1000 Steps Melbourne

When people talk about great walks in Melbourne they normally refer to the Botanical Gardens, the Yarra River, Carlton Gardens and the foreshore at St.Kilda Beach. The 1000 steps, Mount Dandenong can be added to that list of great Melbourne walks. The people of southeast Melbourne have been trekking up the hill for many years, but recently the rest of Melbourne have caught on to this great walk.

Located 60 minutes from the city, the 1000 steps walk starts in the Ferntree Gully National Park and finishes at One Tree Picnic Ground .The walk starts as a leisurely stroll through the temperate rainforest but quickly heads upwards as it approaches the start of the 1000 steps. Named after the famous and steep Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea, the 1000 steps has plaques along the way explaining the struggle Australian soldiers went through during the 2nd World War.

1000 Steps Mt Dandenong Melbourne

There are many things that make the walk one of Melbourne’s best. First, the workout, approximately 5km roundtrip and in many places straight up, it gets the blood pumping and lungs working! Some people repeat the steps part, me, I walk to the One Tree Picnic ground where a water tap awaits me. Secondly, the scenery and wildlife – manna gum and fern trees make up the forest foliage along with lots of Australian animals. I’ve spotted Wallabies, Kookaburras, Lyre Birds and Rosellas to name a few. And lastly, the social aspects of the area. BBQs located at the base are utilised by many walkers and there’s also play equipment for the children.

Mt Dandenong, Melbourne

Besides the 1000 steps there are other less strenuous walking tracks, which suit people who are looking just for a stroll in the Australian bush. For tourists, the track can be reached on public transport from Melbourne by taking the train to Belgrave and getting off at Upper Ferntree Gully station. From there it’s a 10-minute walk up Burwood Highway. Naturally, Saturdays and Sundays are busy after 10am but try after work on a weekday if you’re looking for a quieter time. I look forward to passing you on the track!

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