Australian man dies on Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea

An Australian man has died while walking on the popular route in Papua New Guinea.

An Australian man has died while hiking on the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed the man’s death, but could provide few details immediately.

The man reportedly fainted on a section of the track and was unable to be revived. (AAP Image/Fairfax POOL, Alex Ellinghausen)

Those hiking on the trail can expect to walk 20km per day.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian man who died in Papua New Guinea,” a spokesman said.

“We send our deepest condolences to the family.”

The 48-year-old fainted on the track on Sunday before his walking group gave him CPR in an attempt to save his life, according to the ABC.

He was later pronounced dead at Port Moresby’s Pacific International Hospital.

The Kokoda Track was the location of an intense battle between Japanese and Australian forces in 1942.

April is one of the busiest periods on the track as thousands walk in the footsteps of Australian soldiers in the lead up to Anzac Day.

The total track runs over 96km through the Owen Stanley Range and is generally completed in four to 12 days.

It’s described as the “ultimate challenge” according to tour company Australian Kokoda Tours.

“The terrain can be difficult and the weather on the track is unpredictable and you have to be willing for anything,” it said.