Information
Landmark: Owers CornerCity: Provice Area
Country: Papua New Guinea
Continent: Australia
Owers Corner is a significant historical site located in the Central Province of Papua New Guinea. It is renowned for its role in the history of the Kokoda Track and its connection to World War II. Here's a detailed overview of Owers Corner:
Geography and Location
- Location: Owers Corner is located in the Oro (Northern) Province, but it is accessible via the Central Province, and it is the starting point for the Kokoda Track. The site is approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) northeast of Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea.
- Coordinates: The approximate coordinates for Owers Corner are 9.08° S, 146.93° E.
- Topography: Owers Corner is situated in the foothills of the Owen Stanley Range, which is part of the rugged Central Highlands of New Guinea. The area is characterized by steep, dense rainforest and mountainous terrain, which provides a stunning backdrop for the historical significance of the site.
Historical Significance
- World War II and the Kokoda Campaign: Owers Corner holds immense historical importance as the starting point for the famous Kokoda Track. This track was the site of the Kokoda Campaign (July to November 1942), a crucial military engagement during World War II between Australian and Japanese forces.
- Battle of Kokoda: The Kokoda Track became the battleground where Australian forces, mostly soldiers from the Australian Imperial Force (AIF), fought to prevent the Japanese from advancing toward Port Moresby. The Japanese aimed to capture Port Moresby as part of their larger strategy in the Pacific, but the Australian forces, along with local Papuan carriers (often referred to as Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels), resisted their advance.
- Owers Corner's Role: Owers Corner was the location where the Australian troops began their trek along the Kokoda Track to fight the Japanese forces. The starting point of the trek is marked by a memorial, commemorating the brave soldiers who fought and the many Papuan carriers who supported them.
Access to the Kokoda Track
- Starting Point for Trekkers: Today, Owers Corner is the starting point for those wishing to hike the Kokoda Track, one of the most famous and challenging treks in the world. The track stretches for 96 kilometers (60 miles) through dense jungle, over steep mountain ridges, and across fast-flowing rivers.
- Trekking Experience: Trekkers who take on the Kokoda Track face extreme physical challenges, walking through rugged terrain and dealing with the humidity, heat, and unpredictable weather of the tropical rainforest. The trek is also a spiritual and emotional experience, as many memorials and plaques along the trail commemorate the sacrifices made by the soldiers and carriers during the campaign.
- Memorial at Owers Corner: The memorial at Owers Corner includes plaques that honor the Australian soldiers, Papuan carriers, and the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels who played a vital role in the campaign. It is also the location of a monument known as the "Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway", which serves as a tribute to those who fought in the Kokoda Campaign.
Cultural and Local Significance
- Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels: The term Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels refers to the Papuan men who supported the Australian soldiers during the Kokoda Campaign by carrying their supplies and helping with medical evacuations. These men played an indispensable role in the success of the campaign, and their efforts are deeply commemorated at Owers Corner and along the Kokoda Track.
- Local Communities: Owers Corner and the surrounding areas are home to several local villages, whose inhabitants still maintain traditional customs and engage in subsistence farming. Many locals also work as guides and porters for trekkers, offering insight into the local culture and history while providing support for trekkers on the Kokoda Track.
Tourism and Recreation
- Kokoda Track Trekking: Owers Corner remains a central point for those seeking to undertake the famous Kokoda Track trek. The trek is a major attraction for adventurers and history enthusiasts who wish to retrace the steps of the soldiers and explore one of the most significant battlegrounds of World War II.
- Memorial and Education: At Owers Corner, visitors can learn about the history of the Kokoda Campaign, including the key battles fought along the track. Information boards and guided tours provide context for understanding the historical and cultural importance of the site, with a focus on both the military and local contributions to the campaign.
- Eco-Tourism: Besides its historical significance, Owers Corner is also part of the broader eco-tourism experience in Papua New Guinea. The lush landscape surrounding the area, with its dense forests, wildlife, and natural beauty, draws visitors interested in both adventure and environmental conservation.
Environmental Features
- Rainforest Ecosystem: Owers Corner is surrounded by the tropical rainforest of the Owen Stanley Ranges. The dense vegetation and rugged terrain make the area an ecological hotspot, rich in biodiversity. The rainforest is home to various species of birds, insects, plants, and wildlife.
- Physical Challenges of the Trek: The climate of the area is tropical, meaning it is humid and prone to heavy rainfall. These conditions can make the trek through the Kokoda Track challenging and sometimes dangerous, with mudslides and swollen rivers complicating the path. However, the same conditions also contribute to the lush beauty of the region.
Access and Infrastructure
- Road Access: Owers Corner is accessible by road from Port Moresby, which is the nearest urban center. The drive takes approximately one to two hours depending on road conditions. The road is primarily unsealed, making access more difficult during the rainy season.
- Tourist Services: There are local guides and tour operators based in Port Moresby who offer guided tours and trekking services for those wishing to hike the Kokoda Track. Visitors to Owers Corner can find basic facilities such as small rest stops, information boards, and memorials to help them learn about the area.
Challenges and Issues
- Preservation of the Site: As one of Papua New Guinea's most visited historical sites, Owers Corner faces the challenge of balancing tourism development with the preservation of the area’s natural environment and historical integrity.
- Infrastructure Development: While there are efforts to improve the infrastructure around Owers Corner, the region remains remote, and accessibility is limited, particularly during the wet season when roads become impassable.
Conclusion
Owers Corner is a historically and culturally significant site in Papua New Guinea, standing as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifices made during the Kokoda Campaign of World War II. It serves as both the starting point for one of the world’s most challenging treks and a place of reflection for those wishing to honor the legacy of the soldiers and local carriers. With its rich history, cultural importance, and stunning natural surroundings, Owers Corner remains a key destination for both history enthusiasts and adventure travelers.