A Trail Like No Other
The Kokoda Track (also called the Kokoda Trail) stretches approximately 96 kilometres through the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea's Central and Oro provinces. It is one of the most demanding trekking experiences in the world — and one of the most historically resonant. Thousands of Australians and PNG locals trekked this same route during World War II's brutal 1942 Kokoda Campaign, and walking it today is both a physical challenge and a profound act of remembrance.
The Historical Context
In 1942, Australian and Papuan forces fought a grueling defensive and then counter-offensive campaign against Japanese forces along this track through some of the most difficult terrain imaginable. The jungle, altitude, mud, and disease claimed as many lives as combat. For Australians especially, Kokoda holds a place in national memory comparable to Gallipoli. Understanding this history before you walk adds enormous depth to the experience.
The Trek: What to Expect
Distance & Duration
Most trekkers complete the track in 8 to 10 days, walking between 8 and 18 kilometres per day depending on terrain. It can be walked in either direction — north from Owers' Corner to Kokoda village, or south — with the northern-to-southern direction generally considered marginally less demanding on the most difficult early stages.
Terrain & Difficulty
The track is genuinely difficult. Expect:
- Steep, relentless ascents and descents — cumulative elevation change exceeds 4,000 metres
- Deep mud and slippery roots, particularly during the wet season
- River crossings that can become dangerous after heavy rain
- High humidity and heat at lower elevations, cold nights in the highlands
Physical preparation over several months — including long-distance hiking with a loaded pack — is strongly recommended. Many trekkers are surprised by the steepness even after training.
Key Landmarks Along the Way
- Isurava Memorial — A moving memorial at the site of one of the campaign's most significant battles
- Templeton's Crossing — Named after a key figure of the campaign, set in dense cloud forest
- Mission Ridge & Brigade Hill — Sites of fierce WWII engagements
- Kokoda Village — The northern end point, with a museum and airstrip
Permits & Regulations
All trekkers must be registered with the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) and pay a trekking fee. You are required to trek with a licensed porter/guide. This system is important — it provides income and employment for local communities along the track, and local guides' knowledge of conditions, crossings, and campsites is invaluable.
When to Trek
| Season | Months | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | May – October | Preferred window — drier tracks, clearer skies |
| Wet Season | November – April | Heavy rain, extreme mud, higher river levels — very challenging |
Packing Essentials
- Lightweight, quick-dry trekking clothing (2–3 changes)
- Waterproof jacket and pack liner
- Quality trekking boots — well broken in before the trek
- Sleeping bag (nights above 2,000m can be cold)
- Water purification tablets or a filter
- First aid kit including blister care and anti-malarial medication
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Energy snacks for between camp meals
Responsible Trekking
The Kokoda Track passes through numerous villages whose land you are crossing. Trekkers are guests. Respect village protocols, do not enter sacred sites without permission, carry out all waste, and support the local economy by purchasing food and crafts from communities along the route. The income generated by trekking is a significant part of many families' livelihoods.
Completing the Kokoda Track is a deeply personal achievement — but more than that, it is a chance to walk through history, witness extraordinary landscapes, and connect meaningfully with the people who call this remarkable country home.