Step back in time at one of Australia’s oldest and best-preserved heritage steam railways with a train ride on Puffing Billy, situated in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges.
Melbourne
Ultimate guide to the 1000 Steps - Kokoda Track Memorial Walk
Discover one of Melbourne's most popular hiking tracks, with our guide to the 1000 Steps/Kokoda Track Memorial Walk in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, which is renowned for its steep ascent.
Nestled in the lush Dandenong Ranges on Wurundjeri land, the popular 1000 Steps/Kokoda Track Memorial Walk appeals with its pristine scenery, historical significance, and not-for-the-faint-hearted physical challenge.
While the trail may be confusingly referred to as the 1000 Steps Walk and the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, what’s not unclear is that this heart-pumping path is a place to test your endurance as you ascend to the summit.
For fitness enthusiasts, the trail is a great training ground to improve stamina. For everyday Australians, it’s a chance to immerse in nature on a scenic yet challenging trail and pay your respects to our World War II soldiers who endured Papua New Guinea’s arduous Kokoda Track in 1942.
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Take plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes if you decide to tackle the 1000 Steps. Image: Visit Victoria
Everything you need to know about 1000 Steps/Kokoda Track Memorial Walk
What is the 1000 Steps/Kokoda Track Memorial Walk?
The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk is a 1.8km steep fern-lined path in the eastern region of the verdant Dandenong Ranges. The 1000 Steps Walk was created in the early 1900s and adopted by veterans of the Kokoda Track Campaign in 1998 to commemorate the Australian soldiers who fought in Papua New Guinea during World War II.
As visitors walk the vertiginous steps to the summit, the informative bronze plaques reveal the bravery and hardships Australian soldiers endured as they fought against the Japanese over four long months. The placement of the plaques affords a subtle reason to pause and catch your breath, too.
While the 1000 Steps Walk doesn’t come close to the extreme challenge of Papua New Guinea’s Kokoda Track (considered one of the world’s hardest hikes), it’s a fitting tribute and opportunity for Australians to remember and pay their respects.
Open year-round, the 1000 Steps/Kokoda Track Memorial Walk takes a one-way route to the summit; you’ll return via the two-way Lyrebird Track. Be sure to pause at the lookout point to admire the view across the nearby forests; there is no view at the summit.
The combination of natural beauty, physical challenge, and the route’s historical significance make the 1000 Steps/Kokoda Track Memorial Walk a rewarding experience when visiting the Dandenong Ranges.
The 1000 Steps Walk commemorates Australian soliders who fought along Papua New Guinea’s Kokoda Track (pictured above), which is now one of the world's great adventure treks. Image: Getty
Where are the 1000 Steps/Kokoda Track Memorial Walk & how can I get there?
You’ll find this popular nature walk in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, approximately 30 kilometres east of Melbourne’s CBD and less than an hour from RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort.
Drive toll-free on the Burwood Highway towards Upper Ferntree Gully or take the M3 (tolls apply), exiting at Mount Dandenong Tourist Road. Free parking is available at the Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground, a short walk from the trailhead.
Alternatively, take the Belgrave Line train to Upper Ferntree Gully Station. It's a 15-minute walk from the station to the start of the trail.
How long do I need at the 1000 Steps/Kokoda Track Memorial Walk?
Unless you’re a hardcore athlete, allow 60-90 minutes for the trail; more if you’re keen to read every plaque and reflect on Australia’s Kokoda Track history.
Under towering mountain ash trees and with pretty ferns lining your path, the ascent typically takes 20-40 minutes, accounting for breaks to catch your breath. Descent is via the Lyrebird Track.
How fit do I need to be to walk the 1000 Steps/Kokoda Track Memorial Walk?
This challenging path gets its name not from having 1,000 steps (there are 770), but from the track’s steepness and that it feels much more like a thousand steps as you push your body to the max. For this reason, a moderate level of fitness is recommended.
That’s not to say beginner hikers should avoid the trail, however, plan to pace yourself and bring plenty of water. You may prefer to visit on a weekday to avoid the bottlenecks as the trail can get crowded.
