The Kokoda Track is a World War 2 wartime trail that crosses the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea. It is famous for the 1942 Kokoda Campaign, where Australian soldiers, supported by Papua New Guinea soldiers and Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, fought to stop the Japanese advance towards Port Moresby.

Walking Kokoda is much more than completing a physically challenging trek. It is an opportunity to experience one of Australia’s most significant battlefields, honour those who fought there, immerse yourself in PNG culture and achieve something that will stay with you for life.

We offer two primary trek durations. Our 9-Day Trek starts at Ower’s Corner and finishes at Kokoda. Our 11-Day Trek follows the same route and itinerary as the 9-Day Trek, then adds two additional days visiting the northern coast battlefields of Gona, Buna and Sanananda.

The general narrative has the track at approximately 96 kilometres long. However, the reality of walking the track will see you complete approximately 120 kilometres. Daily walking distances vary depending on the itinerary.

Regardless of their unit or job, most Australian soldiers who fought in the Kokoda Campaign set out from Ower’s Corner in the south and trekked towards Kokoda. For this reason, our treks follow in their footsteps and follow the path Australian soldiers took in 1942.

We literally walk in the footsteps of heroes.

The Kokoda trekking season generally starts in late March and finishes in early November. The drier months between April and October generally provide more favourable conditions for trekking, although weather in PNG can change rapidly at any time.

You do not need to be an elite athlete, but you do need a high level of cardiovascular fitness and mental resilience. We provide a recommended training plan when you book a trek with us.

Yes. Many first-time trekkers of all ages have successfully completed Kokoda. Preparation, training and the right mindset are the key.

We recommend beginning training at least 12–16 weeks before departure and including:

• hill walking
• stair climbing
• strength training
• loaded backpack walking
• long weekend hikes

We provide a recommended training program to support your preparation for the trek.

Most trekkers are between 25 and 65 years of age, although we regularly guide younger and older Australians.

Each applicant is assessed individually based on fitness and medical suitability.

The Kokoda Track is a demanding and remote environment. When undertaken with an experienced operator, proper preparation and suitable emergency procedures, thousands of trekkers safely complete the track each year.

Our Trek Leader personally carries satellite communications equipment, including a satellite phone, as well as a defibrillator. We also have extensive emergency evacuation procedures. Medical evacuations are coordinated when necessary, with the welfare and care of the casualty always the priority.

Yes. Our Australian Trek Leaders are military veterans with extensive military training and experience in leadership roles. They are highly experienced Kokoda guides with remote-area first aid qualifications and extensive military history knowledge.

Yes. The Trek Leader of every group personally carries both a satellite phone and a satellite transponder. The group also carries several VHF/UHF radios for communication within the group and with the Kokoda Track Authority and villages along the trail.

Yes. Helicopter evacuation may be available, although weather and terrain can affect response times.

You should consult your doctor for a medical check-up before travelling to PNG. Recommendations vary, but commonly include:

• Tetanus
• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid

Speak with your travel doctor well before departure.

Yes. Papua New Guinea is a malaria-risk country. We recommend consulting your doctor regarding appropriate antimalarial medication.

Water is sourced from mountain streams and treated before drinking. We recommend Aqua Prove solution or Micropur tablets.

Yes. Our ration plan and menus are highly flexible and can cater for dietary requirements. Please advise us of your requirements before departure.

A full list of trek inclusions is included in the Trek Inclusions and Exclusions section.

A full list of trek exclusions is included in the Trek Inclusions and Exclusions section.

Absolutely. Travel insurance that covers trekking in PNG, including emergency medical evacuation, is essential. We recommend Cover-More or Fast Cover. Please see the Inclusions and Exclusions section for further information.

Yes. Australian citizens require a visa to enter Papua New Guinea. Current entry requirements can change, so travellers should confirm the latest arrangements before departure.

We provide a sponsor letter and detailed guidance on how to apply for a visa to visit PNG.

Wear well-fitted hiking boots or trail shoes that you have already worn in. Never bring brand new boots.

If you choose not to engage a personal porter, your backpack will likely weigh 16kg–18kg including water.

