 The Australians then began the arduous advance west towards Lae, passing through "thick jungle, swamps, kunai grass and numerous rain-swollen rivers and streams" which, along with heavy rain, slowed their progress.On the night of 5/6 September, the Japanese launched an attack on the lead Australian battalion, but they were unable to prevent its advance.At this point, the 26th Brigade moved inland to strike towards Lae from the north-east while the 24th carried the advance along the coast.