Pack a picnic and visit Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden after walking the 1000 Steps. Image: Visit Victoria
Is the 1000 Steps/Kokoda Track Memorial Walk suitable for children?
As the 1000 Steps Walk is steep, physically challenging, and has large, uneven steps, it can be demanding for little legs. That said the educational aspect of the trail makes it worthwhile for children with some hiking or endurance experience.
Ensure you leave ample time for breaks, set off in the cooler part of the day when the trail is quieter, and bring plenty of snacks and water.
You’ll find picnic tables at the base of the trail for rest before the drive home, making this location one of Melbourne's most scenic picnic spots.
You can stop at the 1000 Step Café for some delicious homemade treats.
If you think the trail will be too demanding, the flatter, gentler, nearby Living Bush Nature Walk is a family-friendly alternative.
More: The best recipes and snacks for a picnic from RACV Club chefs
Can I walk my dog on the 1000 Steps/Kokoda Track Memorial Track?
No. Pets are prohibited in Dandenong Ranges National Park to protect the wildlife and delicate ecosystem. Assistance guide dogs are permitted.
More: The best dog-friendly walks and hikes in Melbourne
What wildlife will I see on the 1000 Steps/Kokoda Track Memorial Walk?
While the 1,000-step challenge and World War II memorial plaques are the main reason people visit the Dandenong Ranges, there’s plenty of wildlife to watch for, too.
Listen for the impressive mimicry of the shy lyrebird, and watch for a host of native wildlife, including wallabies, wombats, kookaburras, cockatoos, and more. If you’re lucky, you may even spot an echidna if you’re on the path in the early morning or late afternoon.
The historical railway, Puffing Billy, is another popular attraction in the Dandenong Ranges.
What facilities are at Kokoda Track Memorial Walk?
While there are no facilities on the trail, at the Ferntree Gully Picnic area, you’ll find barbecues, picnic tables, toilets, and water taps.
There’s also the nearby 1000 Steps Café for a pre-walk caffeine fix or bite to eat as a reward for your efforts. Open from 9 am to 3 pm, the hearty breakfast/brunch menu, tasty jam scones, and smoothies are popular.
Is the 1000 Steps/Kokoda Track Memorial Walk accessible?
Due to the uneven terrain, the 1000 Steps Walk is not accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. For those with limited mobility, the Living Nature Bush Walk may be more suitable as it’s flatter and gentler.
Alternatively, further into the ranges, the sealed pathway on the Margaret Lester was designed for wheelchair users.
What else is near the 1000 Steps?
With so much to see and do in the Dandenong Ranges, it’s easy to make a day of it.
Only 15 minutes from the trailhead, visit Olinda Falls, the Olinda Botanic Gardens, and charming shops and art galleries around Olinda Village.
If you’re travelling with children, they’ll love a scenic steam railway ride on the Puffing Billy Railway or Melbourne’s largest maze at SkyHigh.
For more adult experiences, detour north for a pampering treatment at the Japanese Mountain Retreat Mineral Spa or stop by a Yarra Valley vineyard for lunch or cheese and wine tasting.
Many people walk the 1000 Steps as preparation for hiking holidays both in Australia and abroad.
Safety tips for walking the 1000 Steps/Kokoda Walk Memorial Walk
To maximise your experience on the 1000 Steps/Kokoda Memorial Walk consider these tips:
- Take the trail early; it’s especially busy on weekends and public holidays when the car park fills fast.
- Wear closed-toe shoes with a good grip; the steps are uneven and may be slippery, even in good weather
- Pack a raincoat, just in case.
- Bring walking poles if you’re unsteady on declines or think your knees may suffer.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks. You can refill your water bottle at the start of the trail.
- Set a reasonable pace for you/your party’s fitness level. Unless you’re a hardcore fitness enthusiast, there’s no need to race.
- Be a responsible visitor by taking any rubbish with you, maintaining a safe distance from any wildlife, and remembering that this route pays homage to Australia's World War II soldiers.
