Testimonials - Australian Battlefield Treks and Tours

Some of the testimonials on this page were provided by individuals who previously trekked Kokoda with MAJOR Scott Babington while he was engaged as a Trek Leader by a separate Kokoda trekking operator. These testimonials are reproduced with the individual client's express permission and relate solely to Scott's Military History knowledge and his skills and abilities as a Trek Leader, not the former company.

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An absolute legend and a phenomenal role model for all the young men and women on our Kokoda trek.

As a 17-year-old in 2023, before walking the Kokoda Track, I carried a fair share of nerves, uncertainty, and fear of the unknown. The minute I spoke to Scott at 5 a.m. on the morning of our departure, a lot of that weight was lifted. There was immediate comfort in his presence, a knowledgeable, respectful, well-spoken, and most of all, trustworthy leader.

Throughout the entire trek, Scott was filled with positivity, knowledge, and understanding. More importantly, he was eager and willing to teach all of us life skills we could carry long after the track was finished. His knowledge of the Kokoda Trail was extraordinary - like reading the dictionary definition of Kokoda - Not a single fact or detail missed. Yet it was never just information. The way he presented it was always engaging, interactive, and thought-provoking. Through mud maps, visual demonstrations, and using the environment itself as a classroom, he helped us emotionally connect with the trail and truly understand its significance.

From the day we arrived to the day we departed, Scott wasn’t just our leader - he became our mate. With trekkers ranging from 17 to 45 years old, there wasn’t a single person who didn’t connect with him. Everyone could have a meaningful conversation, share a laugh, and walk away having learned something from his wealth of knowledge and experience. I’ve never met someone so dedicated and driven to being a well-rounded leader, and someone anyone could proudly call a friend.

Scott has been a pivotal role model in my youth. He showed me what strong leadership looks like, what integrity feels like, and what it means to carry yourself with humility, discipline, and respect. He set the standard for the kind of man I aspire to become; Someone who leads with strength, teaches with patience, and supports those around him without hesitation.

I will always be grateful for the lessons, the guidance, and the example he set on that track. To me, Scott isn’t just a trek leader - he’s a lifelong role model and, without question, an absolute legend.

Patrick Ainsworth

Highly reccomend Scott for any tour he leads. Thank you for a great tour. I truly appreciate everything you did to motivate and help me complete the trek, especially in overcoming my mental and physical struggles. Thank you for helping me finish this pilgrimage and tick it off my bucket list.

I highly recommend Scott for any tour he leads. His passion, topic knowledge, and trekking expertise are exceptional. He was recommended to me by a colleague for these exact reasons, and he certainly lived up to his reputation.

As a highly decorated ADF member, Scott ensured we worked as a team and that no one was left behind. Regardless of the situation, he remained calm, positive, and in control—a true source of inspiration.

I have the utmost respect for Scott and look forward to joining him on another trek in the future.

Thanks again for everything, George Alim

George Alim

One of the most profound and challenging experiences of my 68 years on this earth

Testimonial for MAJ Scott Babington - Australian Battlefield Treks and Tours

Trekking the Kokoda Trail was one of the most profound and challenging experiences of my 68 years on this earth, I cannot speak highly enough of Scott and Meg for the way they guided and supported our group of five every step of the way.

1. The Grueling Walk
The physical challenge of Kokoda is relentless and somewhat brutal. The steep ascents, punishing descents, thick jungle humidity, countless river crossings and slippery mud tested every muscle and every gram of stamina we had. There were moments when the trail felt bigger than any of us individually. Scott and Meg managed the pace perfectly, knowing when to push and when to hold back. Their logistics, camp preparation, and constant watch over our wellbeing ensured we stayed safe, hydrated, and moving forward together as a team.

2. The Mental Discipline Required
Beyond the physical demands, Kokoda is a mental battle. Fatigue, self-doubt, and the sheer scale of the trek did wear us down, but Scott and Meg were exceptional at keeping morale high. Their calm confidence, encouragement, and ability to read each person’s mental state made a huge difference. They helped us break the challenge into achievable steps and kept us focused when things felt overwhelming. When one slipped back, they were there to help carry, comfort, encourage, and ensure that they came back to the group every time. Their leadership turned what could have been a survival exercise into a powerfully purposeful, disciplined journey.

3. The Emotional Weight of History
At the very start of the walk, we were each allocated a name of a fallen soldier and given 2 poppies (one for us to wear, and the other to place at the grave of that soldier in Bomana war Cemetery once we finished the trek.) This was an outstanding gesture. Walking in the footsteps of those young men who fought and died there in 1942 was emotionally overwhelming. There are moments on that trail where the history hits you deeply and personally. Scott and Meg treated the history with enormous respect and through some unbelievably detailed and historically accurate story telling by Scott, helped us understand the significance of where we were standing. They created space for reflection and remembrance, which made the experience far more meaningful than just completing a trek. It was humbling, emotional, and unforgettable.

Closing
Thanks to Scott and Meg, our group of five close friends not only completed Kokoda safely but did so with a deep sense of connection — to each other, to history, and with respect to the trail itself. Their professionalism, knowledge, care, and genuine passion for what they do made this an experience we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.

I’m too old to probably do it again, but I would certainly recommend trekking Kokoda with Scott and Meg to anyone who wants to undertake this journey properly, safely, and with the respect it deserves.

