Kokoda Track Virtual Tour, WWII Australia History in the Pacific (Digital-Print)

Take your students on a non-prep virtual journey along the Kokoda Track, one of Australia’s most important WWII campaigns, often called the “Gallipoli of the Pacific.” Perfect for middle and high school history, this no-prep virtual tour uses Google Maps Street View to explore key battle sites where Australian soldiers fought to defend Port Moresby and, ultimately, Australia itself.

Students visit locations such as Owers’ Corner, Isurava, Brigade Hill, Eora Creek, Templeton’s Crossing, and Kokoda Village, learning about strategy, geography, and the soldiers’ experience. Each stop includes a primary source quote, guiding questions, and an activity that develops critical thinking and empathy .

This interactive tour is ideal for distance learning, emergency sub plans, or classroom enrichment, allowing students to visualize the terrain and challenges faced during the Kokoda campaign.

Product Purpose and Benefits

• Helps students understand Australia’s WWII involvement in the Pacific.
• Builds connections between geography and military strategy.
• Encourages historical empathy through soldiers’ voices and reflections.
• Engages students with interactive technology and guided inquiry.
• Ready-to-use, saving teachers planning and prep time.

Key Features of the Resource

• Interactive Slide Deck: Clickable Google Maps links for major battle sites .
• Student Worksheets: Comprehension, analysis, and reflection activities .
• Coverage of key Kokoda Track locations:
  • Port Moresby
  • Owers’ Corner
  • Imita Ridge
  • Brigade Hill
  • Templeton’s Crossing
  • Eora Creek
  • Isurava (memorial site)
  • Kokoda Village
  • Buna (final battle)
• Final reflection activity: Students reflect on the campaign’s challenges, geography, and values (Courage, Endurance, Mateship, Sacrifice).
  

Why This Resource Stands Out

• Brings the Kokoda Track campaign to life through real terrain exploration.
• Incorporates primary sources and veteran voices.
• Highlights values central to the Australian war experience.
• Combines history, geography, and digital literacy in one activity.
  

How to Use This Resource

1. Introduce the Kokoda Campaign with the slide deck overview.
2. Guide students to explore each location via Google Maps Street View.
3. Have students complete worksheet activities at each site.
4. Conclude with the final reflection task on geography, soldier experience, and legacy.

Curriculum Standards Met

Australia Curriculum

• The experiences of Australians during World War II, such as prisoners of war (POWs), the Battle of Britain, Kokoda and the fall of Singapore (ACDSEH108)
• Commemoration and memory of Australian wartime experiences.ACHMH207

Learn more about this product’s features, care instructions, and other useful details to help you make an informed choice.

Learn more about this product’s features, care instructions, and other useful details to help you make an informed choice.