Experienced Trek Leaders
Jim | Ray | Damo | Gareth | Garry | Graeme | Ian | Jo | Martin | Megs | Nerida | Spencer | Steve | Andrew | Tony
Back Track Adventures Directors: Jim Drapes | Ray Baker
Back Track Adventures employ professional trek leaders, ensuring a safe and informed holiday. Your trek leaders will explain the history at all the battle sites, give you an insight in to the culture of the people living in the villages and keep you well informed about each days objectives and most importantly, ensure that you all complete the trek safely. They attend to the smooth day-to-day operation of the trek so you can relax and enjoy the holiday. They remember their first time over the Track and they know the challenges you will face. It is your holiday and our crew are dedicated to ensuring that you complete the challenge and enjoy the experience. Some Back Track leaders have held Senior rank in the Australian Army and worked in elite miltary units. As we do not conduct our treks in a military format, we do not consider it important that all leaders on the Kokoda Track should have an army background.
Understanding the Kokoda campaign
If one of the reasons you wish to trek the Track is to gain a detailed understanding of the campaign and visit all the signifcant historical locations, then we would love to have you join us.
Our Trek Leaders are knowledgible and passionate about the history of the Kokoda Campaign They have detailed knowledge of the campaign, the tactics used by both the Japanese and the Australian forces and they also know the personal stories of many who fought and died along the Track. Our Leaders carry selected maps, historic photos and other pictorial reference material which will be used to assist your understanding at all the briefings during your trek.
A testimonial to a BTA trek Leader
 "...our Trek Leader, Megan made the difference. She was just great. She obviously loved her job and knew how to get our mixed mob of personalities over the Track. Her guidance and encouragement from Day 1 allowed me to relax and begin to enjoy the trekking lifestyle. She kept all of us fully informed of what was happening. Her encouragement helped us gain confidence in our ability to complete the trek. She kept us constatnly informed of each days walking goals. She kept us updated throughout each days walk with safety information, the best water sources, and set plans and explained how to conquer challenging sections of the Track as they were encountered. She was a great link between us and your trekking crew and the people along the Track. She soon had broken down all the barriers and had us (trekkers) and your trekking crew mixing and working together as a harmonious group. For me personally this was a highlight of the holiday. Megs even shed a tear or two with us as she relived a tragic war time tale at Cons Rock. ......... her knowlege of the campaign was unbelievable ................Personally I feel that 1 or 2 members though fit enough may not have been able to finish the trek had it not been for Megs. We did have a lot of rain which made parts of the Track difficult but Megs worked with all of us passing on little tips to help us cope . This especially was the case with the 2 team members who were struggling. When they finished the trek and dropped their packs I could not hear what they said to her but it was obvious that they thanked her for getting them through. Having seen and experienced what the Track is all about, I would have no hesitation in recommending Back Track to anyone considering the trip. A couple I spoke with on the trail near Templetons from a group without a leader told me that for the last 5 days they really had no idea where they were and what was happening. They still had not really met all the other group members and the crew were great people and were helpful but aloof. They were struggling to work out from their guide book, any of the historic locations and what the campaign was all about. The head Guide was great but not all that interested or able to communicate about the war history. They were enjoying their own personal challenge but sorry they had not gone with a company that offered a little more service........".(IM, 2006)
Jim Drapes
Jim will take any opportunity to
escape the Brisbane office and head in to the world's wild places. For the last 26 years, Jim has led trekking groups to wild and remote places all over the globe. If not out trekking or on safari in Africa you'll find Jim in the mountains of NZ pursuing his love for mountain climbing.
Jim is a Back Track Director.
His father served in the AIF in New Guinea in WW2.
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Ray Baker
 Ray is equally at home leading groups in the mountains of Nepal, the jungles of Borneo or the wilds of Africa. He'll get you there and back safely and you'll have a lot of fun in between. Ray is one of the most highly experienced Nepal trekking guides in the world, having led close to 50 treks in the Nepal Himalaya.
As a qualified gym instructor and personal trainer, Ray is availabe to discuss what training is required to maximise your outdoor adventure.
Ray is a Back Track Director.
His father served in the AIF in New Guinea in WW2.
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Damiano 'Damo' Caniglia
 A passionate photographer and trekker, Damo just has that knack of 'getting along' with people, he's an experienced leader and you'll enjoy traveling with him. When not on the Kokoda Track or trekking in Nepal, you'll find Damo riding his mountain bike or working at Paddy Palin in Brisbane.
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Gareth Ward
 When the going gets tough, Gareth is the man to have at your side. His skills from years of nursing make him a compassionate and skilled leader. When he's not in the outdoors, You'll find Gareth working part-time at K2 Base Camp.
