Information for Trekkers

The Kokoda Track Authority

Trekker river crossing

All trekkers must purchase a trek permit from the Kokoda Track Authority to walk the Kokoda Track. Make sure that the trek company you are walking with has made arrangements to purchase these permits on your behalf. Trek permits for 2009 cost K200. Contact your trek operator or the Kokoda Track Authority (+675 323 6165) if you are in doubt.

PNG Tourism

PNG Tourism has an internet resource for persons planning to trek the Kokoda Track.  http://www.pngtourism.org.pg

Field Guide to the Kokoda Track

After years of painstaking research, and with aid of the fast-thinning ranks of both Australian and Japanese veterans, Bill James has released a new book for those wishing to fully understand the history of the Kokoda Track and to undertake a trek.
The 512 page book also includes a waterproof trek map. To visit Bill's website: http://www.kokodapress.com.au

Guide Book for Trekkers

Click here to download a guidebook produced by UTS student Amy Whenam for the Kokoda Track Foundation.

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade

The Australian government provides travel advisory information for all Australians planning a trip abroad.  Under the Country Advisory for Papua New Guinea the following reference is made in particular about those planning a trek along the Kokoda Track.

Kokoda Track

As for other parts of Papua New Guinea, we advise you to exercise a high degree of caution when walking the Kokoda Track and travelling through the areas adjacent to each end of the track. We recommend you travel with guides from a reputable tour company. The Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) has advised the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby that it intends to station rangers along the track and at airports to collect fees from trekkers who have not obtained a valid trekking permit. Trekkers should ensure that their tour company provides a permit in return for fees paid for this purpose. The KTA can be contacted on telephone (675) 325 5540 regarding payment of the applicable fee. You should register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade before attempting to hike the Kokoda Track.

Unexploded ordnance still exists in Papua New Guinea, particularly along the Kokoda Track and at Milne Bay and Rabaul.

The KTF recommends any person intending to visit the Kokoda Track access the DFAT website before planning a trek.