Located within the Dandenong Ranges National Park, the 1000 Steps Kokoda Walk is a unique and renowned tourist spot in the Dandenong Ranges.
The 1000 Steps boasts the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, a popular walking trail in the area. Nicely maintained by rangers, the Kokoda Track is a beautiful walking track with adjacent forested areas, bushlands and various scenic points. Whilst visiting the steps, you will get a small glimpse into the physical effort experienced by the Australian soldiers during 1942.
1000 Steps Kokoda Track Walk, Address & Distance Map, Dandenongs
Those who would like to challenge themselves by completing the 1000 Steps should wear appropriate footwear (runners or hiking shoes) and should have a moderate level of fitness. Many people come to this attraction to test and improve their fitness, and thankfully there are a number of shady rest stops along the way for those who need to catch their breath. Those climbing the 1000 Steps should make sure to bring your own bottle of water as there are no water fountains on the trail.
Apart from the amazing experience of the trail itself, you can also enjoy the area’s scenic spots, beautiful parklands and numerous viewpoints as you traverse this course near Mt. Dandenong.
Pick up a map before you head out on this challenging trail and check out the many other walking tracks throughout the Dandenong Ranges. As the 1000 Steps is located within the Dandenong Ranges National Park, please note that dogs are not permitted.
If you are coming from the city using public transport, catch a train on the Belgrave Line and get off at the ‘Upper Ferntree Gully” station. From there it is just an 800m walk east along Burwood Highway to reach the southern end of the carpark – around 500m extra to get up to the cafe and the start of the steps.
Depending on your fitness, the steps can take between 30 minutes to 1.5hrs to complete the return trip. Many people walk up the steps, but those who are a little fitter may run. So go at your own pace and enjoy the challenge!
Hi, is there any BBQ area near 1000 steps?
Hi Sue,
The closest is the Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground and Kiosk. Refer to the map on our page for the exact location.
Enjoy the Dandenong Ranges!
Regards,
Jess
Hi!! Is the cafe open on Good Friday?
Hi Adele,
Yes, the cafe is open on Good Friday, they open on Public Holidays with weekend opening hours (8.30am – 5pm).
Regards,
Jess
Hi,
I read somewhere that it takes 2 hours to complete the trek but that 2hrs means from the start to the of the 1000 steps yes? So it will take another 2hrs to get back to my car or is there an alternative route we can take?
Thanks
Hi Sophie,
The steps are only a short 5 minute walk from the carpark (800 metres). The length of time it takes you to complete the steps will very much depend on your fitness levels.
I am of a moderate fitness, and it took me 30 minutes to climb the stairs to the top and around 15 mins to get back down. My partner, who is much fitter, completed the climb in 20 minutes and was down in 10.
I would say allow yourself an hour to an hour and a half to go up and back, including walking to and from the carpark. Stick to the main track.
Enjoy the climb!
Regards,
Jess
Hello,
I would like to visit the Thousand steps, but I have to go there with public transport. Can you go to the park with public transport, from Dandenong station?
Thank you.
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
This seems to be a popular question and has been answered below. I will add the details to the main post.
But for your quick reference:
If you are coming from the city using Public transport, it looks like the best train station to get off at is “Upper Ferntree Gully station” on the Belgrave line.
From there it is just a 800m walk east along Burwood Highway to reach the southern end of the carpark – around 500m extra to get up to the cafe and the start of the steps.
You would have to check the Public Transport Victoria schedule to see if there are any buses that travel directly from Dandenong to Belgrave. Otherwise from Dandenong, you would have to travel into the city, change at Richmond, and head out again.
Thanks,
Jess
Hi, do you have a Melways reference for where the car park is for the 1000 steps walk? I have plenty of maps of the walk, but not sure where the walk actually starts (I assume it might be where the carpark is, but where is that?)
Hi Penny,
The 1000 Steps is near the Fern Tree Gully Picnic Ground, Melway 74 H5.
The Fern Tree Gully Picnic Ground is at the Upper Ferntree Gully end of the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road. Look out for a sign which has “Welcome to Dandenong Ranges National Park” (or similar) at the entry. Park as close to the north end of the carpark as you can.
