The Kokoda Trail campaign, fought out over six months and two days on a narrow front in appalling conditions, has become an honoured part of our Australian heritage. But there is much more to the Kokoda Trail than this.

Historian and adventurer Stuart Hawthorne looks back 130 years over the Trail’s captivating past. He traces the explorers, gold seekers, missionaries and colonial officials who pushed this tiny foot pad across unbelievably harsh country to set out a fascinating account of the fortunes of this 96.4 kilometre track.

Did you know a surveyor set out the route of the first Kokoda Trail before Kokoda even existed? Or why it’s the Kokoda Trail, not Track? Or who gave the Trail’s ‘Golden Staircase’ its name?

Thirty years in the making, The Kokoda Trail: A History provides the first complete account of this sinuous little footpad that holds such a cherished position in the Australian psyche.

This book reveals for the first time that there is another, larger, history of the Kokoda Trail which is every bit as compelling and intriguing as the grim war years of 1942.

"A fascinating insight into the turbulent history of the Trail, comprehensively illustrated with early photographs, and easily understood, sequential maps. Stuart Hawthorne displays a clear understanding based on his personal knowledge and experience. A definiteve resource and a major contribution to the historical record." Brigadier Gordon Jones AM (retired)

"Extremely well researched.. a very readable and engrossing account of the most cherished of Australian icons." Group Captain Greg Ison

"Stuart Hawthorne has woven a tale that was most definitely worth telling, and he has done it well. The writing is crisp and clear. ... Obviously the work of an experienced researcher, writer and historian with an intimate and long-term knowledge of the subject." Queensland Parliementary Library Review