The group departed Dubbo for the challenging adventure on July 10, and returned to Dubbo on July 20, with among other things great memories and sense of achievement from conquering the highly demanding trek.

The students not only gained an incredible experience, but it also met the requirements for the 'adventurous journey' component of the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.

After returning to Dubbo from Papua New Guinea (PNG), the pain set in for Mr Woodhead, and he was forced to have four days off school.

"It really hit me when we got back," he said.

"I was a bit unwell in general but my knees and ankles were busted, they wouldn't work.

"It is without doubt physically the toughest challenge I have ever had and mentally it was a massive challenge as well."

Despite the enormity of the challenge, Mr Woodhead said no one gave up and were committed to completing the trek.

"Everyone got through and carried their packs the whole time, except when we crossed streams and were on some really steep inclines or declines," he said.

"The kids did really well, some struggled at times more than others but they all showed great determination.

"We were waking around 4.30-5am and would start out at 6am, before finishing for the day at either 2pm or 4pm depending how much walking we had to do.

"They are long hours but that is the challenge of it."

During the trek, the minimum temperature was 29 degrees, humidity was around 90 per cent, and it rained on and off for the first couple of days. Mr Woodhead said they continually discussed the rough terrain and what it would have been like for soldiers during the second world war.

"The history of the place and what so many people have gone through really put things into context," he said. "We got a great appreciation of what those poor buggers faced."

The trek and was made possible by the major funding support of The Flight Centre Foundation, while the students and teachers also contributed to their trip.