1000 Steps / Kokoda Track Memorial Walk | Dandenong Ranges National Park

Summary

Located in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, this popular track combines the challenges of the famous 1000 steps walk with the Kokoda Memorial Walk, between Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground and One Tree Hill Picnic Ground.

1000 Steps / Kokoda Tack Memorial Walk

Located in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, this track combines the challenges of the famous 1000 steps walk with the Kokoda Memorial Walk, between Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground and One Tree Hill Picnic Ground. The trail is a favourite with football teams for training and those interested in the history of the Kokoda Track. View commemorative plaques depicting the lives of the soldiers who fought and died in WWII.

Created in the early 1900s the 1000 Steps Walk was originally made from the trunks of tree ferns laid along the wetter areas of the track to make the climb a little easier.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.

Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground 
Automatic gate in operation. Open 6am to 9pm daily.

One Tree Hill Picnic Ground
Automatic gate in operation. Open 7:30am to 6pm daily.