Gold Coast

Kokoda Challenge

GOLD COAST

Dates

18-19 JULY 2026

Location

GOLD COAST HINTERLAND

STARTS FROM

MUDGEERABA

DISTANCES

30KM/48KM/96KM

GOLD COAST'S ULTIMATE TEAM ENDURANCE EVENT

After last year's sell-out event, Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge is back for 2026 and needs little introduction.

Whether you're tackling the 30km, 48km or the epic 96km event in teams of 2-5, the Kokoda Challenge is the Gold Coast's ultimate test of teamwork, endurance and grit.

Since 2005, thousands have lined up to conquer 96km of brutal terrain through the scenic Gold Coast Hinterland, taking on the infamous Big 5 mountains, climbing over 4,000 metres, wading through icy creek crossings, and pushing through the darkness of a freezing night.

Push beyond your limits and leave a lasting impact on the lives of young Australians, raising funds for the Kokoda Youth Foundation.

get ready to take on the challenge

GATHER YOUR TEAM.

Fire up the group chat, lock in your crew and set your sights on the epic challenge ahead.

PICK YOUR DISTANCE & REGISTER.

Choose the challenge that suits your crew below - 30KM, 48KM or go all-in with the ultimate 96KM and hit REGISTER.

FUNDRAISE.

Every dollar you raise helps Kokoda Youth Foundation, empower young people through fully funded youth programs.

TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE.

Step up to the challenge, test your limits and make lifelong bonds along the way.

30KM GOLD COAST KOKODA CHALLENGE

Ready for an adventure? The 30km Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge is the perfect introduction to the Kokoda experience for those looking to challenge themselves.
Enjoy breathtaking scenery, test yourself with tough climbs and create lasting
memories with your team along the way.

REGISTRATION FEE & FUNDRAISING

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2 PERSON TEAM

Registration Fee: $200.00
Minimum Fundraising: $315.00

3 PERSON TEAM

Registration Fee: $340.00
Minimum Fundraising: $630.00

4 PERSON TEAM

Registration Fee: $250.00
Minimum Fundraising: $470.00

SCHOOL TEAM (4 STUDENTS & 1 TEACHER)

Registration Fee: $315.00
Minimum Fundraising: $375.00

Start Time

2:00 PM (TWILIGHT HIKE)

12 hours to complete

30km through NERANG STATE FOREST

Minimum age to register 30km kokoda challenge

10yrs old (or turning 10 the year of the event)

3 checkpoints

no support crew

Start Time

SCHOOLS: 10:00AM | OPENS: 12:00PM

20 hours to complete

48km through NERANG STATE FOREST

Minimum age to register 48km kokoda challenge

13yrs old (or turning 13 the year of the event)

7 checkpoints

1 SUPPORT CREW CHECKPOINT

48KM GOLD COAST KOKODA CHALLENGE

Want a taste of the ultimate challenge but not ready for the full 96km? The 48km Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge, our most popular Gold Coast event is the perfect step up and a great way to work toward the full course. Face the ultimate test of teamwork when the sun goes down and challenge continues through the long, dark hours.

REGISTRATION FEE & FUNDRAISING

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3 PERSON TEAM

Registration Fee: $315.00
Minimum Fundraising: $785.00

4 PERSON TEAM

Registration Fee: $420.00
Minimum Fundraising: $1050.00

SCHOOL TEAM (4 STUDENTS & 1 TEACHER)

Registration Fee: $375.00
Minimum Fundraising: $525.00

96KM GOLD COAST KOKODA CHALLENGE

For those craving the ultimate test of grit and wanting to challenge themselves on a whole new level, the 96km Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge course stands unmatched. This iconic course pays tribute to the legendary Kokoda Campaign in 1942, challenging teams to conquer unforgiving elevation and terrain in just 39 hours.

REGISTRATION FEE & FUNDRAISING

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4 PERSON TEAM

Registration Fee: $500.00
Minimum Fundraising: $1500.00

SCHOOL TEAM (4 STUDENTS & 1 TEACHER)

Registration Fee: $550.00
Minimum Fundraising: $900.00

Start Time

7:00 AM

39 hours to complete

96km through NERANG STATE FOREST

Minimum age to register 96km kokoda challenge

15yrs old (or turning 15 the year of the event)

13 checkpoints

4 SUPPORT CREW CHECKPOINTS

Army personnel handing out dog tags to teams at The Kokoda Challenge finish line

Tackle the next Kokoda Challenge! Register Now

Four person team hiking the 96km Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge through Canungra

Two women trail running through the Gold Coast Hinterland for The Kokoda Challenge event

The ultimate GOLD COAST hike

Each step echoes with purpose. This is more than a walk to the finish line. Every step honours the diggers who fought and fell along the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea in 1942, while helping change the lives of Australian youth - linking the courage of the past with the hope of the future.

