1000 Steps

The 1000 Steps, officially the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, is a steep bushwalking track in the Dandenong Ranges National Park at Upper Ferntree Gully, Victoria, about 35 km east of Melbourne. Created as a memorial to Australian soldiers who fought along the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea during World War II, it features 1000+ steps through tall mountain ash forest, interpretive plaques, and connects to One Tree Hill, offering a challenging fitness walk and historical reflection.

Visitors can expect a steep, well-maintained stepped trail climbing through dense mountain ash and fern gully forest in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. The walk begins at Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground and ascends via over 1000 stone and timber steps, lined with 14 interpretive plaques detailing the Kokoda campaign. The track is shaded, often damp, with lyrebirds and native birds, and leads to One Tree Hill picnic area with views. It is a strenuous fitness walk, not a casual stroll, with continuous uphill and downhill sections.

Established as a memorial to Australian soldiers who fought along the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea during World War II in 1942. The 1000 steps represent the Golden Staircase, a steep section of the original Kokoda Track. Interpretive plaques along the walk commemorate the campaign and the service of Australian troops.

Serves as a living war memorial and place of remembrance for the Kokoda campaign, widely used by the community for fitness, reflection and Anzac Day commemorations. The track fosters awareness of Australian military history within a natural bushland setting.