Things to Do in Kokoda Track

Kokoda Track cuts through 96 kilometers of Papua New Guinea's most challenging jungle terrain, following the wartime route where Australian and Japanese forces clashed during World War II. This isn't your typical hiking trail - it's a muddy, steep, historically significant journey that pushes trekkers through dense rainforest, across fast-flowing rivers, and over mountain ridges that can leave even experienced hikers questioning their fitness levels. The track connects Owers' Corner, about 50 kilometers east of Port Moresby, to the village of Kokoda in Oro Province, winding through terrain that ranges from suffocating humidity at lower elevations to surprisingly cool temperatures on the ridgelines. What makes this trek genuinely compelling isn't just the physical challenge - though that's substantial - but the layers of history embedded in every muddy step. You'll pass battle sites, memorials, and remnants from 1942 when this jungle path became a crucial battleground. Local guides, many descended from the original carriers who helped Australian forces, share stories that textbooks simply can't capture. The villages along the route offer glimpses into traditional Papua New Guinean life that feel worlds away from Port Moresby, making this as much a cultural immersion as it is a historical pilgrimage.

Food on Kokoda Track is typically provided by trek operators and prepared by accompanying cooks who somehow manage to create decent meals using portable equipment in jungle conditions. Expect simple but filling fare - rice, tinned meat, vegetables, and local fruits when available. Village stops might include traditional foods like sweet potato, taro, and fresh fish from local streams. In Port Moresby before or after your trek, the dining scene offers everything from hotel restaurants serving international cuisine to local markets where you can try traditional Papua New Guinean dishes like mumu (earth oven-cooked meat and vegetables).

The dry season from April to October offers the best trekking conditions, with less mud, fewer leeches, and more predictable weather - though 'dry' is relative in this tropical jungle environment. May through September tends to be the most popular period, with July and August being peak season when you'll encounter more trekkers and need to book further ahead. The wet season from November to March makes the track significantly more challenging with river crossings that can become dangerous, though some experienced trekkers actually prefer the quieter, more intense experience despite the additional difficulties.