1942
Quick Facts — Battle of Kokoda
Australia's involvement in the Kokoda Campaign during World War II holds significant historical importance. In 1942, as Japanese forces advanced through the Pacific, capturing territories, their eyes were set on Papua New Guinea and Port Moresby. The Kokoda Track, a challenging mountainous trail, became the focal point of the conflict.
The Battle of Kokoda unfolded as Australian troops, along with Papua New Guinean allies, faced the Japanese in a gruelling campaign along the Kokoda Track. The battle was part of a larger strategy to defend Port Moresby and halt the Japanese advance towards Australia. Over nearly four months, from 21 July to 16 November 1942, both sides endured harsh conditions, including dense jungles, treacherous mountains, and tropical diseases.
The Australian forces, often outnumbered and facing logistical challenges, displayed immense courage and resilience. The battle marked a turning point as the Australians, through fierce and determined efforts, successfully repelled the Japanese, halting their advance. The Kokoda Campaign became a symbol of sacrifice, endurance, and the tenacity of Australian forces during a critical phase of World War II — a legacy that remains an integral part of Australia's military history.
Watch
Video: Australian War Memorial (AWM Collection).
The Kokoda Battles
August 26 – September 5, 1942
Australian forces faced intense Japanese attacks in the Isurava area. Fierce fighting occurred as the Australians sought to defend their positions.
Members of the 39th Battalion retreating after the Battle of Isurava (Australian Army).
Read more about Battle of Isurava →September 8 – 10, 1942
The Australian 21st Brigade faced Japanese forces in a critical engagement. The battle resulted in heavy casualties on both sides.
Brigade Hill (Australian Army).
Read more about Battle of Brigade Hill →
September 11 – 28, 1942
Australian and Japanese forces clashed along the Eora Creek. Australian troops faced difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions.
Eora Creek (Australian War Memorial).
Read more about Battle of Eora Creek →
September 14 – 28, 1942
Australians attempted to halt the Japanese advance at Ioribaiwa. Japanese forces, stretched by their lengthy supply lines, began to withdraw.
Battle of Ioribaiwa (National Museum Australia).
Read more about Battle of Ioribaiwa →
September 16 – 17, 1942
Australian troops faced Japanese attacks near the village of Efogi. Japanese forces suffered losses, and the Australians held their ground.
Battle of Efogi (Australian Army).
Read more about Battle of Efogi →
October 2 – 28, 1942
Australian and Japanese forces fought for control of Templeton's Crossing. The battle was characterised by brutal jungle warfare.
Wounded at Templeton's Crossing (Australian War Memorial).
Read more about Battle of Templeton's Crossing →
October 4 – 11, 1942
Australian forces clashed with the Japanese in the Oivi-Gorari area. The Australians successfully repelled Japanese attacks.
Australian wounded at a dressing station, Battle of Oivi-Gorari (Australian Army).
Read more about Battle of Oivi–Gorari →Frequently Asked Questions
The Battle of Kokoda refers to the fighting along the Kokoda Track in Papua (now Papua New Guinea) during 1942, part of the wider Kokoda Track campaign in which Australian forces halted a Japanese advance aimed at capturing Port Moresby.
The Kokoda Track campaign was fought from 21 July to 16 November 1942, during the Second World War.
The campaign lasted almost four months, from late July to mid-November 1942, as fighting moved back and forth along the track between Kokoda and Port Moresby.
The Kokoda Track runs through the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea, connecting Owers' Corner (near Port Moresby) to the village of Kokoda.
The Kokoda campaign is regarded as one of the most significant in Australian military history. Had the Japanese advance succeeded, Port Moresby — and potentially mainland Australia — would have been directly threatened. Australian and Papua New Guinean forces halted and reversed that advance.
Australian militia and AIF units — including the 39th Battalion and later the 21st Brigade — fought against the Japanese South Seas Force, supported throughout by Papua New Guinean porters and carriers, known to the Australians as the 'Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels'.
Australian and Allied forces halted and repelled the Japanese advance along the track, preventing the capture of Port Moresby — a strategically pivotal Allied victory in the Pacific War.
The modern Kokoda Track is approximately 96km long through tropical rainforest across the Owen Stanley Range. Trekkers today typically complete it over 8 days / 7 nights on the track — see our full itinerary.
