Fear, exhaustion and elation combine on the 96-kilometre Kokoda Track, where trekkers honour one of our greatest military victories. But is this ultimate immersive experience being forgotten by Australians, as tourist numbers dwindle and PNG is gripped by extreme poverty and violence? Our own John Ferguson reports, fresh from his own Kokoda adventure - and 5 kilos lighter than when he set out. 

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This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, and Joshua Burton.