A steep timber-staircase climb through mountain ash forest and tree-fern gullies in the Dandenong Ranges, dedicated as a memorial to Australian soldiers of the Kokoda campaign.
The 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk begins at the Ferntree Gully picnic ground car park on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, about 35 kilometres east of Melbourne's CBD in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. The car park is free and well signposted; Bus 693 also connects from Upper Ferntree Gully railway station to within a short walk of the trailhead. No permit is required.
The full loop covers 2.7 kilometres via the Lyrebird Track and Kokoda Track combined, or 2.5 kilometres if walked directly up and back down the timber staircase, with roughly 260 metres of cumulative elevation gain packed into a short distance. The climb is graded moderate to strenuous: the timber-and-earth steps are steep and closely spaced, and although each step is a manageable height, the sustained gradient over more than 1,000 individual steps raises the heart rate quickly. Footing is generally secure, though steps can be slippery with morning dew or after rain.
The track surface is a mix of timber staircase and compacted earth path, shaded almost the entire way beneath a canopy of mountain ash, blackwood, and tree ferns typical of the Dandenong Ranges' cool temperate rainforest. Little direct sun reaches the track, which keeps conditions comfortable even in warmer months but also means the steps stay damp longer after rain.
Along the way, plaques set into the track commemorate the Australian soldiers of the 39th Battalion who fought on the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea during 1942, giving the walk its name and memorial purpose. The main landmark is simply the top of the staircase at the Kokoda Memorial car park on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, which serves as the natural turn-around point for walkers doing an out-and-back; those continuing the loop return via the gentler Lyrebird Track through denser fern gully.
There are no water taps, huts, or shelters directly on the track itself; the Ferntree Gully picnic ground at the base has toilets and picnic tables but no kiosk, so walkers should carry their own water. The nearest cafes are in Upper Ferntree Gully village, a short drive or bus ride away.
| Distance | 2.7km loop (via Lyrebird Track) or 2.5km return direct |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5-2 hours |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trailhead | Bus 693 from Upper Ferntree Gully station, or car with parking at the Ferntree Gully picnic ground |
| Best season | Year-round; cooler autumn and spring mornings are most comfortable for the steep climb |
| Address | Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156 |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Dandenong Ranges National Park, Ferntree Gully
What to bring
Sturdy walking shoes, water, a light jacket for the shaded fern gully
Location
Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156
-37.8814, 145.3006 View on map
Highlights
- Iconic timber staircase of more than 1,000 steps through cool temperate rainforest
- Kokoda campaign memorial plaques honouring the 39th Battalion
- Dense mountain ash and tree-fern gully scenery
- Popular training climb for locals and fitness groups
- Return option via the gentler Lyrebird Track
Tips for visiting
- Steps are steep and closely spaced; pace the climb and take breaks at the marked rest points
- Wear grippy shoes -- timber steps get slippery with dew or after rain
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid heavy weekend crowds
- Carry water; there are no taps or kiosks on the track
- Cooler autumn and spring mornings suit the climb better than summer heat
When to visit
Weekday mornings, especially in cooler autumn and spring weather, are most comfortable and least crowded; weekends draw large numbers of fitness walkers.
Accessibility
The timber staircase is steep and uneven, with no wheelchair- or stroller-accessible sections. The Ferntree Gully picnic ground at the base is flat and accessible, but the climb itself is not suitable for wheelchairs or prams.
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Frequently asked questions
How hard is the 1000 Steps walk?
It is a short but steep climb with about 260 metres of elevation gain over roughly 2.5-2.7 kilometres, making it a strenuous cardio workout despite its modest length.
Is there parking at the trailhead?
Yes, free parking is available at the Ferntree Gully picnic ground car park on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road.
Can the walk be done as a loop?
Yes, walkers can climb the staircase and return via the Lyrebird Track for a 2.7 kilometre loop instead of retracing the same steps.
Is the track suitable for young children?
The steep, sustained staircase is demanding for young children; fitter families sometimes attempt it, but the direct 2.5 kilometre return route is a significant undertaking for small legs.