Exploring the Kokoda Trail: A journey through history

TOURISM

By MALUM NALU
THE Kokoda Trail, which Prime Minister James Marape and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese trekked from April 23-24, stands as Papua New Guinea’s largest tourism draw.
Marape accompanied Albanese from Kokoda to Isurava for the Anzac Day commemoration, recognising firsthand the tourism potential of the trail. He engaged with Australian trekkers, PNG porters, and local villagers throughout the journey.
Generating K50 million (A$20.4 million) annually, the Kokoda Trail is a crucial source of income for villagers along its path, spanning both the Central and Northern (Oro) provinces.
On Aug 14, 2002, a significant event took place when Australian Prime Minister John Howard and then Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Sir Michael Somare, unveiled a memorial at Isurava to the 1942 Kokoda Trail campaign. This memorial honours Bruce Kingsbury VC and all Australians who, alongside their Papua New Guinean allies, faced severe hardships and made significant sacrifices during the campaign.
I worked with the Tourism Promotion Authority and although I did not visit Isurava at that time, I walked the trail in 2003 from Kokoda to Owers’ Corner and embarked on various short treks thereafter. The 2003 trek was an eye-opener for me, and the trail has since held a special place in my heart.
More than two decades later, when Prime Ministers Albanese and Marape walked from Kokoda to Isurava for Anzac Day, I had the honour of joining them.

Stretching 96km through the rugged terrain of the Owen Stanley Range, the site of a pivotal World War II battle, the trail connects Owers’ Corner in Central to Kokoda in Northern.
It reaches its highest point at 2,490m near Mount Bellamy and is known for its challenging conditions, including hot, humid days, intensely cold nights, and torrential rainfall.
Originally used by European miners in the 1890s, the trail became the stage for the Kokoda Campaign between July and November 1942, a series of intense battles between Japanese and Australian forces. This historic action was captured in the documentary Kokoda Front Line! by Damien Parer, which earned Australia’s first Academy Award in 1942.
Prime Minister Marape is committed to enhancing the trail’s tourism capabilities, pledging to develop it across Central and Northern to improve local livelihoods while preserving the trail’s authentic experience.
His recent trek with Prime Minister Albanese underscored the immense opportunities along the trail.
“Prime Minister Albanese and I witnessed the profound hospitality of the people from both Oro and Central sides towards all tourists trekking this Papua New Guinean icon,” Marape reflected later.

 “We passed hundreds of Australian trekkers who were well cared for by their guides and porters. This firsthand experience showed me what needs to be done to elevate this leading tourism product of our country.
“A series of improvements are planned in collaboration with the Kokoda Track Authority, the Kokoda Initiative, and governmental bodies, aimed at enhancing the experience while maintaining the trail’s historical and cultural integrity.”
Prime Minister Marape highlighted the need for modern enhancements, especially in sanitation.
“While Prime Minister Albanese adapted well to traditional facilities, it’s clear that we can enhance these for better comfort and convenience. Additionally, establishing communication towers will ensure internet access throughout the trail,” he added.
The Prime Minister remains focused on balancing modern amenities with the trail’s historical significance, striving to offer a seamless and respectful experience for international trekkers.
“These efforts represent a government initiative to boost tourism and economic activity, promising a brighter future for residents and a richer experience for visitors worldwide,” he said.

• Malum Nalu works for the Office of the Prime Minister