Australian based Tour Operators Defend Kokoda

Charlie Lynn

Tour operators based in Australia have labeled recent sensationalistic claims by a British-American couple that was allegedly attacked on Kokoda, as a mere hoax to gain global attention.

Police have captured two suspects who are currently under interrogation for the alleged robbery, torture and violation of the couple.

While ongoing investigations are yet to establish the facts of what actually transpired, Charlie Lynn from Adventure Kokoda and Frank Taylor from Kokoda Treks & Tours say, the couple were ignorant by being ill-prepared and non-compliant to safety measures authorized by the Kokoda Track Authority, KTA.

Charlie Lynn, with 25 years walking the historic WW2 Track says the couple lied to KTA, when acquiring a permit to journey the Track.

“They conned the KTA, they lied to them to get a permit. They were advised not to trek as they didn’t have the proper equipment, but they ignored that advice. They had sneakers instead of proper trekking boots, they wore casual clothing, they had limited food, they had no guide and no map, no tent or sleeping gear and no torch – it’s my opinion that they wanted something to happen so they could sell a story.”

“That is the most foolish act I’ve heard of in my 25 years on the Track and it’s tarnished the name of Kokoda and it’s tarnished the reputation of Papua New Guinea and we need to regain that – the people of Kokoda and PNG deserve better and not to be conned by a couple of spivs,” Mr. Lynn said.

According to the couple’s report in The Sun, both were allegedly robbed of all their belongings including their shoes and stripped naked at Templeton’s Crossing before allegedly escaping to Alola Village for help.

But Mr. Lynn says it’s unrealistic.

“That is 15.5 kilometers that they would have walked in bare feet. I’ve been trekking Kokoda for 25 years and there’s no way that I could trek, as an expatriate person, along that terrain in bare feet – their feet would have been absolutely lacerated and there’s no mention of that on their feet, just a few grazes and bandage on a hand,” said Mr. Lynn.

Frank Taylor, with over three decades of walking the Kokoda serves as the president of the Kokoda Tour Operators Association, which represents close to 80 per cent of trekkers that come from Australia.

He says the victims must come clear on what actually happened.

“The victims need innuendo – their stories are contrary and their part in the incident needs to be cleared. The Track’s surrounding communities and the country needs answers because we need to preserve the rich history and experience of the Kokoda,” said Mr. Taylor.

PNG TV/ PNG Today