The evolving significance of Kokoda

26th March 2019

“When Australians remember the First World War they think of the landing at Gallipoli. When they think of the Second World War the word ‘Kokoda’ looms large.” ANZAC Portal

For Australians and Papua New Guineans alike the Kokoda Track has become an iconic symbol of WWII.

This jungle track ranks as one of the most popular tourism activities in PNG as visitors come from all over the world to understand the harsh conditions that the Kokoda campaign was fought under 75 years ago.

But the Kokoda Track’s significance extends far beyond a site people visit to honour those who fought in WWII. Now, Kokoda is evolving into a very real partnership between Australia and PNG which is focussed on improving the livelihoods of local communities.

Here’s an insight into Kokoda and the evolving significance of this historic, iconic trail.

The Kokoda campaign

Fought in rugged jungle conditions in unforgiving mountainous terrain, the battle for Kokoda ranks as one of the turning points in the Pacific Theatre of War.

Members of the 39th Battalion withdrawing after the battle of Isurava part of the Kokoda Campaign via Wikipedia

At the time the Japanese Imperial Army was steadily advancing through the Australian administered area Territory of Papua. Their sights were set on Port Moresby, and their aim was to capture it from the overland track, running through the Owen Stanley Ranges. It was feared if the Japanese took Port Moresby, Australian invasion would be next.

Ultimately Kokoda would be seen as a turning point in the fight to retain Papua New Guinea – one of the most important strategic sites in the Pacific.

A site of significance

Each year around 5000 Australians make the pilgrimage to PNG to walk the Kokoda Track, and its popularity has been increasing in recent years.

Image via Adventure Kokoda

The trek is considered challenging, yet hugely rewarding, taking in stunning mountain terrain, endless jungle and rivers as it retraces each step of the 138km trail that so many soldiers fought bitterly for in WWII.

Image via Active Farmers

Kokoda and the local community  

Increased interest in the Kokoda region has seen flow-on effects for the local communities that live there. Over the years a number of trekking companies that traverse this trail have made it a point to involve and give back to the local residents.

Among those companies is Charlie Lynn’s Adventure Kokoda. Not only does his company feature a philanthropic ethos, he is also Chair of the PNG arm of member of Network Kokoda. A non-profit organisation, Network Kokoda was established to protect the wartime heritage along the Kokoda Trail while honouring the legacy of Papua New Guinea’s Wartime Carriers.

It also works with local communities to develop sustainable initiatives which generate income to invest in their future.

Network Kokoda initiatives

One of Network Kokoda’s most recent initiatives has seen them partner with the University of Western Sydney, Richmond Rotary and DFAT to offer 20 scholarships to UWS students for a 12-day study program at the Iaowari High School on the Sogeri Plateau.

The aim of the tour is to showcase and highlight Australia and PNG’s shared wartime history while connecting students with local organisations and projects they can assist.

It continues a long-standing relationship between Network Kokoda and the Iaowari High School. Previously the organisation has worked to improve the accommodation available for 1000 boarders there while creating market gardens where they can harvest fresh food.

Image via Kokoda Treks Blog

The new project now allows Network Kokoda to further the agricultural development at Iaowari High School and will assist in having the entire school rebadged as an agricultural college in the near future.

Paga Hill Estate is a world-class, master-planned estate in the heart of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The waterfront site is the first comprehensively planned multi-use development in Papua New Guinea to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors alike.

The all-inclusive development will include vibrant public spaces and waterfront promenade, luxury hotels, residential apartments, restaurants, retail, commercial space, a Trade, Exhibition & Cultural Centre, restoration of WWII relics, marina precinct and a nearby international cruise liner terminal.