I have attached a link to the Parks Vic document which has a map and reference to the Melway location. https://www.google.co.th/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0ahUKEwicna7l_-TKAhVCto4KHSG-B3gQFgggMAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fparkweb.vic.gov.au%2F__data%2Fassets%2Fpdf_file%2F0006%2F313791%2FPark-note-Dandenong-Ranges-National-Park.pdf&usg=AFQjCNHRiQxv56gzn5cfY9mqrdNSK-O6pg&cad=rja
Enjoy the climb!
Regards, Jess
Hi,
I just want to know if you have pregnant women taking the 1000 steps? Are the trails safe enough for pregnant women?
Hi Joyce,
Thank you for your question.
The 1000 Steps is a very strenuous 3km climb which can take some people up to 1-1.5 hours to complete. There are a few rest stops along the way, but I would not recommend this climb to pregnant women due to the steep incline and length of the track. Of course this is dependent on each individual’s fitness levels.
If you are looking for a less strenuous activity, I would recommend visiting the National Rhododendron Gardens or taking the short walk to Sherbrooke Falls. Both locations are easy walks without many steep sections.
I hope this has been of some assistance to you. We hope you enjoy your trip to the Dandenong Ranges!
Regards,
Jess
Holiday Point
Hello,
How long (time) would it take for kids to walk from the car park + 1000 steps + return to car park?
Many thanks
Hi Fiona,
Using Google maps, it is apparently 1.5km from the carpark to the top of the steps. Granted the steps aren’t very steep, i would say that it would perhaps take at most 30 minutes to get to the top, and another 30 mins to get back down again (which is obviously going to be easier). So all up, I wouldn’t expect the total trip to be more than an an hour.
It may also depend on how busy it is at the time, but it took me around 20 minutes at a fast walking pace to get to the top, and that was on a rainy day and walking behind a group.
Thanks,
Michael
Hi there, was just wondering Is there shower facilities at the ground? Hoping to be able to shower after the 1000 steps as we are heading the the sky high for breakfast afterwards!
Hi Christopher,
Looking at the official National Parks map, it doesn’t appear that there are shower facilities available, however there are toilets if you need to get changed.
Unless you are full on sprinting to the top, it’s much cooler up there compared to Melbourne, so you might not even break a sweat.
Thanks,
Michael
Hi
I have just completed the walk to the top of the 1000 steps track. It is a delightful track and well maintained. However, on reaching the top nowhere could I find how high I had climbed.
There were plenty of signs about the distance I had walked but none stating the height above sea level.
I feel this is an oversight the national parks board should correct. Can you tell me the height at the top of the track?
Thank you
Den
Hi Den,
I have tried using a few online tools to calculate the elevation, but it didn’t seem accurate or give me an answer at all.
Trying to decipher a confusing topography map for the first time, it looks like the top at One Tree sits at around 490 metres and the car park sits around 170 metres.
So my estimation is you climbed 320 metres while you are there.
Hope this helps.
Thanks,
Michael
Hi
I would like to visit the 1000 steps aswell as the bird feeding area and was wondering where abouts was the bird feeding area? Also is the bird feeding area far from the 1000 steps
Hi Kubilay,
I just did some research, and the bird feeding area you are most likely referring to is located at Grants Picnic Ground, Kallista.
I have created a map here showing you the way from the 1000 steps to Grants Picnic Ground https://goo.gl/maps/hMuLt, but in terms of distance it’s around 8km and roughly a 12 minute drive away.
I have also spoke to Parks Victoria and have been told that the 1000 Steps is due to re-open tomorrow (April 1) at 6am, in case you were planning to head up this long weekend.
Thanks
Michael
Just wondering if the track will be open for the Easter long weekend please?
Hi Kelly,
I have just spoke to Parks Victoria and have been told that the 1000 Steps is due to re-open on April 1 at 6am.
So all should be good for the Easter long weekend.
