Kokoda Track Memorial Walk — Attraction in Melbourne

Great Memorial to our soldiers of WW2, and so tragic for one soldier who turned 16 years old 1 month before he made the Supreme Sacrifice. 

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1000 Steps Walk (Trail)

Tall Forests



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Dandenong Ranges National Park

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1000 Steps Walk (Trail)

Dandenong Ranges National Park

The 1000 Steps is probably 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.

The 1000 Steps Cafe The 1000 Steps Café is nestled under the tranquil gumtrees of the Dandenong Ranges. Start your day with a coffee while absorbing the picturesque surroundings of the national park, or take a seat and enjoy the great range of food and drinks off the menu. Inside you can take your time surrounded by locally-produced artwork and watch the world go by from our window seats. In front of the café is a large outdoor area with picnic tables allowing you to soak up the sun while taking in the wonderful environment with friends and family.

How to enjoy the 1000 Steps The 1000 Steps is very popular. To get the most out of this place, it’s advisable to visit at a quieter time. That means midweek, early in the morning or both. That way you can appreciate the atmosphere of this magical rainforest and why Australian soldiers felt it was so similar to the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea where they fought in the Second World War. You’ve also got a better chance of spotting the noisy but very shy Superb Lyrebird.

1000 Steps alternatives If you simply want to enjoy the majesty of the old trees around Ferntree Gully, and are not set on walking the 1000 Steps, try the Ramblers Track Loop. This is a gentle and quiet walk through old-growth forest. If you’re looking for a less popular but similarly demanding walk or run, the Granite Track in nearby Lysterfield Park is worth a go. You can even cool off with a swim in the lake afterwards!

Kokoda Track Memorial Walk or the 1,000 Steps? At the foot of the 1000 Steps are a series of signs explaining this walk’s association with the Australian soldiers. Created in the early 1900s, the 1000 Steps Walk was originally made from tree fern trunks laid along the wetter areas of the track to make the climb a little easier. These were replaced by wooden palings, and more permanent concrete steps were installed in 1950.

The veterans of the Kokoda campaign adopted this park as their memorial site in 1998. The similarity of the walk to the first 100 metres of the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea resulted in the establishment of fourteen plaques along the walk, dedicated to the Australian Military Forces who fought and died on Kokoda. The 1,000 Steps represent the ‘Golden Staircase’, a name given by Australian soldiers to the 2000 steps cut by the Australian Army Engineers and others into the track between Uberi and...

Sunny Sunday Walk

If you're looking for a delightful way to spend a sunny Sunday, the 1000 Steps in the Dandenong Ranges is an exceptional choice. Nestled in the lush forests of Ferntree Gully, this walk offers a mix of natural beauty, historical significance, and a satisfying physical challenge.

Arrival and First Impressions

Upon arriving at the car park, you're immediately embraced by the serene atmosphere of the Dandenong Ranges. Tall eucalyptus trees tower above, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze, and the sound of native birds creates a peaceful ambiance. The walk begins at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk car park, where informative boards provide a brief history of the trail, dedicated to the memory of Australian soldiers who fought in Papua New Guinea during World War II.

The Walk Itself

As you start the walk, the initial section is relatively flat and easy, allowing you to warm up gradually. The path is well-maintained and shaded by the dense canopy, making it an ideal escape from the heat on a sunny day. The air is fresh and invigorating, filled with the earthy scents of the forest.

The Challenge

The real challenge begins as you approach the steps. The 1000 Steps are steep and can be quite demanding, but the effort is well worth it. Each step is a reminder of the physical endurance and determination of the soldiers commemorated here. Along the way, plaques and information boards provide insights into the history and significance of the Kokoda Trail, adding a poignant touch to the experience.

The Summit

Reaching the top of the 1000 Steps is immensely rewarding. Not only do you feel a sense of personal achievement, but you're also treated to stunning views over the Dandenong Ranges. It's a perfect spot to rest, rehydrate, and take in the panoramic scenery. On a clear sunny day, the visibility is fantastic, offering sweeping views of the surrounding forest and beyond.

The Descent

The descent is much easier on the legs and allows for more leisurely appreciation of the surroundings. You can take the opportunity to explore side trails or simply enjoy the tranquility of the forest. The return path is just as scenic, and the downhill journey is a pleasant cool-down after the exertion of climbing the steps.

Amenities and Tips

The 1000 Steps walk is well-equipped with amenities. There is small cafe "the steps" There are restrooms at the car park and along the trail, as well as picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy a packed lunch. Be sure to bring plenty of water, especially on a sunny day, and wear comfortable walking shoes. There are fountains with drinking water too though. The trail can be busy on weekends, so arriving early is advisable to avoid the crowds and find parking easier.

The 1000 Steps in the Dandenong Ranges is more than just a walk; it's an experience that combines physical exercise with historical reflection and natural beauty. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a history buff, or someone who simply enjoys the great outdoors, this walk offers something for everyone. On a sunny Sunday, there's no better way to connect with nature and pay homage to the past while enjoying...

Challenging yet beautiful track. There are two tracks - a smaller but a little difficult 1000 steps track and a longer but slightly easier lyrebird track. Best time to come is on a wet day when there is a drizzle. Early morning before 7 am is the best time to visit to avoid crowd, especially on weekends.

Currently due to Covid-19, 1000 steps track is changed to a one way track to help with social distancing. It has evenly spaced steps along with handrails for support. All along the path, there are plenty of rest stops so that you don't block people while catching your breath. The whole track is nicely covered with a canopy of ferns which adds to the charm of the place.

The actual steps starts a little further from the carpark and the route till you reach the steps is gradually ascending as well. The last 200m feels real hard if you are not a regular hiker. Thankfully, the distance markers along the way helps you keep going. I saw even 70+ people climbing it as well as little kids. So anyone with moderate fitness should be able to climb it.

Along the way you can see rabbits, lyrebird, kookaburras, parrots etc. The track gets really beautiful when it rains as fog descend on the treetops. However, the steps can get a bit slippery so watch your steps. Also, please carry a water bottle especially on a hot day. There are drinking taps at the the end of the track but nothing along the way.

If you want an extra challenge, you might want to try one tree hill track which is 450m further from the end of 1000 steps track. You can return via Lyrebird track which is a two-way track. The track has steps on one side and gravel route on the other which can get bit slippery during wet days.

All in all, it's a beautiful spot to catch a fresh air and to...