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1000 Steps

1000 Steps

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

As the name suggests, the 1000 Steps includes stone steps that lead to the popular One Tree Hill; which starts at the cafe and leads up the top of the mountain.

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!

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    • Hi Adele,

      Parks Victoria will temporarily close the 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk in the Dandenong Ranges National Park for three weeks from Monday 14th November 2016 to 2 December 2016 for upgrade and maintenance works.

      Walkers will still be able to access the summit of One Tree Hill from the Ferntree Gully picnic ground via Lyrebird Track and return to the picnic ground via Link Track, Belview Terrace and School Track.

      Regards,
      Jess

      Reply to this comment

    • Hi Terry,

      We have tried using a few online tools to calculate the elevation in the past, but they didn’t seem accurate or give us a decent answer.

      However using a topography map, it looks like the top at One Tree sits at around 490 metres and the car park sits around 170 metres.

      So our estimation is that the climb is about 320 metres in elevation.

      Regards,
      Jess

      Reply to this comment

    • Hi Sebastian,

      The answer is contained in the text of the post:
      “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 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.”

      Regards,
      Jess

      Reply to this comment

    • Hi Rhiana,

      The 1000 steps is open every day, even when raining. There were some closures to the entrance over the weekend as some trees had fallen during some extreme wind, but these appear to have now been cleared.

      Enjoy your day at the 1000 Steps! Make sure to wear sturdy shoes as the steps can be a little slippery in wet weather.

      Regards,
      Jess

      Reply to this comment

    • Hi Camilla,

      Here is the current park update from Parks Victoria which was updated on the 8th of October 2016:

      “Areas of the Dandenong Ranges National Park and Silvan Reservoir Park remain closed following damaging winds. The areas will reopened as soon as tree risk inspections are complete. This includes One Tree Hill, Doongalla, Valley, Eagles Nest, Sherbrooke and O’Donohues picnic grounds, Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground (including 1000 Steps), Silvan Reservoir Park and Kalorama Park. Grants Picnic Ground south end is closed but the bird feeding, souvenir shop, restaurant and the rest of the picnic ground will be open.”

      Regards,
      Jess

      Reply to this comment

    • Hi Steph,

      The Parks Victoria website states that “dogs and other pets are not permitted.” However I have found some other information which states “Dogs are permitted in national parks for specific purposes. These include: Dogs which assist disabled people with their disability are permitted in all parks and reserves, with the exception of Wilderness Parks and areas closed to the public.”

      I recommend you contact Parks Victoria on Phone: 131 963 or drop them an email at [email protected] to confirm that service dogs are permitted in Dandenong Ranges National Park.

      Regards,
      Jess

      Reply to this comment

  • Hi was wondering if there are lockers here to store a suitcase as I’m travelling by public transport and won’t be going to the hotel until after I do the 1000 steps walk. Thanks

    Reply to this comment

  • Hi, I was just wondering, as it is tourist attraction, what are the most common was that people get here? I will be staying in the city, are there any affordable methods of transport to get to the ranges? Kind Regards, Helen

    Reply to this comment

    • Hi Helen, thanks for contacting us.

      Travelling by car is certainly the easiest and fastest way to get to the ranges. The roads are well signed and it will take around 40-50 minutes from the CBD. There is plenty of parking and the roads are easy to navigate. It is a lovely drive once you get out of the city, and many attractions are within close driving distance.

      However, public transport is available from the Melbourne CBD to the 1000 Steps if you don’t wish to hire a car. I do note however, that it will take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes with train + a little walking.

      Go to Flinders Street Station and catch a train on the “Belgrave” Line (I have attached a link of the stops here). You will travel for about 60 minutes. Get off at “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 1000 Steps.

      If you are looking for someone to do the driving for you, I have attached a link to a couple of tours that service the Dandenong Ranges. Please note that I am not aware of any tours that include the 1000 Steps: Puffing Billy & Dandenong Ranges Tour from Melbourne

      Enjoy your time in the Dandenong Ranges!

      Regards,
      Jess

      Reply to this comment

    • Hi Johanna,

      Unfortunately, you will have to leave your furry friend at home. As stated in our post: “As the 1000 Steps is located within the Dandenong Ranges National Park, please note that dogs are not permitted.”

