The Kokoda Track, which can take up to 12 days to complete and is 96 kilometres overland, was where more than 600 Australians were killed and about 1680 wounded during a battle against a Japanese invasion in World War II.

A self-confessed military history buff, Mr Dwyer said following in the footsteps of Australian soldiers who gave up their lives was an unforgettable experience.

“To stand and reflect on those heroes who sacrificed on that hallowed ground that was soaked in Australian blood in 1942 is an experience that leaves you truly understanding what it means to be an Australian,” Mr Dwyer said.

The 53-year-old father-of-two, who took on the track in 2008 and 2010, was determined to complete the challenge again in September, despite recovering from his ongoing back problems.

“My back injury had deteriorated to the point that I could barely walk, let alone spend nine days climbing and descending muddy jungle tracks,” Mr Dwyer said.

During this year’s trip, Mr Dwyer was joined by his wife Karen and two sons, 20-year-old James and 14-year-old Thomas.

James took on the mission for the second time after already walking the track with his dad in 2010 for his 14th birthday.

“I promised Thomas I would do the same for him when he turned 14 as well,” Mr Dwyer said.

Thomas said he was grateful to have experienced the trip with people close to him.

“Dad is always telling us about the history and people of Papua new Guinea so it was fantastic to see it for myself and share it with my family and mates,” Thomas said.

Training at the Cataract Gorge in Launceston, Mr Dwyer said he attempted to run the zig zag track 200 times before taking on the track again.

He said both his preparations and the challenge itself had taught him a number of lessons.

“If you really want something badly enough, you should be able to do it,” he said.

“I’m not the fittest or the fastest guy, but I think if you’re determined and put one foot in front of the other, not just on the Kokoda Track but in life, you'll get where you want to go.”