—along with Quinn, Tara, Macey, Georgia and Jax made up the McFadden clan, with Kel Brockhurst proudly stepping into the role of Aunty Kel.
We had a pretty decent run across the track—apart from being greeted by the first steady rain in nearly ten weeks as we made our way into Deniki for our first night.
In slightly wet conditions, we continued towards Eora Creek, stopping along the way for a special service at Isurava. These moments—standing together, paying our respects and absorbing the history of the Kokoda Track—are what make this journey so much more than just a walk.
We made our way to 1900 for our second night, where some much-needed recovery was combined with an extra-special celebration for Emma’s birthday. The PNG boys baked her a cake, and we all sang “Happy Birthday” at the top of our lungs.
The following day, we left 1900 for Brigade Hill. It wasn’t our typical overnight stop, but with a little sickness moving through the group, it was exactly what we needed—a chance to rest, recover and regroup.
Watching the young McFadden kids dig especially deep and continue to back themselves was a beautiful thing to witness. Aunty Kel and Mum quickly became the trekking chemists, doing everything they could to help Quinn, Macey and Georgia recover each evening and be ready to go again the next morning.
This was also where I truly witnessed the humour, love and genuine care the McFadden clan has for one another. Kel’s loving and caring nature shone through in the concern and support she showed everyone.
Brigade Hill is steeped in military history. During our early-morning service, it felt fitting to give the girls a little extra recovery time while we stood together as a group and paid our respects.
From Brigade Hill to Nauro, we put in another solid day. Everyone was asked to dig a little deeper physically as the track continued to take its toll—as it does on everyone who crosses it.
With the wind back in our sails and the group’s health beginning to improve, we made our way through the hot sun to Ua-Ule Creek—a favourite among trekkers. With Owers Corner no longer feeling quite so far away, we swam, relaxed and reflected on both the difficult and comical moments we had shared across the track.
The final day took us up and over Imita Ridge—Kokoda’s last physical test. Spending time in respectful reflection with our PNG brothers fully cemented the special connection Australians and Papua New Guineans share.
Then, just like that, we came down from Imita and made the final push towards the arches at Owers Corner.
Another successful journey across the Kokoda Track—but this one was about far more than reaching the finish.
It was about history, resilience, laughter, family, mateship and the care we show one another when things get tough.
Kokoda 2026—the McFaddens and Aunty Kel. What an experience. 🇵🇬🇦🇺
