Travel by the Calendar

For anyone with an interest in the history of WWII, the Kokoda campaign is significant. For anyone interested in trekking, the Kokoda trail is a rugged mountainous challenge of great beauty. For any one interested in off the beaten track destinations, Papua New Guinea is a place that will challenge and surprise you.

Wartime History
In 1942, the Japanese forces arrived at Gona in the north of Papua New Guinea. Their intent was to cross the Owen Stanley Range in the centre of the country, take Port Moresby and from there, Australia. Advancing from the south, were the Australians. The Kokoda trail lies between. Soldiers from both sides endured terrible conditions. With no road or air access, supplies, including food and medications, were slow to arrive. In the jungle environment, wound infections, dysentry and other ailments were common. Added to this, the soldiers of both sides were forced to endure command from remote locations who believed the task of passing over the Owen Stanley range should be simple and quick. More Australians died during the seven months of fighting in Papua New Guinea than in any other campaign. Many of these soldiers are buried in the Bomana War Cemetery, outside Port Moresby.

Today
It is possible today, to walk the Kokoda trail as a tourist. Or perhaps a better word is pilgrim. It is a physically demanding journey but also a type of pilgrimage, giving thanks to those who died protecting Australia’s borders. Those who walk it are often there on behalf of grandfathers or uncles who fought there. And there is an opportunity to meet the descendents of “the fuzzy-wuzzy angels“, the tribal people of Papua New Guinea, who drawn into a war which did not involve them, gave invaluable assistance to the soldiers, especially the wounded.

Trip preparation
The Kokoda trail is physically demanding hiking. There are many hills. The climate is tropical and humid. It is a rugged, remote environment. There have been deaths, related to the difficulty of the trail, and to the difficulty of evacuation. The trail must be done with a guide, and it is important to ensure they have adequate equipment such as a satellite phone, and GPS beacons , in case of emergency. At least three months of physical training is recommended, prior to walking the trail. Recent deaths have prompted requests for medical clearance, however this is not yet mandatory.

Best time to go
The driest conditions will be in August to October. The trail is usually still passable in the wet season, however, this makes it even more difficult. Australia’s school holidays run between the last week of September and the first week in October, avoid this peak time if possible.