Can you walk the Kokoda Track?

You can trek the Kokoda Track either on your own or with a tour operator. The KTA does not encourage trekkers to walk without a tour operator, due to safety concerns. Solo travellers also bring little benefit to the local communities. All trekkers must carry comprehensive medical and travel insurance.

Is Kokoda Track open?

The following sites are open: Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground, One Tree Hill Picnic Ground, and most surrounding tracks including Lyrebird Track are now open. The 1000 Steps/Kokoda Memorial Track REMAINS CLOSED.

How long is the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk?

800 metre
The Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway is a an 800 metre rainforest walk which links Concord Hospital with Rhodes Station.

How hard is it to walk the Kokoda Track?

Whilst it is well worth the effort, trekking the Kokoda Track is a difficult physical challenge. This expedition is considered difficult as there are long walks over elevated terrain with ascents and descents along narrow jungle trails. Some days are long hauls of seven to ten hours through difficult terrain.

Why are the 1000 Steps closed?

Dandenong Ranges National Park (including the 1000 Steps and Lyrebird Track) is currently closed as we work to address the significant damage caused by the recent storm. The closure will remain in place while we work to clear the hundreds of trees and branches that fell during the storm.

How long does 1000 steps take?

While 1000 Steps is a catchy name, there are more like 770 steps and a round trip takes around about 40 minutes if you can maintain a decent pace. It starts off fairly easy but pinches towards the end, nothing you wouldn’t be able to handle if you have average fitness levels and a water bottle.

How fit do you need to be to do Kokoda?

Your training needs to include extensive walking, preferably in a hilly-area, carrying a weighted pack. In the last month of your training you need to be capable of walking at least 10 km daily, carrying 3 to 5 kg more than the weight you expect to carry on your trek.

How do you train for the Kokoda Trail?

Walk on the nature strip, not the pavement; this gives increased resistance and the unevenness is good preparation. Increase your distance walked each week till you’re walking at least 12 km/day, preferably every day for the last month; It’s also a good idea to train with a pack, carrying more than you will on Kokoda.

How far is the Kokoda Trail?

While literature refers to the historic wartime track as 96 kilometres in length, today’s track measures roughly 165 kilometres including side trips and detours, which is the distance you will be walking on this tour. This equates to around 20 kilometres per day. The physical challenges of the Kokoda Track are immense.

Is the Kokoda Trail Safe?

Is the Kokoda Trail Safe? The Kokoda trail is very safe. Trek operators, PNG government along with the Australian government, meet each year to discuss the operations of the trail and safety is at the forefront of our company.