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 the track (parallel) to steps suitable for prams?
Cheers
Sofie
Hi Sofie,
The Lyrebird Track is very steep and can be very slippery. You can navigate it with a pram if you wish, but it will be 2.5kms of climbing up a steep slope with very little in terms of grip, this is why some steps were installed right next to the path. I wouldn’t attempt it with a pram, but it is a matter for you.
Enjoy the 1000 Steps and the Dandenong Ranges!
Kind regards,
Jess
Hi, I heard the 1000 steps was temporarily closed due a fallen tree – is this correct? If so, do you think it will reopen by the weekend?
Hi Alex,
Parks Victoria confirmed that the track has reopened. The local rangers worked around the clock to clear a path through a 200 year old tree that fell over the pathway.
Have a great time at the 1000 Steps and Dandenong Ranges!
Kind regards,
Jess
Hi, I heard that after the hike of the 1000 Steps, there is a bus available to take you up to the peak of Mount Dandenong where there are food and souvenirs available. Is this true?
Hi Michelle,
The 1000 Steps and Mt Dandenong are about 13kms apart. In order to get between the two attractions, you will need to walk back down from the 1000 Steps (this is a walking trail, no bus access) and walk to the public bus stop near the Upper Ferntree Gully Train Station. I am not aware of any shuttle bus that runs between the two attractions.
The station is a 1km walk from the 1000 Steps car park. You will need to catch a #688 Croydon Bus. The trip will take around 30 minutes. Alight at Wombat Road and walk 850 metres to the Sky High Restaurant.
Have a great time in the Dandenong Ranges!
Kind regards,
Jess
Not a question but a comment .
I’ve just been back to the 1000 steps after a couple of months break and just wanted to praise your staff for the great job they’ve done repairing and restoring the walk . Previously there was a lot of storm damage evident such as broken rails , large puddles and fallen branches , now all fixed!
Very impressed and can’t wait to walk it again !
Planning a short visit to Melbourne from March 31st to April 3rd and want to do the 1000 Steps. We will be using public transport. Can I get there easily from Flinders St station?
Hi Lynda,
You can find instructions on how to get to the 1000 Steps by public transport in our 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.”
Have a great time in the Dandenong Ranges!
Kind regards,
Jess
Uber can take you straight there
Any chance there could be more police patrols to fine the irresponsible drivers who park in the non parking areas that are signposted? On Sunday’s and public holidays (today) especially are very dangerous when we came round the bend and a car was/did park illegally. Very dangerous.
Hi Rose,
This sounds very dangerous indeed. I suggest you contact the local council or send an email to the local police. We are an information website, so unfortunately cannot assist with this concern, but it sounds like it needs to be brought to the attention of those who can act.
You can find the details here:
Yarra Ranges Council: [email protected]
Belgrave Police: [email protected]
Kind regards,
Jess
Hi, I’m planning a group of people (10-20) to come up on Feb. 19 and have a picnic afterwards. Do I need to advise anyone or make a booking of any type?
Hi Roger,
No, you do not need to advise anyone. The 1000 Steps climb and park is in the Dandenong National Ranges which is fully open to the public.
Just check the CFA website for current weather conditions before you go, as February can often have extreme conditions of which you should be aware.
Have a great time at the 1000 Steps!
Kind regards,
Jess
Hi, I will travel to the 1000 steps Mt. Dandenong on 3/1. Will there be any maintenance happening on the day?
Do I need to book the at all or just walk in?
Thank you
Hi there,
There is no scheduled maintenance for the 1000 Steps this week and no booking are required. It is a nature trail in a national park, so it fully open to the public.
Kind regards,
Jess
Is car park free
Hi Marie,
Yes, the 1000 steps car park is free.
Kind regards,
Jess
Are dogs on a leash allowed on the 1000 steps track?
Hi Olivia,
As the 1000 Steps is within the Dandenong National Park, dogs or any other pets are not permitted.
Kind regards,
Jess
Hi I was wondering if pets are allowed at the 1000 steps.
Hi Katie,
The 1000 Steps is located within the Dandenong Ranges National Park, so unfortunately dogs are not permitted.
Kind Regards,
Jess
What is the elevation from the base to the summit of the 1000 steps?
Hi Ian,
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
Hi, there is free camping area near the 1000 steps?
Thanks
Hi Margherita,
There are a few free camping spots in the Dandenong Ranges, however none that are close to the 1000 Steps. Most are over 30kms away. You can find a handy list here.
Kind Regards,
Jess
Dear holiday point,1000 straps will open on Christmas day?
Hi Kelvin,
The 1000 Steps are open 365 days of the year.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi,
How far are the Olinda Falls from Thousand Steps?
Hi Meenu,
A quick Google Map search tells me that they are 20kms apart.
Regards,
Jess
Hi, I’m looking to come to 1000 steps on 3rd December. Will it be closed for maintenance?
Hi Surabhi,
Yes, the steps reopened at 6am this morning and will be open tomorrow.
Regards,
Jess
Hi, so just confirming it is free to do the 1000 steps? Also is there a café or restaurant at the top once you’re finished or is it only at the bottom once you come back down?
Cheers :)
Jess
Hi Jess,
The cafe is at the base of the 1000 Steps. There is a picnic spot at top of the climb, but all the other facilities are at the bottom.
It is absolutely free to climb the 1000 Steps. Just note that they are performing maintenance and the steps wont be open until after 2 December 2016.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi there,
I visit the steps all the time but am unfamiliar with the tracks and their names. Is the track that is parallel to the steps but leads to the same destination open during these renovation dates? Or is that one closed too?
Thanks!
Hi Marcie,
I think you are referring to the Lyrebird Track. Yes, 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.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi, I’ve heard from a few people that the 1,000 steps are closed for maintenance reasons. Would just like some clarification.
Cheers.
Hi Daniel,
Yes, you are correct. 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 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.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi there,
We were planning on doing 1000 steps on Saturday 12th November 2016 however a friend mentioned it might be closed to due maintenance? Can you please confirm whether it will be open?
Thanks in advance! :)
Hi Kristine,
You are in luck, the steps don’t close until Monday 14th.
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 for upgrade and maintenance works.
So Saturday or Sunday will be your last opportunity until December to walk the track. Have a great time!
Jess