Kokoda Track Trail

A gruelling 8-10 day, 96-kilometre route that retraces a key World War II supply and battle line.

Time to Hike: 8-10 days covering about 96 km; guided itineraries commonly split the route into 7 to 10 walking days with several long, steep sections each day.

Best Time to Go: The dry season is the preferred window for trekking; heavy rains outside this period make the track much harder and more dangerous.

Getting there: The track is reached from Port Moresby by road to Owers’ Corner or by charter flights to Kokoda village; most commercial treks walk from Owers’ Corner to Kokoda.

Costs: Expect to pay for an organised guided package that includes guides, local carriers and permits or community fees; accommodation is village stays or camping rather than huts.

Difficulty: Steep, muddy, rooty trails with frequent creek crossings, leeches and tropical heat; technically not high altitude but sustained climbs and remoteness make it strenuous and potentially hazardous.

Kokoda Track runs through the densely forested Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea, alternating steep ridgewalking with slippery river valleys. The landscape is raw and green - narrow paths, exposed ridgelines and lush gullies punctuated by memorials and battlefield sites such as Isurava and Brigade Hill.

The route is notable for its World War II history and for the living connection with local villages along the way. There are no networked huts; trekkers sleep in tents or in simple village houses, and most trips use local carriers and experienced guides who manage food, logistics and navigation.

Port Moresby is the nearest international gateway; Jacksons International Airport handles flights from Australia and regional hubs. From the city, operators commonly provide 4x4 transfers to Owers’ Corner for the trail start, or arrange light aircraft flights into Kokoda village for a reverse itinerary.

Most guided groups walk from Owers’ Corner toward Kokoda village so that the final day often finishes in a village with options for charter flights back to Port Moresby. Roads into the area can be rough and transfers are usually included in organised trips.

The walking season on the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea is the drier months, generally May to October, when rains are lighter and river levels are lower. Bookings for guides, carriers and community permits should be made well in advance for this window.

Avoid the wet season from November to April when tracks become extremely muddy, creek crossings are dangerous and leeches are prolific. Even in the dry season expect heat, humidity and sudden tropical showers, so carry waterproofs, sturdy boots and a reliable guide.