How long does it take to walk the Kokoda Track?
between four and twelve days
Despite the challenge posed it is a popular hike that takes between four and twelve days (depending on fitness). Locals have been known to hike the route in three days. Download your copy of the Kokoda Trail map and view our flyover video.
How hard is it to walk the Kokoda Track?
Kokoda is not the demon it is portrayed and everyday people complete Kokoda – young and old. With Mt Everest Base Camp being a 10/10 difficulty level and walking around the block a 1/10, Kokoda rates as a 7/10, with moderate cardio fitness required.
Can anyone do the Kokoda Track?
Trekking on the Kokoda Track must be undertaken with a licenced tour operator. The KTA does not encourage trekkers to walk without a tour operator, due to safety concerns. Solo travelers also bring little benefit to the local communities. All trekkers must carry comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
What is the story of the Kokoda Track?
The Kokoda Track marks the course of one of the most important battles for Australians in the Second World War. Between 21 July and 16 November 1942, the Australian Army halted the furthermost southward advance by Japanese forces in Papua New Guinea and then pushed the enemy back across the mountains.
How do I prepare for Kokoda Trail?
Walk on the nature strip, not the pavement; this gives increased resistance and the unevenness is good preparation. Increase your distance walked each week till you’re walking at least 12 km/day, preferably every day for the last month; It’s also a good idea to train with a pack, carrying more than you will on Kokoda.
Why do people walk the Kokoda Track?
This trail through the jungles of Papua New Guinea was the site of much suffering during World War II. Each year, thousands of Australians make a commemorative trek at Kokoda. In doing so, they pay their respects to the bravery and suffering of those veterans who served there.
How fit do you need to be to do the Kokoda Trail?
Your training needs to include extensive walking, preferably in a hilly-area, carrying a weighted pack. In the last month of your training you need to be capable of walking at least 10 km daily, carrying 3 to 5 kg more than the weight you expect to carry on your trek.
How fit do you have to be to do the Kokoda Trail?
Why did Australia fight in Papua New Guinea?
In the wake of the Papuan campaign Australian and American troops opened a campaign in New Guinea in the hinterland around Wau and Salamaua. The aim of these operations was not to secure hundreds of square kilometres of rugged jungle. It was to draw Japanese forces away from Lae.
Why did Japan invade Papua New Guinea?
In July 1942, Japanese forces landed on the northern coast of Papua. Their objective was to make their way overland along the Kokoda track and capture Port Moresby on the southern coast. This would give them control of Papua, and a base from which to attack the Australian mainland and shipping in the Pacific.
How long does the Kokoda Challenge take?
39 hours
Are you up for the challenge? 39 hours of over 4,000 metres of elevation, walking all weekend through the day and night in whatever weather conditions are thrown your way and pushing yourself beyond what you thought you were capable of.
Is the Kokoda Trail Safe?
The Kokoda trail is very safe. Trek operators, PNG government along with the Australian government, meet each year to discuss the operations of the trail and safety is at the forefront of our company. It is highly recommended to trek with a professional trekking company like Australian Kokoda Tours.
How do you prepare for the Kokoda Trail?
Is the Kokoda Challenge hard?
For those of you who have never competed in a Kokoda Challenge, the course is incredibly taxing on your body and muscles. The stress you put on your ankles, knees and hip joints is enormous. By doing a strength program, you give your body the best chance of getting through the Challenge (and your training) injury-free.
Is it Kokoda Track or trail?
The current official gazetted place name is Kokoda Trail. This is used by the Papua New Guinea Government, the Australian Army and the Australian War Memorial. Before and during the War the route was variously called track, trail and road, and so there seemed no standardised name at the time.
Why did the Japanese want Papua New Guinea?
Why did the Japanese want Port Moresby?
Why did the Japanese want Port Moresby? It would protect their right flank (the Dutch East Indies or Indonesia) which had oil fields, tin mines and rubber plantations. It would take away a strong base from the Allies to launch attacks against strategic targets such as Rabaul.
What role did Papua New Guinea play in ww2?
The New Guinea campaign was one of the hardest-fought of World War II. American and Australian forces relied on native New Guineans to achieve victory. For the white Australian and American (and some African American) troops who fought there, New Guinea was one of the most horrific battlegrounds of World War II.
How many Australian soldiers fought in Papua New Guinea?
There are over 2000 Australian Servicemen who remain unaccounted for in Papua New Guinea from World War Two. Unrecovered War Casualties – Army works tirelessly to locate these soldiers and commemorate them appropriately.
What do you need for the Kokoda Challenge?
Minimum 1 litre of water per participant. Water refill available at checkpoints. Minimum of 2 phones per team in waterproof bags, with the same phone numbers as per your team details. For 96km and 48km events only.
What does the word Kokoda mean?
Noun. kokoda (uncountable) A raw fish salad in Fijian cuisine.
How far is Papua New Guinea from the tip of Australia?
The closest distance between the PNG and Australian mainlands is about 80 nautical miles (about 150 km). In 1972, several (presumed) Australian islands lay close to the PNG coast.
Why did Australia invade Papua New Guinea?
Why did Japan take over Port Moresby?
With their conquest of the Bismarck Archipelago complete, the Japanese next set their sights on Port Moresby, on the southern coast of New Guinea. Control of the port would expand the Japanese sphere of influence to the Coral Sea and disrupt the Allied line of communication between the United States and Australia.