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War memorial · Kokoda, Oro
Isurava Memorial
A memorial of four granite pillars on the Isurava battlefield, on the Kokoda Track, opened in 2002, with views over the Eora Creek valley.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Isurava Memorial
The Isurava memorial lies on the actual route of the Kokoda Track, south of the station, on the slopes of the Owen Stanley Range. It marks the site of the Battle of Isurava, fought between 26 and 31 August 1942, when Australian and Papuan troops held off the Japanese advance for five days before withdrawing towards Port Moresby.
The battlefield was rediscovered in 2000, and the memorial was unveiled on August 14, 2002 by the prime ministers of Australia and Papua New Guinea. Four granite pillars, brought in by helicopter, bear the words Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice, in English.
Interpretive panels, including in Tok Pisin, explain the battle. Nearby, Kingsbury Rock marks the spot where Private Bruce Kingsbury was killed. The memorial overlooks the valley and is one of the most striking stops on the crossing.
The track passes through the middle of the memorial. Those who do not do the full crossing can reach Isurava on guided walks from Kokoda.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour at the memorial; the walk from Kokoda takes one day or more, depending on the itinerary.
Best time
In the morning, when clouds are usually higher over the valley, in the dry season, from April to November.
How to get there
On foot only, along the Kokoda Track, with a guide. From the Kokoda station the route passes through Deniki; operators arrange the approach in one or two days.
Tip
Respect the silence of the place, which hosts remembrance ceremonies, and carry water and a rain cape: the weather changes quickly on the slopes.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Isurava Memorial
What is written on the Isurava memorial?
The four granite pillars bear, in English, the words courage, endurance, comradeship and sacrifice.
How do you get to the Isurava memorial?
On foot, along the Kokoda Track, with a guide. It is on the route, south of the Kokoda station, after Deniki.
What happened at Isurava?
Between August 26 and 31, 1942, Australian and Papuan troops held back the Japanese advance on the track for five days, before withdrawing towards Port Moresby.