Your participation in The Kokoda Challenge, helps support Kokoda Youth Foundation's fully funded, transformative youth programs. These programs have helped equip over 1,300+ teens with the tools to develop self confidence and discover their full potential, since 2004.

Rooted in the Kokoda Challenge is the values of courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice that will get you to the finish line. These values carried our diggers along the Kokoda Campaign, and they'll carry you too.

GOLD COAST EVENT FAQs

Where is the start and finish line for the event?

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Start Line 30KM Event: Raw Challenge, 2201 Nerang–Murwillumbah Rd, Numinbah Valley
Start Line 48KM Event: Raw Challenge, 2201 Nerang–Murwillumbah Rd, Numinbah Valley
Start Line 96KM Event: Mudgeeraba Bowls Club, Somerset Drive, Mudgeeraba

Finish Line (All): Little Clagiraba Reserve, Clagiraba Road.

There will be vendors, music and the Kokoda Challenge team awarding every finisher with a dog tag at the finish line!

Do we need a support crew?

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Support crews are strongly recommended for the 48km and 96km events. Rally your crew of family or friends to meet you at select checkpoints to provide your team with food, fresh gear, first aid, essential supplies - and plenty of encouragement to keep you going!

Support crew checkpoint locations and a dedicated handbook with all the event details will be available closer to the event date. For more information, click here.

Do we have to meet the minimum fundraising amount?

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Each team must meet a minimum fundraising target before event day to participate in the event.

Unlike an events company, we’re a not-for-profit, and this fundraising requirement ensures we can continue operating and delivering our life-changing programs to young Australians. Every dollar raised from the Kokoda Challenge supports the Kokoda Youth Foundation's fully funded programs, equipping young Australian's with the skills, experiences, and opportunities they need to build a brighter future. Read more about our programs here.

It is your participation in our events and the support of our donors that allows us to continue to change the lives of young Australians. Fundraising is a great way to get involved and engage your community. For ideas and guidance on fundraising, visit here.

How difficult is the Gold Coast course?

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Winding through the rugged hinterland, the course delivers a brutal mix of steep climbs, descents, dense forest trails, and long stretches of relentless elevation. Competitors will tackle everything from sharp ridgelinets to creek crossings pushing through day and night!

That said, you don’t need to be an elite athlete to complete the course - whether you choose the 30km, 48km or even the 96km. With preparation, training, and teamwork it’s more than achievable. It's tough, pushing you to your limits - but nothing compares to the unforgettable feeling of pride when you finally step over that finish line. Are you up for the challenge?

Is parking available on event day?

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Event parking will be available near the start/finish line. Further instructions and maps will be available closer to event day.

Parking is limited, we recommend arranging carpooling with your team or drop-off where possible.

Is a course map available for the Gold Coast event?

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A detailed course map for the Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge will be available soon. This will help your team plan your approach and get fully prepared for event day.

Stay tuned! Keep an eye on your inbox and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates as they become available.

I don't have a team. Can I participate alone?

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No solo entries, sorry! Each Kokoda Challenge event requires you to participate as part of a team. Our philosophy is built around mateship - supporting each other, sticking together, and crossing that finish line as one. It's all apart of the experience, and it just isn't the same without teammates!

Don't have a team? No worries! Don’t have a team? No worries! Complete our questionaire and we’ll do our best to match you with like-minded teammates, or join our Kokoda Challenge community page to connect with other Kokodians looking for teammates.

Can we volunteer instead of participating?

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Volunteers are the heart of the Kokoda Challenge. We're always welcoming new hands to assist at Kokoda Challenge events.

For more information on volunteering and to sumbit an expression of interest, visit our Volunteer page.

Testimonials

The most challenging and rewarding experience that I have ever undertaken. It gave me a strength I didn’t know I had, and I finished it with teammates who became my trusted and cherished friends for life.

Stacy

I had an incredible journey with my team. There was so much teamwork and mateship on the track that inspired me and pushed me across the finish line. While we were walking we all said we would never do it again, and within 24 hours we were planning for next year!

Amanda

It’s an experience like no other. If you want to find the limit to which you can push your mind and your body then this is the challenge for you. With amazing scenery to do it in too, even if you are staring at the ground for what seems like most of the event.