How long is the Kokoda Track?
So, how long is the Kokoda Track?
It’s one of the first things you’ll wonder, standing at the edge of something this wild, this ancient.
How far is it? How far will I push myself? What kind of ground am I really about to cover?
Fair questions. And here's the truth:
The Kokoda Track is 96 kilometres of rugged trail that cuts through the heart of Papua New Guinea’s Owen Stanley Range. But let’s be clear—it’s not just about the distance.
Because this isn’t a stroll through suburbia. It’s a pulse-quickening, leg-burning, soul-stretching journey that forces you to meet yourself where the jungle is thickest and the footing is never guaranteed.
96 Kilometres. And not a single one comes easy.
The official trail runs from Owers Corner to Kokoda Village (or the other way around). That’s the historical route, the same one walked by soldiers during World War II. And we walk it today not just for the adventure, but for the memory it holds. But that number—96km—can be deceiving.
The track surges up and crashes down, with ridge-lines that feel like they pierce the sky, river crossings that churn cold and fast, and clay-thick jungle that grips your boots and doesn’t let go. It’s slippery. It’s humid. It’s relentless.
You’ll cross more than 20 creeks and rivers. Ascend and descend thousands of vertical metres. Sleep in remote village camps where the stars are a little closer. So yeah, it’s 96 kilometres. But out here, it feels like more.
And that’s part of the magic.
How long will it take?
Most treks take
8 to 11 days.
Here at The Kokoda Track Company, we typically lead an 11-day expedition. Why? Because that pace lets you breathe. It gives your body a chance to adjust. Your mind, too.
You won’t just walk the track—you’ll absorb it. The sweat. The silence. The stories. All of it.
Break it down like this:
- Fast-paced trekkers (super fit, mountain goats in disguise): 6–8 days.
- Standard pace (fit but human): 9–11 days.
- Slow and steady (school groups, deep-dive historical treks): 12+ days.
No matter your speed, there’s one goal: finish strong, finish changed.
What shapes the journey?
Several things:
- Your fitness. It’s not just about muscle—it’s about mindset.
- The weather. Rain can turn steep clay into a slip’n’slide. Rivers swell. Heat drains you.
- Group size. Big groups move slower. More rest. More regroups.
- Purpose.
Some come for history. Some for healing. Some to prove they still can.
And of course, there’s the land itself. The jungle doesn’t care about your itinerary. It plays by its own rules.
Is 96km really that far?
Let’s be honest.
On paper? Maybe not. People run that in ultramarathons. Some drive that to work.
But out here? Every metre counts. Every slope tests your legs. Every ridge tests your lungs. Every downpour tests your will.
This isn’t just physical. It’s mental. Emotional. Sometimes even spiritual.
Out here, 96km is more than enough to strip you bare and build you back up.
What does a day on the track feel like?
Mornings start early. The light’s soft. Mist hangs low. You sip coffee from a tin mug and check your boots.
Then the walking begins.
Six to nine hours a day. Sometimes more. Sometimes less. You stop for water, for lunch under a tarp, for stories told in quiet moments on the ridge-line.
You’ll pass local villages where kids wave and laughter carries through banana groves. You’ll hear the slap of your boots on soaked earth. The call of birds you don’t recognise. The silence between it all.
By late afternoon, you reach camp. You eat. You rest. You listen to the sounds of the jungle taking over the night.
Then you do it again. And again. Until one day, you don’t.
Planning around the distance
So, knowing it’s 96km (give or take), how should you prep?
- Train like you mean it. Day hikes. Pack weight. Hills. Then more hills.
- Pick the right trek for your pace and purpose. Don't let ego choose for you.
- Pack light but smart. Good boots. Dry socks. A heart ready for the long haul.
- Prepare mentally. There will be moments where quitting whispers. You don’t listen.
Talk to people who’ve done it. Ask the dumb questions. Then ask better ones.
Final thoughts: It’s more than a number
Yes, the Kokoda Track is 96 kilometres long.
But that’s just the frame.
The real length is in the transformation. The struggle. The resilience. The shared campfire laughter with strangers who start to feel like brothers and sisters.
Every step earns you something. Every climb peels away another layer. By the time you walk into that final village, you’re not the same person who stood at the starting line.
So when someone asks, "How long is the Kokoda Track?"
You smile.
And say, "Long enough to remember for the rest of your life."
Ready to take the first step?
Speak with a Kokoda Guide – We’re real trekkers who’ve walked every inch of the track. We’ll help you prepare, plan, and commit with confidence.
Browse Upcoming Treks – Choose your dates, explore options, and lock in your adventure today. [See Trek Calendar] ✅
Ready to work with The Kokoda Track Company?
Let's connect! We’re here to help.
Send us a message and we’ll be in touch.
Or give us a call today at (03) 9123 6409
Agency Contact Form
More Marketing Tips, Tricks & Tools