If you choose to engage a personal porter, which is highly recommended, your porter will carry up to 12kg of your equipment, while you carry around 6kg–8kg including water.

If you engage a personal porter, we supply the large backpack that the porter will carry. You only need to bring the smaller day pack that you will carry.

Absolutely, and it is highly recommended. Many trekkers choose to hire a personal porter. This provides a job and income for a PNG family and supports villages along the track. It also makes the trek more enjoyable, as your porter will often become your new best friend.

They are not essential, but they are highly recommended. You should train with your trekking poles as part of your preparation to trek Kokoda.

Gaiters are highly recommended to help keep mud and debris out of your footwear.

Accommodation in Port Moresby is in a high-quality five-star hotel, such as the Hilton Hotel or equivalent.

Accommodation on the trail is in a high-quality trekking tent. Each trekker has a two-person hiking tent to call home for the duration of the trek.

Some villages have basic cold-water shower facilities. At some campsites, the team washes in the local river or stream.

Yes. Long-drop toilets are used. Facilities are basic throughout the track.

No. Bring a power bank for charging devices, but do not go overboard because power banks are heavy. Power banks with inbuilt solar panels can be a good idea.

All meals are provided, except lunch and dinner on ANZAC Day. Our meals are nutritious and designed for high-energy trekking. See the Food on the Trek section for further information.

Yes. Our team works with trekkers who have distinct dietary requirements to provide meals that meet their needs.

Yes. Meals are prepared by our trained cooks using strict hygiene practices.

Yes. Many people describe Kokoda as one of the most physically demanding experiences they have undertaken. Proper preparation will set you up for success, and we provide a training program to help you get ready.

Absolutely. This is our passion. Our guides are military veterans with extensive military careers behind them. They are extremely passionate about the military history content and provide detailed battlefield briefs using mud models and background information throughout the trek.

Absolutely. We provide detailed briefs on the Kokoda Campaign and the broader campaigns of World War 2. You will receive a Road to War brief on night one on the track, helping put Kokoda into perspective and understand what was happening in the world in 1942. Military history is one of the defining features of our expeditions.

Absolutely. Visiting Bomana War Cemetery is a fundamental part of every Australian Battlefield Treks & Tours trek.

Our focus is to honour the service and sacrifice of the Australian men and women who defended our nation. As we walk among the headstones, we remember their stories, reflect on their deeds and pay our respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is a deeply moving experience that helps ensure their memory and legacy continue to be preserved for future generations.

Yes. Many of our PNG crew come from villages along the track. You will meet their families, play games with their children and be immersed in their culture.

Respectful interaction with local communities is one of the highlights of our Kokoda treks.

Yes. You should expect rain at any time of year.

Temperatures typically range from 20–34°C with very high humidity.

There is very limited mobile phone reception on the Kokoda Trail. Between Manari and Isurava Village there is generally no mobile phone reception at all. Your Trek Leader will indicate locations where reception may be possible so you can update friends and family about your trip.

Yes. Emergency communication arrangements are available, and the Trek Leader makes daily calls via satellite phone to provide rear-link updates.

Yes. A $750 deposit secures your place. Please note the $750 deposit is non-refundable if you change your mind and decide not to trek.

Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure.

Our cancellation policy is detailed in our booking conditions and should be read before confirming your booking.

Like many developing countries, Papua New Guinea presents risks that require sensible precautions. When travelling with an experienced operator and following guide instructions, your trip and Kokoda trek can be a safe and rewarding experience.

Papua New Guinea Kina, known as PGK, is the local currency. We recommend carrying Kina for small purchases on the trail.

Only in larger centres such as Port Moresby. There are no credit card facilities on the trail, and cash in Kina is recommended for small purchases.

Yes. Villages sell hand-crafted items, bilums, carvings and locally made souvenirs.

Our focus is on delivering a professionally led, historically accurate battlefield experience while maintaining high safety standards and supporting local communities. Our treks combine military history, leadership, mateship and cultural immersion to create an unforgettable journey.

Absolutely. This is something Scotty really enjoys. If you have a family connection to Kokoda, please provide any information you may have so we can do the appropriate research.