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War memorial and museum · Kokoda, Oro
Kokoda Memorial and Museum
Four stone markers with plaques dedicated to the soldiers, the Papuan carriers and to all who fought on the Kokoda Track, next to the Herbert Kienzle Museum, opened in 1995.
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 Kokoda Memorial and Museum
The Kokoda memorial sits on the edge of the former parade ground of the government station, on the Kokoda plateau. It consists of four white markers with plaques: the first commemorates Private Bruce Kingsbury, awarded the Victoria Cross for the fighting at Isurava; the second bears the official plaque of the battle; the third honours the Papuan carriers who worked on the track; and the fourth is dedicated to all who served and died along the route, with texts in Tok Pisin, Japanese and English.
Next to it is the Herbert Kienzle Museum, opened on September 16, 1995. Panels and photographs tell the story of the 1942 campaign, when the Japanese captured Kokoda in July and Australian troops retook it in November. A sculpture of a local carrier supporting a wounded soldier occupies the centre of the room.
The museum is named for Captain Herbert Kienzle, the officer who organised the Papuan carriers during the campaign. The building was constructed with support from Australian Rotary clubs and the people of Oro Province.
For those finishing the crossing, the visit usually closes the trip; for those starting, it serves as an introduction to what lies ahead.
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
From 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
In the morning, before the frequent afternoon rain in the region.
How to get there
It is in the central area of the Kokoda station, a few minutes’ walk from the airstrip and the lodgings.
Tip
Read the panels before you set out on the track: place names such as Isurava, Alola and Brigade Hill appear later along the route.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kokoda Memorial and Museum
What is in the Kokoda museum?
Panels and photographs about the 1942 campaign and a sculpture of a Papuan carrier supporting a wounded soldier, in the Herbert Kienzle Museum next to the memorial.
When was the Kokoda museum opened?
On September 16, 1995, Independence Day of Papua New Guinea.
To whom is the Kokoda memorial dedicated?
To the soldiers who fought on the track, to the Papuan carriers and to all who served and died in the campaign, on four stone markers with plaques.