Kokoda Trail

During the 2nd World War, one of Australia’s biggest fears was of foreign invasion. In 1942 the Japanese came closest by invading Papua New Guinea. Australia played a crucial role by fighting in Papua New Guinea and perhaps this was one of Australia’s most significant roles in the 2nd world war. In fact, in only 7 months of fighting in Papua New Guinea, more Australian men died than in any other part of the war. The most famous and courageous campaign would be that of the Kokoda Trail.

The Japanese plan was to take Port Moresby, which would allow them to control the South Pacific Area. The defeat of the Japanese in the battle of the Coral Sea prevented a sea-based attack on Port Moresby. So taking a new approach they landed at Milne Bay and an overland attack on Port Moresby by crossing the Kokoda Trail was organized.

The Kokoda trail runs from Buna on the North Coast of Papua down through Kokoda, over the Owen Stanley Ranges and on to Port Moresby on the sout...