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 anything to do or anywhere to go after reaching the top of the steps within walking distance?
Hi Leon,
Not really. The One Tree Hill picnic ground is at the top of the 1000 Steps, so if you feel up for it, bring along some lunch and enjoy the surrounds at the top.
Best regards,
Jess
Is there a Dawn Service on Anzac Day at the 1000 steps? Thanks
Hi Michelle,
I am not aware of any formal events being held on Anzac Day at the 1000 Steps, however informal gatherings may occur.
Best regards,
Jess
Is this 1000 steps open for walking now. I heard they were closing for a while
Hi Heather,
I haven’t heard any announcements about the 1000 Steps closing. Parks Victoria typically make any announcements online before any works commence, so I don’t believe anything is scheduled for the near future.
Have a great time in the Dandenong Ranges!
Jess
Hi, I plan to do a workout run up and down and then a Picinic.
Are there showers near by to refresh and change after the workout, before my picinic?
Thanks Ray.
Hi Ray,
There are no showers located in the Dandenong Ranges National Park near the 1000 Steps. There are however toilet facilities at the bottom where you may be able to towel off.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi, I have issues walking down steps but okay going up. Is there an alternate route to come back down, maybe a track rather than steps?
Hi Julie,
Yes, you can climb up the 1000 Steps on the main course, but then walk back down the Lyrebired track which is sloped.
Once at the top, head down Ramu Avenue, turning left into Link Track and then right, back down Lyrebird Track to the picnic ground.
Best regards,
Jess
Great. Thank you!
Are there lockers there?
Hi Taylor,
No, there are no lockers in the National Park.
Have a wonderful time at the 1000 Steps!
Best regards,
Jess
Hi, is there a running track up-hill around the area (other that the 1000 steps) that goes for 15km or more?
Either sealed or non-sealed roads.
If so, is it safe to run on the sealed-roads around the area at early hours on weekends?
Thanks
Hi Sergio,
The roads are very busy and windy around the Dandenong Ranges, so I wouldn’t recommend running along those roads.
I suggest you check some of the online blogs for suggestions of running tracks, our website isn’t that detailed in terms of specific hiking trails and ‘off the beaten track’ activities, as we concentrate more on the larger attractions and events in the Dandenong Ranges.
Best regards,
Jess
Is drone allowed in 1000 steps?
Hi David,
Yes, but a permit is required at a cost of around $129.00. Please note, only CASA-certified operators can apply for a permit.
You can find the application form here.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi Jess,
I am only for personal use but not commercial, is that applied to me too?
Hi David,
Yes, applies to anyone wanting to use a drone, whether for personal or professional use.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi there,
Wondering if you know how many people visit the steps each day (on average)?
Thanks!
Hi Charlotte,
I have absolutely no idea how many people go to the 1000 Steps each day. It would vary significantly, with weekends being the busiest period. Not sure if Parks Victoria keep statistics on this type of thing, as it would be hard to measure. Being a nature trail, they would have to have a person standing there to physically count every person I would imagine. Get in touch with Parks Victoria if you need further info.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi,
I just wanted to know if I can set up a tent in 1000 steps. If so, where exactly? Is there any specific place to set up a tent and stay for a night?
Cheers!
Hi Hamed,
No, camping is not permitted at the 1000 Steps.
Best regards,
Jess
Are there other flatter walks nearby which I could do while my husband and friends do the steps? I have back issues at present that prevent me from doing the steps.
Hi Aleta,
If you want to drop them off, you could drive to the nearby Sherbrooke Forest. It has many trails in it that you can hike and create a circuit from.
Best regards,
Jess
Where is the best place to park to start up the 1000 steps?
Hi Connie,
There are around 50 spots at the base of the steps, but these can fill quickly. I have found that it is easier to park at the top of One Tree Hill then start from the top of the steps, walk down to the bottom then climb back up again. There are a number of parking spots at the top that people don’t seem to use.
Have a great time climbing the 1000 Steps!
Jess
Hi,
I plan to visit the 1000 Steps next week with my friends but we are worried about the safety as it is the first time we visit. Could you please tell me if there is any rangers or officials that we can contact in case we have an accident or encounter any dangerous animals?
Thanks
Hi Cynthia,
This is a well worn track with many walkers/runners using it daily. There is no ranger on site to supervise the climb and I very much doubt you will come across any dangerous animals, its still far too cold for snakes. You can contact Parks Victoria on 13 19 63 if you have any concerns.
Regards,
Jess
I went there, were no animals and it was really busy always in view of other people and there were plenty of kids doing the walk aswell. Didnt seem very hazardous anyway.
Hi,
I was wondering if there was barbecue facilities to use? Was thinking of doing a work team building activity and having a BBQ? Thanks
Hi Stephanie,
Yes, there are BBQ facilities at the top of the 1000 Steps at One Tree Hill. And no, you don’t have to climb to the top to access the BBQs! You can drive up to the top and there a carpark up there.
The picnic area is well-equipped with several picnic tables, two picnic shelters, free electric barbeques, plenty of car parking, toilets and grassy areas for setting up a picnic blanket.
Have a great time!
Jess
I’m new to Melbourne and currently live in Mulgrave(near Waverley Park). Just want to ask how can I get there by public transportation? Thanks
Hi Cate,
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!
Jess
Hi Cate,
You can get a public transport route on PTV.vic.gov.au. The carpark entrance is about a km up the road from upper Ferntree gully station.
Take a 693 bus from Ferntree Gully Rd towards Belgrave and get off at Upoer Ferntree Gully station. I’d walk the rest of the way.
Hi are dogs allowed to walk the 1000 steps on a lead ?
Hi Steven,
No, dogs are not permitted as the 1000 Steps are in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Please refer to our post and the many questions below that have been asked and answered on this topic.
Kind regards,
Jess
Hello,
Can you please tell me if the 1000 steps is open tomorrow?
Thanks
Hi Kym,
The 1000 Steps is in a park which is open 6am to 9pm daily. I cant see any notices from Parks Victoria that it is closed for any reason.
Enjoy the hike!
Jess
Hi, just wondering if there’s an ANZAC day service at the base of the 1000 steps tomorrow?
Hi Bev,
I am not aware of any formal events tomorrow, but that is not to say that there won’t be any sort of informal gathering of people going to pay their respects.
I hope you have a lovely Anzac Day with family and friends!
Kind regards,
Jess
Hi Bev,
After some more searching, I found some information about Anzac Day services near to the 1000 Steps here.
Kind regards,
Jess
Hi!
Do you think it’s safe for a woman to do the 1000 steps on her own during a week day?
Hi Erica,
Yes I do. There are usually a number of people around, particularly if you are going this week during the school holidays. There is also a cafe on site and many people picnic at the bottom.
Make your own judgement, but I would not have any hesitation to do it on my own.
Kind regards,
Jess
Is the 1000 steps suitable for children aged 7 and 11?
Hi Kerri,
I have seen kids going up and down the 1000 Steps before, so it is certainly doable. Some kids with boundless energy seemed to bounce up the stairs easier than many of the adults!
Just note however that it is a challenging climb due to the length and many of the steps are uneven. So little legs may have trouble on a few of the larger steps.
But the track is not dangerous in any way, it just has a lot of steps. They might just need to take their time and stop for a few breaks, there are places where you can catch your breath along the way.
But overall, if your kids are up for it, I think it is a great activity for families to enjoy together! Go for it!
Have a great time in the Dandenong Ranges!
Jess