The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (incorporating the 1000 Steps) was impacted by the 2021 storms, causing significant damage to the popular walking track.
While the damage is being assessed, cleared and restored the 1000 Steps will remain closed until late-2022 to ensure visitor safety and to allow works to be undertaken.
The good news is, Lyrebird Track is open and available as a two-way track until the steps are re-opened. Lyrebird Track extends 4.8km to the left of the 1000 Steps and provides a moderate walk to the top of One Tree Hill picnic ground.
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 in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
See article: Recovery progressing at 1000 Steps.
The 1000 Steps Cafe
The 1000 Steps Café is nestled under the tranquil gumtrees of the Dandenong Ranges. Start your day with a coffee while absorbing the picturesque surroundings of the national park, or take a seat and enjoy the great range of food and drinks off the menu. Inside you can take your time surrounded by locally-produced artwork and watch the world go by from our window seats. In front of the café is a large outdoor area with picnic tables allowing you to soak up the sun while taking in the wonderful environment with friends and family.
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.
Things to do
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
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state. Grants, O’Donohue, Sherbrooke, One Tree Hill and Ferntree Gully picnic grounds were assessed for accessibility in June 2020, providing information about the accessibility of these areas and photos.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
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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Dandenong Ranges National Park
Doongalla Tracks Closure - Dandenong Ranges NP
Planned burning and Candeling operations are scheduled in this park which will result in the closure of- Dacite Tk and Channel Tk from the time a burn is approved for ignition until the area is declared safe. Ignition of the burn is scheduled from May 24th, 2022
and is subject to favourable weather. Check the status of current planned burns at www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns Further closures will be announced as works progress. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Olinda/Silvan Storm Recovery Works Occurring
Following the 2021 storm events, Parks Victoria is partnering with other government agencies to support recovery efforts on public land. In the Silvan and Olinda areas, VicForest will remove debris and treat hazardous trees to reduce the bushfire risk and enable safe and rapid response to emergencies. Works will also re-establish safe public access and allow the forest to regenerate. Environmental and cultural values are being identified and managed during this process. For your safety please observe signage, do not enter work sites and beware of machinery and trucks.The following tracks remain closed until dry weather allows crews to complete:Yallambie Tk (area 3 - see map).The following tracks will be closed from 18 May to 1 June:Board Tk, Rd 2, Rd 16 and Rd 15 (area 2 - see map).Attachments: Silvan.Olinda Recovery Overview Map (288KB)
Closures due to June 2021 storm damage
- Valley Picnic Ground is closed to picnicking, visitors can use Boundary Road to access the park however no vehicle access is permitted.
- 1000 Steps/Kokoda Memorial Walk
- Sassafras Creek/Menzies Creek walking track
- Mechanics Track from the Tourist Rd to Falls Rd near Olinda Falls
- May Moon Walk at Kalorama Park
- William Ricketts Sanctuary
- Areas of Silvan/Olinda forest
Attachments: DR Storm Damage Works - Autumn 2022 Flyer (1,671KB)
Lyrebird Track closure due to recovery works
From the 30th of May to the 4th of June recovery works will occur on Lyrebird Track and 1000 Steps. Thereafter, Lyrebird Track will re-open but 1000 Steps will remain closed for insurable repairs to the stairs.
There is a alternative route along School Tk, Belview Tk and Ramu Tk (green line on map). Indicative signs will be placed at every turn along this route, which is less steep but will take longer (3.5km one way).Attachments: Alternate route to Lyrebird Track (113KB)
