The original wooden steps were replaced with concrete ones in the late 1990s to improve safety and longevity.
The trail was first created in the early 1900s to facilitate access to the One Tree Hill area before it was formally dedicated to the Kokoda campaign.
The ascent covers approximately 300 meters of elevation change from the base of the gully.
The surrounding forest is home to the Superb Lyrebird, known for its complex vocal mimicry.
The area contains a significant population of ancient tree ferns, some of which are hundreds of years old.
The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, commonly known as the 1000 Steps, is a commemorative hiking trail located within Dandenong Ranges National Park. It serves as a living memorial to the Australian soldiers who fought and died on the real Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea during World War II. The trail features approximately 1,000 stairs constructed from concrete and wood, winding through a fern-dense temperate rainforest. It functions both as a rigorous fitness challenge and a site of historical reflection, marked by plaques detailing the experiences of specific soldiers. The route traverses Tree Fern Gully, characterized by high humidity and dense canopy coverage. Visitors ascend from the trailhead through varied vegetation, including mountain ash and lush fern undergrowth. The terrain is notably steep and features sustained elevation gain over a short distance. It is managed by Parks Victoria and attracts high volumes of hikers seeking endurance training. The memorial integrates natural geography with commemorative infrastructure to recreate the physical difficulty of the original campaign.
The mid-way point where the staircase curves under a dense canopy of ancient tree ferns.
Use the handrails provided on steeper sections to maintain balance during wet conditions.
Pack a light jacket as the temperature in the gully is frequently 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding areas.
Prioritize early morning arrivals to secure parking, as the lot reaches capacity rapidly on weekends.
Attempting the climb without a basic level of cardiovascular fitness or during heavy rain when wooden sections become slippery.
Maintain silence near memorial plaques to respect the commemorative nature of the site; wear proper athletic footwear with high traction.