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Garry Thompson
 Garry was part of our Borneo exploratory group in 2006 as well as a member of our first Mt Wilhelm exploratory group in PNG. From the jungles of the Kokoda Track to the heights of Mt Kinabalu, Garry is a relaxed and motivated leader. In addition to Kokoda treks, Garry leads our new Boots in Borneo trips and will share his knowledge of the Sandakan Death March with you. Fun, knowledgeable and very fit, you'll enjoy travelling with him.
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Ian Arnold
 Whether it's the Kokoda Track, the mountains of Nepal, the summit of Kilimanjaro or the wilds of Bass Strait on a Sydney to Hobart yatch race, Ian is at home in the great outdoors. He will make you feel the same. In you live in Sydney, you can chat with Ian ( Manager) at Trek & Travel, Sydney's leading outdoor gear & equipment retailer - Kent Street in the City.
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Jo Macaione
 Jo brings significant leadership and motivation skills and talent to the trekking environment from her role as business manager for a large Medical Practice. She is a very fit and accomplished trekker with significant Kokoda experience and is confident and relaxed in any outdoor environment. She has brought to her role as a Kokoda leader a heartfelt passion about the historical aspects of the Kokoda campaign and the local people who live along the Track. A popular leader you'll enjoy trekking with her.
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Martin McIver
 Martins leadership qualities have been admired by many. One trekker recently commented on his leadership abilities as 'awesome'. Martin's positive approach to life in general and his friendly nature make him a popular Kokoda leader. His knowledge of the Track and its history is superb. Martin will be leading the Black Cat Track trek in PNG in 2011.
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Megan Davidson
From her years as an officer in the army, Megs bring her leadership skills and her wide experience and love for the great outdoors into her role as a leader on the Kokoda Track and in South America. A great travel companion, she'll show you how to make Health and fitness part of your lifestyle.
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Nerida Hopkins
 From the Blue Mountains to the remote Kimberley region, Tasmania, Mt Kilimanjaro, and the Kokoda Track, Nerida escapes from her hospital job whenever she can. Known as “Gear Girl” to her friends, her infectious enthusiasm for the outdoors will ensure you enjoy your trip. When not trekking, you’ll find Nerida regularly training in the bush around Sydney with Wild Women on Top or working part time at Sydney's leading outdoor gear and equipment retailer,Trek & Travel - Kent street the City.
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Spencer McDonald
 Spencer has travelled and trekked in places as varied as Tahiti, Norway, Iceland, Vietnam, Nepal, PNG, Italy, Scotland and Ireland. As a trained high school teacher of Geography and History he has a passion for getting to know the locals, their food, music and customs. As well he has spent 6 years in the outdoor gear and equipment retail area and is a specialist on outdoor clothing and footwear. He enjoys the challenges of trekking the tropics and alpine regions, especially the Scandinavian fjord country and the New Guinean highlands.
Spencer is manager of specialist outdoor gear supplier, Southern Cross Equipment, a division of Sydney's leading outdoor gear and equipment retailer, Trek & Travel located in Kent Street the City
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Steve Foster
 Steve will find any excuse to get out on the Kokoda Track. His knowledge of the History of the Kokoda campaign is legendary and he just loves sharing his knowledge. He knows how difficult trekking the Kokoda Track is for many people and he will ensure that your experience is safe, enjoyable and the experience of a lifetime.
Steve was the assistant Leader on our first exploratory trek on Shaggy Ridge and will be leading this trek in 2010 and 2011. If you've done the Track, Shaggy Ridge is a great follow up trek.
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Graeme Johnson
 Graeme’s adventurous spirit is easy to understand as he spent 12 years as a Navy Clearance diver, one of the Australian defence forces most elite units. Today he loves exploring, watching wildlife and listening to and enjoying the quietness of the bush. He is at home in the rugged country along the Track and will keep you well informed on the military history and introduce you to the local culture. Most importantly he will watch out for you to ensure you complete the trek safely and happily. You are in good hands.
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 Tony Cleva
From the rugged gorges of the Hawksbury region of NSW to the wild panorama of Tasmania you’ll find Tony trekking and training groups in Outdoor Fitness and adventure.
Tony has trekked Kokoda in both directions and has a solid knowledge of the history of the Kokoda campaign as well as a passion for the people and culture of New Guinea.
An accomplished athlete he enjoys Adventure Racing and outdoor endurance events. As a professional trainer Tony specialises in getting the very best out of people and believes you don’t really know what you can achieve until you try.
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Andrew Hall 
From Andrew's first
trek
on the Kokoda Track he
discovered a new passion for life. Andrew's military knowlegde is well served by his 10 years in the Australian Army, with a deployment to Cambodia working with the Cambodian Mine Action Center.
He enjoys getting out in the beautiful PNG jungle, meeting the friendly people of PNG and sharing his extensive knowledge of the Kokoda Track campaign. He will ensure you have a safe trip and the experience of a life time.
His moto is "Everybody finishes together - no one is left behind".
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