Everything you need to know about the Kokoda Trail and its place
in Australian history
Interest in the Kokoda Trail is growing rapidly among many
Australians, both for its attraction as a hiking destination and
for its historical significance. Kokoda For Dummies offers a
fast track tool for learning everything you need to know about this
unique thoroughfare, in one concise volume. Part history book, part
practical guide, Kokoda For Dummies is perfect both for
those considering following our Diggers’ footsteps along
‘the track’ or armchair travellers who want to learn
about its history.
Covering the full history of the Kokoda Trail, from its
beginnings as an overland mail route to the fierce battles between
the Australians and the Japanese that took place along its length
during World War II, the book also includes important information
on walking the trail yourself. From the steps you need to take to
get ready to what to bring, Kokoda For Dummies is the
definitive resource for anyone looking for a comprehensive overview
of this significant landmark.
* Focuses on walking the track as a pilgrimage and a history
lesson for history buffs and hiking enthusiasts alike
* Covers the health and safety concerns involved with walking the
track, including a basic Kokoda itinerary
* Contains eyewitness accounts of the Kokoda battles gleaned from
interviews conducted with Australian and Japanese war veterans
A comprehensive but accessible history of the Kokoda Trail and
its significance to Australia, in one volume.
Table of Content
Introduction 1
Part I: The Essentials of Kokoda 7
Chapter 1: Understanding the Significance of the Kokoda Trail
9
Chapter 2: Reasons for Walking the Kokoda Trail 19
Chapter 3: Finding Places of Military Importance 35
Part II: Australians in Retreat 55
Chapter 4: The Pacific War: Setting the Scene 57
Chapter 5: The Papuan Campaign: Spies, Port Moresby and
Guadalcanal 69
Chapter 6: Building Up Troops and Assembling the Armies 85
Chapter 7: Making a Fighting Retreat: Kokoda and Deniki 99
Chapter 8: Entering the Mountains 111
Part III: Fighting In the Jungle 125
Chapter 9: Understanding Jungle Warfare 127
Chapter 10: Feeling Hungry and Sick in the Jungle 141
Part IV: Chasing the Japanese Out of Papua 153
Chapter 11: Turning the Tide Against the Japanese 155
Chapter 12: Besieging the Japanese 171
Chapter 13: Defeating the Japanese Army: Why the Allies Won
191
Part V: Walking the Kokoda Trail 203
Chapter 14: Preparing For the Big Walk 205
Chapter 15: Packing Your Kit and Organising the Paperwork
217
Chapter 16: Respecting the Locals and Keeping Yourself Safe
239
Part VI: The Part of Tens 255
Chapter 17: Ten Legends about the Kokoda Trail 257
Chapter 18: Ten Things to Look For On the Kokoda Trail 269
Chapter 19: Ten Veteran Stories 279
Appendix 291
Index 297
About the author
Dr Peter Williams is a military historian and the author of many books and websites on Australian military history. Currently working as a researcher for the Australian Government Department of Defence, Peter has walked the Kokoda Trail and has visited Papua New Guinea several times to research significant battlefields.
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