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This two-part documentary series offers the first major re-evaluation of Australia’s most important military campaign after Gallipoli – the battle for the Kokoda Track to keep New Guinea from falling to the Japanese during the Second World War.

By late September 1942 things looked grim for the Australian forces. The Japanese army had advanced to Ioribaiwa Ridge, just 40 kilometres from Port Moresby. The Australians were trying to force the Japanese back along the track and into the sea; the Japanese refused to relinquish their foothold in Papua New Guinea. To tell the story with authenticity, the filmmakers walked and filmed the length of the Kokoda Track, capturing the visceral nature of the terrain and the ‘green hell’ of the Owen Stanley Ranges.

Screen Australia and Pericles Film Productions in association with Featherstone Productions. Developed and produced in association with the ABC. Produced with the assistance of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Developed and Produced with the assistance of Film Victoria. Based on a book 'Kokoda' by Paul Ham. A Screen Australia Making History Program. © NFSA, Film Victoria and Pericles Film Productions Pty Ltd.