The path is steep and beautiful, which makes it attractive to fitness walkers and tourists however please leave your dog at home, as this walk is not for your pets. Dogs are not allowed at the 1,000 Steps.
Things to do
How to enjoy the 1000 Steps
The 1000 Steps is very popular. To get the most out of this place, it’s advisable to visit at a quieter time. That means midweek, early in the morning or both. That way you can appreciate the atmosphere of this magical rainforest and why Australian soldiers felt it was so similar to the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea where they fought in the Second World War. You’ve also got a better chance of spotting the noisy but very shy Superb Lyrebird.
1000 Steps alternatives
If you simply want to enjoy the majesty of the old trees around Ferntree Gully, and are not set on walking the 1000 Steps, try the Ramblers Track Loop. This is a gentle and quiet walk through old-growth forest.
If you’re looking for a less popular but similarly demanding walk or run, the Granite Track in nearby Lysterfield Park is worth a go. You can even cool off with a swim in the lake afterwards!
Kokoda Track Memorial Walk or 1000 Steps?
At the foot of the 1000 Steps are a series of signs explaining this walk’s association with the Australian soldiers.
Created in the early 1900s, the 1000 Steps Walk was originally made from tree fern trunks laid along the wetter areas of the track to make the climb a little easier. These were replaced by wooden palings, and more permanent concrete steps were installed in 1950.
The 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 fourteen plaques along the walk, dedicated to the 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.
Bird watching
Walking
Wildlife
How to get there
1000 Steps Walk (Trail)
Facilities
When you're there
The 1000 Steps is a very popular walk and the car park at Ferntree Gully picnic area will be full by 10am on most weekend mornings. You might have better luck parking your car at One Tree Hill Picnic Ground at the top of the 1000 Steps. Alternatively, leave your car at home. It's a a leisurely 1200m stroll from Upper Fern Tree Gully train station to the bottom of the steps. Download the visitor guide before you go.
1000 Steps Walk
Need to know
1000 Steps Walk (Trail)
Accessibility
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
Closure of the 1000 Steps
In response to advice from the Victorian Chief Health Officer, Parks Victoria has decided to close high visitation sites with a typical attendance of over 500 people. This includes the 1000 Steps which will be closed until further notice. For more information, please visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/covid19 -
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Wattle Track (in Sherbrooke Forest) closed indefinitely
Wattle Track in the Sherbrooke Forest area of the Dandenong Ranges National park is closed indefinitely due to a tree falling and destroying the Wattle Track (Long Bridge) foot bridge. Walkers can use Monument Track as an alternative route.Ramblers Track closed
Ramblers Track at Ferntree Gully is closed until further notice due to a fallen tree blocking access.Sassafras Creek Trail closed between Moxams Road and Baynes Park
Sassafras Creek Trail is closed between Moxams Road and Baynes Park until further notice due to severe damage from a fallen tree.Tree Fern Loop Walking Track closed indefinitely
Tree Fern Loop Track in the Sherbrooke Forest area of the Dandenong Ranges National park is closed indefinitely due to a tree falling and destroying the access foot bridge, this bridge was removed in 2015. The remaining section of track is now completely closed due to another access bridge being destroyed along with major tree fall across the track destroying hand rails and a viewing platform.Lyrebird Track closed until further notice
At the direction of the Victorian Chief Health Officer, Parks Victoria has closed Lyrebird Track until further notice. Check our COVID-19 update for the latest information, and follow the health advice provided by the Department of Health and Human Services.
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Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground and Car Park Closed
In response to advice from the Victorian Chief Health Officer, Parks Victoria has decided to close high visitation sites with a typical attendance of over 500 people. This includes the 1000 Steps and Lyrebird Track Fitness Steps which will be closed until further notice. For more information, please visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/covid19
