Kokoda
Kokoda is a small town in Sohe District situated at about 370 meters elevation amid green hills and dense forests, serving as the starting point for the famous Kokoda Track. The town features simple buildings, a local airstrip, and a quiet community where Koiari and Motu languages are spoken.
Kokoda was established in 1904 by British colonial administration as a control station and became the site of fierce fighting between Japanese and Australian forces in 1942 during World War II. Japanese troops advanced inland but were pushed back by Australian forces who retook the town in November of that year.
The Koiari people who live along the trail speak their own language and maintain traditions passed down through generations. Visitors can observe village life, hear local songs, and share meals, offering genuine insights into how communities here preserve their heritage.
The area is hot and very wet year-round with frequent rains that keep the jungle green and slow the pace of travel. Visitors should bring sturdy boots, rain gear, and water bottles, and expect simple lodges or guesthouses with local guides available.
In 2009 a plane crashed at Kokoda airstrip killing all 13 people on board, including Australians planning to walk the track. This tragic incident remains a somber moment in the town's recent history and is remembered by the community.
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