Surviving and Thriving on the Kokoda Track: The Role of Food in Long-Distance Trekking

Aug 22, 2025Ian Lumb

The Role of Food in Long-Distance Trekking

When trekking through the jungle, your body needs high-quality, nutrient-dense meals to perform at its best. Protein and carbohydrates are especially important for energy and recovery. A reliable option is shelf-stable, ready-made meals, which can be paired with rice or pasta for extra fuel.

It’s important to remember that there are no shops or restaurants on the Kokoda Track. Most tour companies supply catering, but always ask what’s included before you book. Some operators provide only dehydrated meals or basic supermarket pasta packs. While these might be convenient, they often lack the nutrition and taste needed for an 8-day trek.

Dehydrated meals can quickly become unappealing, with their mushy texture and reliance on purified water. In PNG, water treatment is vital — using untreated water to rehydrate food is a real risk. That’s why knowing what to eat on the Kokoda Track trekking is a key part of preparation.

Our group recently just completed the Kokoda Track with On Track Expeditions. Richard and the team provided us with their On Track Meals which were AMAZING. After a long day of hiking, finishing with On Track Meal was definitely a highlight for many. My favourites were the spaghetti bolognaise and the slow cooked steak, however, they were all delicious! Highly recommend, 10/10!!!-Jess G

What to Eat on Kokoda Track Trekking

After trekking for 8 to 10 hours a day, you want more than just calories. You want a hearty, satisfying meal that makes you think: “This is exactly what I needed.” Imagine sitting on the Kokoda Track, enjoying a Slow Cooked Australian Steak with mash and greens. That’s the difference that real, ready-to-eat meals can make.

At On Track Meals, we developed our range for exactly this purpose — to give trekkers real food in the most remote and challenging environments.

On my last Kokoda trek, here’s what we ate:

Breakfast: Cereals and a hot option each morning (pancakes, eggs, or porridge)
Lunch: Noodles with tuna, pesto pasta with tuna, or On Track Meals’ All Day Breakfast with rice
Dinner: The On Track Meals range with rice or pasta, plus local greens when available
Snacks: Individual snack packs with biltong, energy bars, sweet and savoury biscuits, lollies, hydration drink supplements, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate.

Go Pack (Vegetarian)

$49.95

Everything you need for a day on the go!

The Go Pack has breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, as well as hot drinks, hydration and cutlery. We've also thrown in 2x our Flameless Heater Bags, in case you don't have the chance to boil water.

Dinner: Choice of Spicy Mexican Bean or Chickpea Curry

On Track Meals is Australia's leading supplier of shelf stable nutrition. Our ready-to-eat meals are trusted by adventurers and emergency service providers all over Australia. In this Go Pack, you'll find a selection of our own products, as well as a range of our favourite snacks, to keep you fuelled for your next adventure.

Food is Fuel — and Morale

The right food in Kokoda makes a huge difference. It keeps your body fueled, prevents fatigue, and lifts morale at the end of a long day. On the Kokoda Track, food isn’t just survival — it’s what helps you thrive.

👉 If you’re planning trekking the Kokoda Track, make sure your meals are more than just “good enough.” With On Track Expeditions, you can enjoy hearty, delicious, shelf-stable meals from On Track Meals that give you the energy and motivation to keep moving forward.

FAQs

Q. What should I eat during the Kokoda Track trek?

A. When trekking the Kokoda Track, your body needs nutrient-dense meals to keep up with the demanding physical activity. Protein and carbohydrates are key for energy and recovery. We recommend ready-made, shelf-stable meals like those from On Track Meals, which are designed for tough environments. You’ll also want options like rice, pasta, and nutrient-packed snacks, including energy bars, biltong, and hydration supplements. These meals not only fuel your body but also help lift morale after long, tiring days of hiking.

Q. Are there food and water available along the Kokoda Track?

A. No, there are no shops or restaurants on the Kokoda Track. Most trekking companies supply meals, but the quality and nutritional value can vary. Some operators provide only basic dehydrated meals, which may lack the taste and nutrients needed for an 8-day trek. For your safety, it's important to be cautious with water — untreated water poses health risks, so make sure to rely on treated or purified water for rehydrating food.

Q. How does the right food impact my trekking experience?

A. Food is more than just fuel on the Kokoda Track — it plays a critical role in helping you recover and stay energized. Proper meals keep your body strong, prevent fatigue, and help maintain morale, especially after long days in the jungle. Real, hearty meals, like Slow Cooked Australian Steak with mash and greens, make a huge difference, turning a difficult journey into an enjoyable experience. The right food helps you push through physically and mentally, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and history of the trek.