However, despite this special role, the ranks of the Kokoda Track rangers have been historically male dominated.
This gender barrier has been shattered by four women with a common interest in preserving the history, culture and environment of the iconic trail.
Nido Inara, Stella Kanawi, Julie Fred and Tracey Havala are among a cadre of new rangers recruited by the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) through the Ranger Capacity Development Project. The project is supported by the Kokoda Initiative, which is a partnership between the Australian and PNG governments.