Kokoda Track - Group Walking

Walking The Kokoda Trackin Papua New Guinea’s Owen Stanley Range is one of our most challenging treks both mentally and physically.

People walk the famous track for many reasons. Its significance in WW2 military history is well known to most Australians, but may not be the reason other nationalities wish to engage this rugged track. Its indicative natural wonder with verdant plant and bird life, along with contact with the native population along the track are what some seek.

Many, however wish to connect with the significance this track has in being the place where the Japanese army was first stopped on land during their expansionism in WW2. From this point on it was always 'back' for the Japanese army. The task fell to young men of the 39th Btln who were at this time a militia unit in Victoria, whilst the main Australian army force was engaged in the European theatre. Ill equiped (WW1 equipment and no mosquito nets), with only basic training they marched over the Owen Stanley Mt Range and engaged the enemy. Kokoda is as engrained into Australian history as is the word Gallipoli.

We are well connected with the track. Brent's father in law was in the 39th and he has been privilaged to meet many of the vets, including the dark haired chap with no hat, in the middle of the picture to the right. He was one of his father in laws best mates on the track.