Kokoda Day Commemorative Service (3 November)

On 3 November each year, the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway conducts their Kokoda Day commemorative service. This service is open to the public, and we’d be more than pleased to welcome you at the Walkway.

The Walkway has been conducting Kokoda Day services for many years on this date, and since 2022 the NSW Government has designated 3 November as ‘NSW Kokoda Day’ – that date being the anniversary of the raising of the Australian flag at Kokoda village in 1942 following the re-entry of Australian troops into the village.

 The service in 2026 is on Tuesday 3 November, with a starting time at 10.00am (slightly earlier than usual, since the day is also Melbourne Cup Day). Each service features a guest speaker (to be advised), plus representatives from all levels of government, current and former Defence Force members, school and community groups, ex-service organisations, Diplomatic Corps representatives and members of the public. Each service includes a moving ‘visual reflection’, plus a wreath laying ceremony. Light refreshments are served following the service, which concludes around 11.15am.

 In 2026, a special display will be featured: based on the moving online Kokoda Honour Roll which includes as many photos of the approximately 656 men killed during the campaign as possible, photos available of those killed will be placed on cut outs, and placed around the Walkway grounds, including close to each of the locations (as per our Information Stations e.g. Templeton’s Crossing, Eora Creek) where the men fell. The faces will be installed late October, and will be on display until mid November.

Further details on the Walkway are on our website, and any queries can be sent to admin@kokodawalkway.com.au . We hope to see you at the Walkway soon. Lest we forget.