Sunshine Coast

Kokoda Challenge

Sunshine Coast

Dates

9 MAY 2026

Location

IMBIL STATE FOREST

Starts From

KENILWORTH

DISTANCES

18KM/30KM/48KM

The Toughest Team Charity Event on the Sunshine Coast

Since 2021, the Kokoda Challenge charity event on the Sunshine Coast has seen thousands of teams gather to pay their respects to our fallen Australian Defence Force members and raise funds for the Kokoda Youth Foundation's life-changing youth programs.

Held on Gubbi Gubbi Country, the Sunshine Coast Kokoda Challenge kicks off in the quaint country town of Kenilworth where teams set off into the Imbil State Forest to climb rugged mountains and wade through rivers. Whether it's the 18km, 30km, or 48km distance your team chooses to tackle, you'll need the four pillars of the Kokoda Spirit to get you all to the finish line: courage, endurance, mateship, and sacrifice just as the diggers embodied during the Kokoda Campaign in 1942.

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 - 18KM, 30KM or go all-in with the ultimate 48KM 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.

18KM SUNSHINE COAST KOKODA CHALLENGE

The 18km Kokoda Challenge is the perfect introduction to your Kokoda journey.
Open to all fitness levels whether you're an experienced hiker or trail runner, it’s a fun, feel-good day exploring the scenic Imbil State Forest with your mates by your side!

REGISTRATION FEE & FUNDRAISING

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2 PERSON TEAM

Registration Fee: $170.00
Minimum Fundraising: $160.00

3 PERSON TEAM

Registration Fee: $215.00
Minimum Fundraising: $240.00

4 PERSON TEAM

Registration Fee: $240.00
Minimum Fundraising: $320.00

SCHOOL TEAM (4 STUDENTS & 1 TEACHER)

Registration Fee: $235.00
Minimum Fundraising: $235.00

Start Time

11:00 AM

9 hours to complete

18km through IMBIL STATE FOREST

Minimum age to register 18km kokoda challenge

9yrs old (or turning 9 the year of the event)

2 checkpoints

no support crew

30KM SUNSHINE COAST KOKODA CHALLENGE

Step up to the challenge! For those looking to push themselves a little further than 18km, the 30km Kokoda Challenge will be sure to push you outside your comfort zone.
All the while rewarding you with stunning views of the Imbil State Forest!

REGISTRATION FEE & FUNDRAISING

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2 PERSON TEAM

Registration Fee: $190.00
Minimum Fundraising: $250.00

3 PERSON TEAM

Registration Fee: $240.00
Minimum Fundraising: $375.00

4 PERSON TEAM

Registration Fee: $320.00
Minimum Fundraising: $500.00

SCHOOL TEAM (4 STUDENTS & 1 TEACHER)

Registration Fee: $300.00
Minimum Fundraising: $355.00

Start Time

9:00 AM

12 hours to complete

30km through IMBIL STATE FOREST

Minimum age to register 30km kokoda challenge

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

3 checkpoints

no support crew

48KM SUNSHINE COAST KOKODA CHALLENGE

Ready to go the distance? Take on the 48km Sunshine Coast Kokoda Challenge and test your endurance and grit, with your team by your side. Cross the finish line with your mates and experience a sense of achievement like no other!

REGISTRATION FEE & FUNDRAISING

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3 PERSON TEAM

Registration Fee: $300
Minimum Fundraising: $600

4 PERSON TEAM

Registration Fee: $400
Minimum Fundraising: $850

SCHOOL TEAM (4 STUDENTS & 1 TEACHER)

Registration Fee: $350.00
Minimum Fundraising: $450

Start Time

7:30 AM

20 hours to complete

48km through IMBIL STATE FOREST

Minimum age to register 48km kokoda challenge

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

5 checkpoints

1 support crew checkpoint

Tackle the next Kokoda Challenge! Register Now!

HIKE FOR A CAUSE

The Kokoda Challenge is more than a hike. It serves a dual purpose: it's a journey that honours our diggers who fought along the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea in 1942, while every step helps helps create a brighter future for today's teens through transformative youth programs.

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.

Step by step, the Kokoda Challenge brings history and hope together. Inspired by the values of courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice, the challenge pushes participants to go further than they ever imagined.

SUNSHINE COAST EVENT FAQs

Where is the start and finish line for the event?

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Start Line & Finish Line: Kenilworth State Community College, located at 3717 Maleny-Kenilworth Rd, Kenilworth, QLD.

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

Do we need a support crew?

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Support crews are strongly recommended for the 48km event. These can be family or friends who meet you at select checkpoints to provide food, fresh gear, first aid, essential supplies - as well as 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 Sunshine Coast course?

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The Sunshine Coast Kokoda Challenge is considered challenging. The course covers rugged bushland, steep climbs, uneven terrain, and long distances (ranging from 18km to 48km depending on your event). It tests both physical endurance and mental resilience.

That said, you don’t need to be an elite athlete to complete it. With preparation, training, and teamwork it’s more than achievable! It’s designed to be tough but rewarding, giving you a true sense of accomplishment when you cross the finish line!

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 Sunshine Coast event?

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A detailed course map for the Sunshine 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! No worries! Complete our survey 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 to assist at Kokoda Challenge events.

For more information on volunteering and to submit an enquiry, visit our Volunteer page.

still scratching your head?

Can't find your question? Head to our general FAQ page for more information or get in touch with our team via info@kokodachallenge.com or 07 5539 4141.

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.