Kokoda Track Memorial Walk
Melbourne's famous '1000 Steps' through the Dandenongs — a memorial walk and fitness challenge in one, rated 4.7.
Some links are affiliate links — if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our Spot Score or what we recommend.
Why it's worth checking out
The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk — known to most Melburnians simply as the '1000 Steps' — climbs through the lush forest of the Dandenong Ranges, east of the city near Ferntree Gully. It's both a moving tribute to the Australians who fought along the Kokoda Track in WWII and one of the most popular fitness walks in the state.
The trail winds up through towering mountain ash and tree ferns, with memorial markers and information along the way that give the climb genuine meaning beyond the workout. It's a rewarding challenge that draws everyone from serious trainers to families, all sharing the same steep, beautiful forest path.
With a 4.7 rating from more than 2,100 reviews, it's a firmly established Melbourne favourite. The walk is free, but the steps are steep and can be slippery, parking fills early on weekends and trail conditions vary with the weather, so it's worth checking current information before you go — and taking water, decent footwear and a reasonable level of fitness for the climb, which is more demanding than the name might suggest.
Reviewed by Iyan B.
Good to know
- The walk passes through Tree Fern Gully, so expect a forested environment with natural ground conditions
- This is a memorial walk, so a respectful approach to the plaques is encouraged
- Being in a gully setting, check weather conditions as the track may be muddy after rain
Best for
Practical details
Opening hours
Closed- MondayToday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- Closed
- Thursday
- Closed
- Friday
- Closed
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- 00:00 – 23:59
Spot Score
- Reputation
- 88
- Popularity
- 100
- Information quality
- 30
- Category fit
- 70
- Freshness
- 30
Our independent editorial score — not a user rating.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk located?+
The walk is located at Tree Fern Gully Track, Tremont VIC 3785, in the Brunswick area of Melbourne.
What can I expect to see on this walk?+
You'll walk through lush forest surrounds with memorial plaques dedicated to Australian soldiers from the Kokoda campaign throughout the route.
How is the walk rated?+
The walk has a 4.7-star rating based on over 2,100 reviews.
Nearby venues
Fiorelli Restaurant
$$Homestyle Italian staples in a bustling bar/restaurant with a sandstone facade and outdoor tables.
East of Everything
$$Trendy hangout with whitewashed walls and barstools, for craft beer, cocktails and soul food snacks.
AM Bakehouse
Bakeries in Hawthorn, Melbourne.
Shanklin Cafe
$$Cafes in Hawthorn, Melbourne.
More tourist attractions in Melbourne
Point Ormond Lookout
Elevated viewing platform on the Elwood foreshore with panoramic bay vistas and beach access.
St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne
Neo-Gothic cathedral, consecrated in 1891, with twin spires and stained-glass processional doors.
Burkes Lookout
Popular sunset vista point offering panoramas of the Melbourne area & nearby walking tracks.
Princes Pier
Photogenic pier with old wooden structures & sunset views, a historic landing point for settlers.