The Terrain That Decided the War

On the Kokoda Track, the terrain wasn’t just the setting — it was an enemy in its own right. In this episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast, Glenn Azar explores how the Owen Stanley Range and the dense Papua New Guinea jungle shaped every aspect of the Kokoda Campaign. Drawing on military history and modern on-Track experience, Glenn explains why movement itself became the battle, how the terrain crippled supply lines and decision-making, and why endurance mattered more than technology in this environment. This episode offers powerful context for anyone walking Kokoda today, helping listeners understand just how much the land itself demanded of those who fought there — and why that same terrain still commands respect from modern trekkers.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why the Owen Stanley Range shaped the entire Kokoda Campaign
• How jungle terrain neutralised traditional military advantages
• Why movement and resupply were decisive challenges
• What modern trekkers can learn by walking the same ground
• How terrain still influences outcomes on Kokoda today

Follow The Kokoda Track Podcast for future episodes covering Kokoda’s military history, Papua New Guinea culture, and the realities of trekking the Track with respect and preparation.

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