Stephen McCormack has made two attempts to walk the Kokoda trail. The first time, he was not prepared for the ordeal and was eventually rescued and flown out. Returning for a second attempt, he knew better. He had prepared himself, both mentally and physically, and he succeeded.

He is not a Digger, nor has he fought in any wars, but like the Diggers of World War II, his life has been changed by the Track, necessitated by the lack of advice he received on his first, failed attempt. By overcoming tremendous adversity, as detailed in his book, A Survival Guide: Kokoda, he implemented the necessary changes that led to his eventual success.

Although only in his mid-twenties, Stephen McCormack has seen more of the world than many will see in a lifetime. Having travelled to Antarctica, Europe, Asia, North and South America and, of course, Papua New Guinea, he has gained the hands-on experience that only regular travel can provide.