1,000 Steps | Kokoda Track Memorial Walk |
The 1,000 Steps located in the Dandenong Ranges National Park is Melbourne's most popular bushwalk.
Officially the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, walkers love the challenge of the steep trail, locals appreciate the convenience and tourists just want a picture of a gorgeous rainforest walk. But to truly appreciate this unique place, you need to visit when it's quiet.
The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (incorporating the 1000 Steps) departs from Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground, winding up a steep hill along a creek through lush rainforest, before emerging into a clearing where you can enjoy great views of Melbourne through the trees.
Complete the loop by taking the Lyrebird Track back to the carpark.
The path is steep and beautiful, which makes it attractive to fitness walkers and tourists however please leave your dog at home, as this walk is not for your pets. Dogs are not allowed at the 1,000 Steps.
1,000 Steps Track
The track was created in the early 1900's made from the trunks of tree ferns laid along the wetter areas of the track to make the climb a little easier. These were replaced by wooden palings before the more permanent concrete steps were installed in 1950.
The walk (climb) is roughly 2.8 km's long and will take about an hour to get to One Tree Hill, a small picnic ground at the top of the walk.
The Kokoda track/trail is the most famous in Papua New Guinea and is known for being the location of the World War II battle between Japanese and Australian forces in 1942.
According to Tommy Jackett there are only 870 Steps. Watch Video
Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (inc 1,000 Steps)
3km - 1.5 hr return. Grade: Steep (reasonable fitness required)
Getting There
Train - Belgrave Line | Get off at Upper Ferntree Gully Station and walk east, following Burwood Highway (about 1klm), to the park entrance (near the intersection with Mount Dandenong Tourist Road). Head through the car park and the walk begins near the playground at the end.
Car - The Fern Tree Gully Picnic Ground is at the Upper Ferntree Gully end of the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road (on the west side of the road).
Opening Hours: The gates to Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground are open 6am and 9pm.
Warning Before Walking
In January 2013 it was reported that many people have required assistance after feeling ill during the walk. This is a serious physical walk suitable only for fit walkers. Essential for the walk are a bottle of water and a good pair of walking shoes - hiking boots if you have them.
Covid: Stay Safe
Social distancing measures are in place to keep everyone the correct distance apart.
It has passing bays and a permanent one-way loop on the circuit of narrow stairs.
❊ Address ❊
⊜ Burwood Highway and Mt Dandenong Tourist Road Upper Ferntree Gully 3156 View Map
✆ Telephone: 131 963
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ 1,000 Steps | Kokoda Track Memorial Walk
➼ www.kokoda.techrescue.org
➼ www.parks.vic.gov.au
➼ www.wikipedia.org/Kokoda_Track
➼ One Tree Hill
➼ How to enjoy the 1000 Steps - parks.vic.gov.au
❊ Also See... ❊
➼ 1001 Steps - Bayview Park
➼ Lyrebird Track
➼ Mount Dandenong Arboretum
➼ Sherbrooke Forest
Disclaimer: Check with the venue (web links) before making plans, travelling or buying tickets.
Accessibility: Contact the venue for accessibility information.
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Tags: 1000 Steps Kokoda Walk, thousand steps walk, 1000 steps walk
