Field Guide to the Kokoda Track—An Historical Guide to the Lost Battlefields

The Kokoda legend lay dormant for six decades, during which the rampant New Guinean jungle reclaimed many of its historic sites.

Now, after years of painstaking research, and with the aid of the fast-thinning ranks of both Australian and Japanese veterans, Bill James has uncovered these ‘lost battlefields’, plus more.

For those wishing to fully understand the history of the Kokoda Track, the (528 page) book will be of great interest. For those intending to undertake the gruelling trek, it is essential reading, and includes a waterproof trek map (540 mm x 408 mm 2-sided). The revised edition now includes the grave or memorial information for the fallen.

PETER FITZSIMONS, Author, Journalist, TV and Radio presenter. “This is a wonderful book that is a must-take for anyone walking the Track. Written with the careful eye of an historian and coming from the heart of a passionate Kokoda trekker, it is, above all, a guide to the Australian Spirit.”

HANK NELSON, BA, MEd (Melb), PhD (UPNG), Emeritus Professor and Visiting Fellow, ANU. “This guide is extremely well written, always clear and well crafted, and at times sharply evocative. The research is broad and relevant and the analysis is concise and in accordance with the evidence. It is not just good writing, but a rich, comprehensive history and battlefield guide.”

STAN BISSET, MC, OAM, Mentioned in Dispatches, Veteran, 2/14th Battalion. “‘The true, the noble and the brave do die in body but their spirit dwells forever in the habitations and hearts of those they loved and served’: so reads our honour board. This book ensures their spirit will live on.”

Please view for information regarding revisions, updates and corrections to The Field Guide to the Kokoda Track editions.