If you’re brave enough to take on the 48 kilometre and 96 kilometre Kokoda Challenge in the Gold Coast, you’ll soon be acquainted with the infamous army land. Known for the long downhill sections that can play havoc on your knees and the steep mountains that you’ll more than likely be scaling in the dark, army land is a place you won’t forget after completing The Kokoda Challenge.

As the name suggests, army land is a section of the Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge course that passes through land owned by the Australian Defence Forces. Otherwise known as Land Warfare Centre Kokoda Barracks, this is where the military regularly run training exercises including live firing drills and route marches.

Kokoda Barracks was actually established in 1942, the same year as the Kokoda Campaign, and was obtained by the Australian Government as it most resembled the harsh terrain in Papua New Guinea. Soldiers needed to be trained in jungle warfare before being deployed overseas so they would be well equipped for the difficulties they would face when fighting in the dense New Guinea jungle.

Walking on this land is a truly special experience as you are quite literally walking in the footsteps of Diggers who served in the 1942 Kokoda Campaign. You’re also more than likely to spot spent ammunition and even grenades while you pass through this land.

As access to this land is strictly prohibited prior to the event weekend, Army Land Training Day allows Kokoda Challenge competitors the opportunity to walk this section of the 48 kilometre and 96 kilometre Gold Coast course before the event weekend.