Frank G

In 2022 I decided to tick off a bucket list item and trek Kokoda, lucky for me I had Scott as my trek leader. The importance of a leader on any tour or trek should not be underestimated. Scott is much more than a trek leader – he invests in the stories of his trekkers, observes and understands each trekker’s abilities, cares deeply for the support team and shows great respect to the landowners. Most of all he has a deep knowledge of military history and is passionate about honouring the legacy of our service men and woman.

When I did my trek, I wanted to walk in the footsteps of my great uncle, Albert Misson. We had little more than his service records and the date he was killed, Scott took this information and at night (when he should have been resting!) was piecing together the battle in which Albert fought, the circumstances leading up to it and how his bravery enabled those who survived to carry on and complete their mission.

I arrived with a photo and a wish to honour him, and thanks to Scott, I left with a profound appreciation of Albert’s courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice.

Scott is a trek leader that will go above and beyond. His passion for history and lived experience of military are qualities that cannot be bought. I wouldn’t do a tour or a trek with anyone else.

Phil Baskett

Purchasing & Inventory Manager

I honestly couldn’t have asked for anyone better.

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. “

Sharon G

An experience never to forget and deeply Australian.

I 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.

Peter Dwyer

The Epitome of Experience

If you are after a truly immersive journey packed with fun, facts, passion and energy then trek with Scott.

I have trekked with Scott and he will lead you back in time. His knowledge of war history is absolutely fascinating and second to none. The epitome of experience.

His treks are well planned an you will return safe, humbled with a full heart amd great memories.

I highly recommend Scott.

Ryan Darlington

An experience I will never forget.

I recently completed a 10-day hiking tour of the Kokoda Track led by Scott Babington, and it was an experience I will never forget. Scott’s military service clearly shines through in his leadership style and strongly fuels his passion for military history. His knowledge of the many battles fought along the Kokoda Track was exceptional and added real depth and meaning to the trek.

What truly set Scott apart was his genuine care for every trekker. He went above and beyond to ensure everyone was comfortable and supported, both physically and mentally, so that all participants could successfully complete the trek. His attention to individual wellbeing was outstanding and created a strong sense of trust and camaraderie within the group.

One of the standout moments for me was the Isurava War Memorial dawn service delivered by Scott. It was emotionally raw, deeply respectful, and incredibly moving. It touched every trekker present and was a powerful reminder of the sacrifice and significance of the campaign.

I would highly recommend a Scott Babington historical battlefield trek to anyone with a passion for military history, as well as to those who are new and eager to learn. I look forward to one day returning to complete another trek with Scott as my lead guide.

Nathan laboyrie

Good Leadership

I trekked with Scott as trek leader for 10 days on the Kokoda track in 2023 and on that beautiful but painful trek, good leadership makes all the difference.

History can be dry, but not with Scott. He made every story real to th people listening to him, he explained it not only so you could understand the horror of conflict but could commemorate, reflect and connect to those people that fought and died. His own stories from his time in the army added a poignant touch that made the stories even more compelling. When leading, he made sure those at the front of the group and those at the very back felt part of the same group, pushed us when we needed to be pushed and supported us when we had tears in our eyes. When unforeseen challenges came up, like navigating the aftermath of a landslide or our plane not arriving, Scott handled it so smoothly and professionally there was not a single moment of fear in the group. From motivating me to keep walking up steep hills to commemorating at Isurava. Thank you Scott for your leadership and teaching me what the Australian spirit really means.

All the best with it all,

Ange

Ange Welsh-Hussain

MD Student

Where do I start
Major Scott Babington in my opinion is my Australian hero. Not only for his service to our country but also his passion to educate & share our nation's military history. Choosing to hike Kokoda with Scott as my leader was the best choice I could have made. From his leadership, mentorship, & group organisational skills you can see how he reached the rank of Major in the army. Then comes his passion to share his experiences/knowledge with those who choose to trek with him. It will change you as a human, appreciate life differently as he passes on the ANZAC spirit.

And no man is complete without his 2IC, Meg Delaney. Meg compliments Scott's passion by bringing a loving, nurturing soul to the expedition. She keeps Scott grounded during the tough times & she loves getting involved with the village families; her eyes just light up when she sees the kids.

I may have only trekked with Scott & Meg for 10 days on Kokoda but through the tough, rewarding, educational times we formed a great bond. Friends for life

I can't recommend Scott & Meg enough. You will be safe, empowered and rewarded if you choose to trek with then, where ever it might be.

Jamie L.

Like many, I took on the Kokoda Trek for the physical challenge, but for me it was equally about learning the incredible history of the track and those who fought there.

The most fortunate part of the trip was being in a group led by Scott. His passion for the history and for telling the story of what our troops endured is infectious.

While we were “battling” our own way through with modern equipment and support, Scott guided us safely along the trail, constantly helping us learn—not only about what happened there, but about ourselves as well.

We were a relatively large group, a mix of fast, sure-footed mountain goats and slowpokes like me. Every one of us was safely guided, supported, and managed along the track, and nothing was ever too much trouble.

We quickly came to understand the significance of where we were and became our own unit—supporting and encouraging one another throughout.

Thanks, Scotty, for making it a truly unforgettable trip and the experience of a lifetime.

Andrew Reilly

Finance & Administration Manager ‑ Endeavor Mine