Thousands of Australians walk the Kokoda Track each year. They visit to walk in the footsteps of veterans and commemorate their service in Papua and New Guinea in World War II. Walking the Track is a gruelling physical and mental challenge.
While it's hard to walk the track today, it was harder in 1942. Australian and Japanese forces walked further than modern tourists. They were in poor physical condition due to malnourishment, disease and exhaustion from battle.
Over the years, there has been much debate about the name of the track. Some historians call it a 'trail'. Either way, it is an important icon of Australia's involvement in World War II.
Icon of Australia's war
The Kokoda Track has become an icon of Australia's involvement in World War II. Post-war revival of interest in Kokoda has created new challenges.
The track crosses land owned by the Koiari and Orokaiva peoples, the traditional owners.
Many tourists walk the track each year, which is physically and mentally challenging. Such tourism impacts the local environment.
Issues regarding the track are managed by:
- Kokoda Track Foundation (established 2003)
- Kokoda Track Authority (established 2004).
The Kokoda Track and the Owen Stanley Ranges have been on UNESCO's Tentative List for World Heritage sites since 2006.
Instead of walking the Kokoda Track, you can take a virtual journey of discovery.
Geography
The southern end of the track begins at Owers' Corner, 61 km by road north-east of Port Moresby. It runs 96 km and ends at Kokoda Station, on the northern side of the Owen Stanley Range.
Most of today's track follows the same path that Australian and Japanese forces used, although it's much shorter than the track in 1942. The length and route of the track will continue to change.
Naming the site: 'track' or 'trail'
'Kokoda Track' and 'Kokoda Trail' were both used during World War II. Both terms are still used today.
Australian official historian, Dudley McCarthy, used the term 'track' after extensive interviews with veterans. It's also the term used on an Australian Government memorial erected at Isurava in 2002.
Other memorials along the track use the term 'trail'. The Australian Army battle honour, established in 1959, bears the name 'Kokoda Trail'. The Australian War Memorial also uses the term in its displays.
Whether it's a track or a trail, the purpose is still to commemorate those who served along that difficult terrain.
Modern view of Kokoda landscape
Looking at the rugged terrain and dense jungle where Australians served in the New Guinea campaign helps us to understand some of their challenges. Watch these videos of Port Moresby, the Kokoda Track and the Owen Stanley Range as they are today.