Isurava: Courage, Fear, and the Moment That Changed Everything

Isurava is more than a campsite on the Kokoda Track — it is a place where the spirit of the campaign was forged. In this episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast, Glenn Azar takes listeners deep into the story of Isurava, where outnumbered and exhausted Australian soldiers were ordered to hold back the Japanese advance through the Owen Stanley Range in 1942.Blending military history with on-Track insight and personal reflection, this episode explores why Isurava still stops trekkers in their tracks, how courage and fear coexisted on this battlefield, and what this place continues to teach us about leadership, responsibility, and sacrifice. Whether you’re preparing to walk the Track or simply want to understand why Kokoda carries such emotional weight, this episode offers a powerful insight into one of its most important locations.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why the Battle of Isurava was a turning point in the Kokoda Campaign
• What courage looked like for young Australian soldiers under fire
• How the terrain and conditions shaped the battle
• Why Isurava still has a profound impact on modern trekkers
• The leadership lessons this place continues to teach

Follow The Kokoda Track Podcast for upcoming episodes covering Papua New Guinea culture, trekking preparation, and the deeper lessons found along the Kokoda Track.

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