An Australian man has died while walking the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, the ABC understands.
Key points:

  • A 48-year-old man fainted on the track on Sunday, according to a hospital spokesperson
  • His group attempted CPR, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital
  • DFAT is providing consular assistance to the man's family



A spokesperson for Port Moresby's Pacific International Hospital said the 48-year-old was brought in on Sunday night when he was pronounced dead.
The spokesperson said the man fainted on the track while he was walking and those with him attempted CPR.
The Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) said it was called by trekking company, Adventure Kokoda, about the death.
In a statement to the ABC the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian man who died in Papua New Guinea.
A spokesperson for DFAT extended "our deepest condolences to the family" but could provide no further comment due to privacy obligations.
KTA said it had contacted local police to begin an investigation.
Since Friday, KTA said four separate trekking groups from the company had begun the walk.
The 96-kilometre jungle trail through the Owen Stanley mountain range marks out the site of fierce fighting between Australian and Japanese troops during World War II.
Thousands of Australians walk the track each year, retracing the steps of the soldiers killed and wounded during the four-month battle.
April is one of the peak periods for tour groups walking the track in the lead-up to Anzac Day.
The ABC has contacted Adventure Kokoda and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for comment


Australian man dies while hiking Kokoda Track - ABC News