Thanks,
Michael
Hi guys, is there any renovations being done at the moment with the 1000 steps? Planning on going tomorrow :)
Thanks
Hi Estelle,
Thanks for the heads up. I have check the Parks Victoria website and the renovations aren’t due to start til Tuesday 10 March 2015 and will be closed for 3 weeks. The works are expected to be completed by 31 March 2015 (pending favourable weather and conditions).
So hopefully all went well today.
Thanks,
Michael
Hi Guys,
Is it Good or fun for Kids?
Thanks!
Hi Carly,
I don’t have kids, so I’m perhaps not the best one to answer this. I have completed the steps myself and it took me around 15 minutes from the start of the steps. There is also the walk from the car park.
I guess if your kids are into the physical activity, they will have a ball and will appreciate the nature of the area. However, adults that I was with at the time were complaining about having to climb the steps and were out of breath and sweating (they aren’t that bad – they aren’t like house steps)
If you want to try ensure a pleasurable experience, go in the morning when it is cooler and there is less people around.
Hope this helps,
Michael
I’m wondering what the best way to access the walk via public transport would be? Coming from Melbourne CBD.
Hi Yvette,
If you are coming from the city using Public transport, it looks like the best train station to get off at is “Upper Ferntree Gully station” on the Belgrave line.
From there it is just a 800m walk east along Burwood Highway to reach the southern end of the carpark – around 500m extra to get up to the cafe and the start of the steps.
Thanks
Michael
Hi there!
Just wanted to ask, unless I have missed some information (which I often do ><) what are the opening and closing hours of the track/steps?
Thank you!
Hi Alan,
I have just added details to my website – the gates to the Ferntree Gully picnic ground are open 6am and 9pm daily.
Thanks
Michael
Listen, to all those who said the track is “easy”, it is extremely strenuous when done right. You’re not meant to take a rest on the track if you want to get fit fast. Sure! Walk at your own pace or even jog it if you’re a fitness fanatic and can handle that. BUT DON’T YOU DARE REST!!!
If you do get a chance to visit the Kokoda track, feel free to time yourself and share how long it took you to finish the track without taking a rest. Trust me, this will be a great achievement.
Hi was just wondering the exact address for the 1000 steps
Hi Amanda,
There doesn’t appear to be a numerical address, but it is on the corner of Burwood Highway and Mt Dandenong Tourist Road in Upper Ferntree Gully.
Please have a look at this zoomed in map to see where the car park entrance is, as opposed to where the steps begin: https://www.google.com.au/maps/preview/place/1000+steps+carpark/@-37.8887342,145.3182019,16z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x52c94d2a465bcfa3
Thanks
Michael
Hi there,
Are you allowed to take dogs up the steps?
Thanks!
Hi Jacqui,
This seems to be a very popular question. As the steps are located within the Dandenong Ranges National park itself, no pets are permitted.
It is stated “Dogs and other pets are not permitted in the Park” in the Parks Victoria website at http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/313792/DRNPFerntreeGully.pdf
Hope this helps.
Thanks
Michael
It would be irresponsible and unsafe to allow animals on 1000 steps.
I would hate to have to sue a dog owner for my injuries because I slipped on dogs poo.
George
Hi George,
You’ll be glad to know that animals are prohibited in the National Park, so you won’t find any dogs around the 1000 steps.
Thanks
Michael
this place looks amazing!! I am going there soon and am so excited!! it doesn’t look to strenuous.
Can you take dogs on this walk?
There are no dogs allowed there
Really, really want to go there in a few months. After your review even more. Would you consider the trip dangerous by the way? Or is it like very easy..
Hi Simone,
The trip itself isn’t too strenuous, it isn’t like climbing stairs in a building. You can go at your own pace and rest on the way up.
I have known people with very little fitness do it multiple times, so I am sure you’ll be fine.
Just to note: the car park gets busy on weekends, so try get there early to get a park.
Thanks,
Michael
Hi Simone, it is not strenuous at all. I’m not fit and I managed to get to the top. I’ve also seen mums with baby’s on their back climbing the steps. It may not be challenging enough for the really fit ones. It is only slippery when it’s wet. They’ve made a 2nd set of steps that are easier for getting down.