I had the privilege of completing a 10-day Kokoda History trek in April 2024, finishing the day before Anzac Day and attending the dawn service at Bomana War Cemetery — an experience I’ll carry with me for life.

Our trek leader was Major Scott Babington, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for anyone better. Scott has spent many years serving Australia, both at home and on active service overseas, and his depth of military knowledge is incredible. What really stood out though was the way he tells the story of the Kokoda Campaign — with genuine passion, respect, and an ability to bring history to life in a way that truly stays with you.

Over the course of the trek, Scott was caring, calm, and incredibly organised. He looked after every trekker, made sure no one was left behind, and showed equal care and respect to the local PNG men who were part of the team. You could see the mutual respect there, and that says a lot about the kind of leader he is.

If you’re someone who values meaningful travel, outstanding storytelling, deep Australian military history knowledge, and a guide who is genuinely a great human — I can’t recommend him highly enough.

If Australian military history matters to you, and you want to experience it with someone who truly understands it, Scott is your guy. “

have been privileged to be on 2 treks over the Owen Stanley Ranges along the Kokoda track. The first time on my own as a sole person amongst a group I did not know and the second time with one of my sons with a group I did not know.

I would recommend doing a 10mday trek from Owers Corner to Kokoda.

Scott’s organisation, his support team, the history knowledge of the campaign of 1942 from both sides of the battles that Scott has is truly second to none. His rapport with the carriers and crew is as if he is comfortably at home with his family. As a trekker I felt as if I was included in that family.

The treks with Scott as a trek leader resulted in a deep and lasting affiliation in my soul with Kokoda and the PNG of yesterday and today.

I could not recommend Scott Babbington more highly as a trek leader, educator and more importantly, a mate on the Kokoda Track.

I would, if given the opportunity do a 3^rd trek with him and both of my sons. An experience never to forget and deeply Australian. Lest we forget.