The Kokoda Track generates much debate on the “correct” name for this stretch of jungle path beginning at Kokoda and traversing 96km of the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea.
The Australian War Memorial officially designated it the Kokoda Trail in 1972 but ever since the epic events of 1942 both ‘Kokoda Track’ and ‘Kokoda Trail’ have been in wide use.
According to the Australian War Memorial’s official chronicles of the Kokoda Campaign, both “Kokoda Trail” and “Kokoda Track” have been used interchangeably since the Second World War and the former was adopted by the Battles Nomenclature Committee as the official British Commonwealth battle honour in October 1957.
The term ‘Kokoda Track’ is most commonly used by veterans, reflecting the bush idiom used by the young, hopelessly outnumbered troops of 16th Brigade as they pitted themselves against the overwhelming might of the Japanese offensive in 1942.
Kokoda Tours with Getaway Trekking
Something of a rite-of-passage, trekking Kokoda is seen as meeting the ultimate challenge, as the track is widely regarded as one of the world’s top ten adventure treks.
Ask Adelaide Crows’ Mark Ricciuto …
Getaway Trekking surpassed all of my expectations; their pre trek preparation and training of our group… their PNG staff and logistical backup… and the in-depth knowledge of Wartime History and local culture by the Getaway Trekking leaders made this a journey of a lifetime …
I highly recommend Getaway Trekking to anyone who wishes to tackle Kokoda and experience this Australian iconic adventure in a safe and supportive manner.
Mark Ricciuto
Adelaide Crows
Read Mark’s full testimonial and many others here.
