The Kokoda Track

I get a masochistic thrill out of going up and down Kokoda Track. It’s brutal. It’ll make you pant, sweat, swear and rue the day you were born. It’s great!
Lots of people love Jacob’s Ladder, but it’s not my thing because the steps are regular. I love Kokoda Track because it slopes on a pretty nasty incline and the steps are irregular, similar to hiking you would find in places that are not flat like Perth is. Although much shorter. I’ve even seen lots of people going up and down it with big packs on their backs as practice for treks.
The top is near the war memorial from where you have one of the most beautiful views of the city. There are toilets, a car park and a drink fountain at the visitors centre. At the start of the trail are bars (as in the metallic kind, not the booze kind) where you can give your legs a nice stretch. There are seats along the way if you feel like you’re going to burst a lung or have jelly legs. The end of the trail lands you across Mounts Bay Road from the Swan River, the old Swan Brewery and right next to a car park.
My favourite thing to do is walk down St Georges, over the footbridge and up Mount St (which is nasty and steep) to Kings Park. Once there, I’ll stick left enjoying the view until I get to Kokoda, walk up and down a few times, crawl up to the visitors centre for water, lie on my back on the gorgeous lawn cursing the sadists who made Kokoda Track then stagger home high on endorphins. Wonderful!
On a more serious note, this path is actually a memorial walk to remember Australian troops who fought in the Papau New Guinea campaign (WWII) 1942 – 43. There are information plaques by the side of the path. You can also visit this website: