The 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk is a popular hiking destination in the Dandenong Ranges and a must-do when visiting Melbourne! The hike ascends through dense forest in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, offering stunning views and a great workout. Aside from the obvious beauty of the Dandenong Ranges, what makes the 1000 Steps unique is its connection with Australia’s military history. The trail is dedicated to the Australian soldiers who fought along the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea during World War II. The climb is somewhat physically demanding, but it was an enjoyable and rewarding experience! I hope this guide helps cover everything you need to know before visiting the 1000 Steps.


The 1000 Steps Hike
As the name suggests, the trail consists of a series of steps, winding through lush fern gullies and tall eucalypt trees. However, there aren’t quite 1000 steps…I believe the number is closer to 800! You will feel like it’s 1000 though once you reach the top.
Beginning at the Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground, you’ll find a large information board detailing the history of the Kokoda Track and the significance of the memorial walk. From here, you’ll be guided by signposts to the base of the steps and the start of the hike.



The steps are made of a mixture of natural rock and concrete, and can be very slippery at times. Although there are handrails alongside the trail, I’d highly recommend wearing proper hiking boots or sturdy trainers. I’ve been on hot, sunny days and even then it’s pretty slippery at the top. They’re also narrow and can become quite crowded, particularly on weekends!



The hike involves some steep inclines, so pace yourself and take advantage of all the rest stops. Although it’s strenuous, it’s definitely doable for a range of fitness levels and there are plenty of resting points along the way. Don’t worry if you’re not the fittest as you can go slowly at your own pace. As you walk through native forest, you’ll likely encounter wildlife such as lyrebirds and colourful parrots.
Along the way, you’ll notice memorial plaques commemorating the soldiers who fought along the Kokoda Track. These plaques provide information about the hardships faced during the campaign, offering a poignant reminder of the memorial’s significance.



Once you’re nearing the very top, you’ll find a small lookout area offering views over the surrounding forest. There is no grand panoramic view from the summit, like you would find at Arthurs Seat. But it’s still a cool view and a sense of achievement after completing the climb!
The 1000 Steps trail is supposed to be one-way, with various alternate return trails for the way down. I chose the Lyrebird Track for my descent and highly recommend it! It had stairs and a gravel path, with beautiful views!! Luckily during my visits to the 1000 Steps, everyone has followed the one-way system. However, many of my friends have had experiences of other hikers using it as a two-way system. I imagine this would be a nightmare during busy times as the stairs are quite narrow and wouldn’t easily fit people going both up and down.



How to Get to The 1000 Steps
The 1000 Steps are located in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, about 40km east of Melbourne.
By Car: From Melbourne, take the Burwood Highway (Route 26) towards the town of Upper Ferntree Gully. The entrance to the 1000 Steps is located just off the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road. Free parking is available at the Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground, which is a short walk from the start of the trail.
By Public Transport: There’s a direct train from Melbourne to Upper Ferntree Gully Station, via the Belgrave line. From there, it’s about a 15min walk along the Station Road Trail to the trailhead. I don’t have a car in Melbourne and found this way super easy!
Tips for Visiting the 1000 Steps
Arrive Early: The 1000 Steps is a popular destination, especially on weekends and public holidays. Arriving early will help you avoid crowds and find parking more easily.
Wear Appropriate Footwear: I strongly recommend wearing proper hiking shoes or good quality trainers. Despite me going on hot, sunny days, the trail was quite slippery at the top. There are handrails to help but I was glad to have good grips on my shoes. I’ve heard during periods of rain, the majority of the trail is slippery, so be safe with sturdy footwear.
Bring Water: There are water refills at top and bottom of the trail and at the picnic area. However you won’t be able to top up your water during the hike, so be sure to bring your own or use the refill stations at the bottom before you head up.
Take Your Time: The climb is quite steep, and while it may be tempting to push yourself, taking regular breaks will make the experience more enjoyable. There are many rest stops throughout the hike, where you can stand or sit, and take in the amazing surroundings.
Respect the Memorial: The trail has significant historical importance, so be mindful of other visitors and avoid loud behaviour.
FAQs
Is the 1000 Steps Hike Suitable for Children?
Yes, children can complete the hike, but younger ones may find the steps challenging. It’s important to supervise them closely, especially on the steeper sections. I would say if they’re quite young it might be worth giving it a miss though. A family behind me on the hike had two toddlers that they ended up carrying the whole way up! Consider bringing a carrier if that makes it easier taking young kids up.
How Long Does the Hike Take?
The average time to complete the 1000 Steps is around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on fitness level and the number of breaks you take.
Is The Trail Wheelchair Accessible?
Unfortunately, the 1000 Steps is not wheelchair accessible.
Are Dogs Allowed on the Trail?
No, dogs are not permitted on the 1000 Steps, as it is part of the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Dogs are not allowed in most National Parks in Victoria.
What is The Best Time to Visit?
I recommend going early in the morning, when it’s quieter and the weather is cooler. That way you can finish early enough to enjoy some lunch at the local cafe, before heading off.
Other Hiking Routes Around the 1000 Steps
In addition to the iconic 1000 Steps, the Dandenong Ranges National Park offers several other hiking trails that cater to different fitness levels and interests. Below are some alternative routes that can be explored in the same area.



Lyrebird Track
The Lyrebird Track runs parallel to the 1000 Steps, offering a slightly longer and quieter alternative. This track is a wider gravel path, with stairs alongside most of the track. This makes it an easier option for those wanting to avoid the narrow and crowded 1000 Steps trail. The Lyrebird Track is approximately 3.2 kilometres in total and includes some steep sections. It’s also a great spot to observe native wildlife, particularly the superb lyrebird, after which the track is named.
You can do this track as a return trip. However, I’d recommend doing the 1000 Steps climb and using the Lyrebird track as your return journey back down.



Kokoda Track Memorial Walk Extension
For those looking to extend their hike, the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk continues beyond the summit of the 1000 Steps. This extension takes you further into the Dandenong Ranges, offering a peaceful and less crowded walk through lush forest. It provides a more immersive experience with opportunities to encounter more local flora and fauna. The extended walk is suitable for those with moderate fitness levels and can add an extra hour or so to your visit.
Living Bush Nature Walk
The Living Bush Nature Walk is a short, easy walk starting from the Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground. It’s just under 1 kilometre, making it ideal for families with young children or those looking for a more leisurely stroll. The trail meanders through the lower sections of the forest, with informative signs along the way about the local ecosystem and native plant species. It’s a peaceful alternative if you’re not up for the more strenuous trails.



One Tree Hill Track
The One Tree Hill Track starts near the top of the 1000 Steps and is a challenging hike, ascending towards the One Tree Hill lookout. This track is steeper than the 1000 Steps and is recommended for more experienced hikers. The total length is about 2.4 kilometres one way, and it offers more elevation gain, providing a tougher workout. There’s a picnic area at the summit and expansive views of the surrounding region.
Facilities at The 1000 Steps
Parking: There is free parking at the Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground. However, these fill up quickly during busy periods, like weekends, summer holidays etc. So be sure to get there early if you’re planning to park by the trails.
Toilets: There are several toilet facilities near the picnic ground, but none along the trail itself. So plan accordingly! I would advise bringing some hand sanitiser too…during my two recent visits, there was no hand soap in the ladies’ loo. Otherwise the facilities were good.
Picnic Areas: The Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground offers a number of picnic tables and barbecues, making it a great spot for post-hike food.
Cafe: There’s a great, little cafe near the Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground, offering hot meals (breakfast items like eggs to meals like fish and chips), wraps, cakes, coffees, drinks etc. I highly recommend the chicken schnitzel wrap! I loved coming here after spending a few hours on the various hiking routes and eating my lunch in the sun.
Visitor Centre: There is no official visitor centre at the trailhead, but the nearby Upper Ferntree Gully township has cafés, shops and restaurants.
Be sure to check the official site ahead of time for any planned park closures. If you enjoy this hike, I’d highly recommend a trip to the Blue Mountains for incredible trails, nature, Lyrebirds and views!