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Before you go
Your trip to Kokoda.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Kokoda – Oro
How to get there
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Pista de Kokoda (KKD) 1 km
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Aeroporto de Girua (Popondetta) (PNP) Popondetta · 91 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
By light aircraft to the Kokoda airstrip, when flights are scheduled, or by plane to Girua Airport near Popondetta and from there about 55 km by dirt road, a trip of around two hours. For the crossing, operators arrange the transport.
How many days
One day at the station to see the memorial and the museum; two or three days to include the guided walk to Isurava. The full crossing to Owers' Corner takes six to ten days.
When to go
From April to November, the drier months, which are the crossing season. It rains year-round in the region, often with heavy afternoon showers, and from December to March the track becomes muddier.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. The station is explored on foot, and the section between Popondetta and Kokoda is usually done with the operator's transport or local drivers.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Kokoda
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Morning
Kokoda memorial and museum
Visit the Kokoda memorial, with the four stone markers dedicated to the soldiers, the Papuan porters and all who fought on the track, and the Herbert Kienzle museum, with panels and photographs of the campaign.
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Afternoon
Trailhead
With a local guide, walk the first section of the track south of the station up to the range climbs, and return to the station late in the afternoon.
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Late afternoon
View from the plateau
In the late afternoon, as temperatures fall, enjoy the view of the Owen Stanley mountains from the station plateau.
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Evening
Preparing for the track
Those starting the crossing the next day usually use the evening to meet guides and porters and to check equipment.
2 days in Kokoda
Day 2
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All day
Walk to Isurava
Leave early with a guide along the Deniki route to the Isurava memorial, with its four granite pillars above the valley. The return walk, or an overnight stay in a guesthouse, depends on the itinerary agreed.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to see in Kokoda?
The Kokoda memorial, with four stone markers, and the Herbert Kienzle museum about the 1942 campaign, located on the old parade ground of the station. To the south, with a guide, the track leads to the Isurava memorial.
How to get to Kokoda?
By light aircraft to the Kokoda airstrip when flights are available, or by plane to Popondetta and from there by dirt road, a trip of about two hours.
Does Kokoda have accommodation?
There are basic lodgings and guesthouses run by the local communities, used by those who start or finish the track. Book accommodation in advance, because availability is limited.
Start the track at Kokoda or at Owers' Corner?
Both directions are done. Starting at Kokoda ends the trek at Owers' Corner, near Port Moresby; starting at Owers' Corner finishes the trip in Kokoda, from where you return by plane or via Popondetta. Your operator will advise the itinerary.