Kokoda Track Memorial Path
KOKODA TRACK MEMORIAL PATH
Distance >1 km Steps 1500
Time > 1 hour Level of Difficulty Easy
If you’re looking for a long walk, this is not it. But if you’re up for a little history, close to the city but set in natural surrounds, then the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway is worth a look.
The walkway, which begins at the car park of Concord Hospital and ends in the parklands of Brays Bay Reserve*, is roughly 800 metres long. You could walk it in no time. But to fully appreciate the memorial and the Australian military history it represents, you’ll want to take your time.
There are 22 stations along the path with information, photographs and audio commentary on the key points and battles that took place along the Kokoda Track in the Papua New Guinea Campaign of 1942-43.
The path winds through lush vegetation, over timber boardwalks and alongside mangrove wetlands, simulating the environment of the Kokoda Track itself, though the isolation and challenging conditions experienced on the frontline can only be imagined.
A couple of notable features along the memorial pathway include the granite walled centrepiece, bearing photographic images of the Kokoda campaign and the waterside sculpture by Nola Farman at Brays Bay Reserve which commemorates the shipping yard which operated there during the Second World War.
The Kokoda cafe is worth a stop. It has nice coffee, good old-fashioned service and home style cooking.
Nearby the cafe is an education centre and toilet block and as well as a great community garden not connected to the Kokoda memorial project but worth a look nonetheless. Named the 5 Senses Garden, it features a playground and picnic area as well as native and edible gardens.
The pathway ends in Brays Bay Reserve which features playgrounds for toddlers and older kids, a small putt putt course and a large picnic with barbecues.