Kokoda Track campaign

Published: July 15, 2026 · Updated: July 15, 2026

1942

The 1942 campaign in which Australian troops halted the Japanese advance toward Port Moresby along a rugged mountain track in New Guinea.

Kokoda Track campaign — Author: Parer, Damien Peter Public domain Source

What happened

In 1942 Japanese forces pushed south along the rugged Kokoda Track over the mountains of New Guinea, aiming to take Port Moresby by land.

Background

Australian troops resisted fiercely, falling back through jungle and mud amid disease and shortages of supply, supported by local Papuan carriers. Going over to the offensive, the Allies eventually drove the Japanese back.

Consequences

As the battle that turned back the threat that came closest to home, Kokoda has become a national memory alongside Gallipoli.

Periods

The World Wars 1914–1945

Regions

Australia