      Regards,
      Jess

      Reply to this comment

  • Hi, tried to go to 1000 steps today but the park was closed? Just wondering why there was no notice about it on the website? Drove an hour to get here and couldn’t even go in.

    Reply to this comment

    • Hi Katelin,

      The 1000 Steps remains open, Parks Victoria are only completing upgrades to the carpark between 11-15 April.

      The official website states: “Parks Victoria will temporarily close the Ferntree Gully picnic ground car park which services the 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk in the Dandenong Ranges National Park for asphalt works from Monday 11 April until Friday 15 April 2016. The popular 1000 steps walk will remain open to the public during the works which will include repairs to pot holes, asphalting and new line marking.”

      Regards,
      Jess

      Reply to this comment

        • Hi Sophal,

          I have taken some information form the Parks Victoria website which should answer your questions:

          “Created in the early 1900s, the 1000 Steps Walk was originally made from the trunks of tree ferns laid along the wetter areas of the track to make
          the climb a little easier. These were replaced by wooden palings before the more permanent concrete steps were installed in 1950. The Victorian 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 the 14 plaques along the walk, dedicated to those Australian Military Forces who fought and died on Kokoda. The 1000 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 Imita Ridge. The ‘Kokoda Track Memorial Walk’ represents an area of historical significance and every effort is undertaken to retain this heritage.”

          I hope this assists in your understanding of this important local attraction.

          Regards,
          Jess

    • Hi Holly,

      The 1000 Steps will be open on ANZAC Day.

      The 1000 Steps are open every day, except for times when Parks Victoria deems it unsafe due to weather conditions (such as bushfire) and closes parts of the National Park.

      Enjoy your day at the 1000 Steps!

      Regards,
      Jess

      Reply to this comment

    • Hi Wass,

      The 1000 Steps is in a National Park in Australia, so yes, there is always the possibility of coming across a snake or a spider.

      However, as we are coming into the cooler months and there is a lot of foot traffic on the 1000 Steps, I very much doubt you would come across any dangerous snakes or spiders here.

      If you are concerned, perhaps make contact with Parks Vic for further information.

      Regards,
      Jess

      Reply to this comment

    • Hi Viviana,

      There are so many to choose from in Victoria. Depending on what you are after, I have provided a list from which you can start your search to find the best location to suit you.

      These campgrounds have amenities such as toilets, water, some have showers and all are in beautiful parks:
      Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory National Park
      Mount Eccles National Park
      Lake Catani, Mount Buffalo National Park
      Buchan Caves Reserve
      Lakeside Campground, Lake Eildon National Park
      Upper Yarra Reservoir Park

      If you enjoy being a little closer to nature with drop toilets and few other facilities, then check out these locations:
      Pink Lakes, Murray Sunset National Park
      Hattah-Kulkyne National Park
      Boar Gully, Brisbane Ranges
      Great Otway National Park

      All the best for your camping trip in Victoria!

      Regards,
      Jess

      Reply to this comment

    • Hi Sharon,

      Yes the 1000 Steps track is open tomorrow (Good Friday).

      Personally, I love the National Rhododendron Gardens which is also open tomorrow. You could also drop by Olinda Falls which is a lovely walk with some beautiful views and is located only around 3kms from the Rhododendron Gardens. FYI, William Ricketts Sanctuary is also located nearby.

      What a lovely way to spend the Easter weekend! There might be some drizzle tomorrow, so dress warmly, but I hope you have a great time in the Dandenong Ranges! Take a picnic, as there are many undercover picnic spots for you to enjoy at each of these locations.

      Regards,
      Jess

      Reply to this comment
What is the 1000 Steps address?
Burwood Hwy & Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Upper Ferntree Gully, VIC

Please visit our website for more information on the 1000 Steps.
What are the 1000 Steps opening hours?
6am - 9pm daily (including public holidays)

Please visit our website for more information on the 1000 Steps.
What are the 1000 Steps entry prices?
Free

Please visit our website for more information on the 1000 Steps.
What is the 1000 Steps phone number?
131 963

Please visit our website for more information on the 1000 Steps.
What is the 1000 Steps email address?
[email protected]

Please visit our website for more information on the 1000 Steps.

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