Kokoda Track & 1000 steps are still closed, so we did The Lyrebird Track Fitness Steps which runs parallel to this. Hot day forecast so we arrived early. When leaving after 11am, the car park was full. There are toilet facilities near the car park. There are drink taps at the top of the lyrebird track. So great to escape the rat race & get into nature, listening to the kookaburras laugh, the cockatoos screech, the water streams trickle & breathe in fresh air. Please be considerate & do not litter! Disappointed to see a few discarded masks & other litter 😠

One of my most favourite places. Great workout. I'm a regular. You definitely need a moderate level of fitness to climb the Steps. Since reopening after the storm damage, the steps themselves don't seem quite as busy. The playground and barbecue areas have just been redone (not that i ever use these, but they do get busy on the weekends). I do get annoyed at people leaving their rubbish behind and bringing their dogs. National parks are all dog free and don't have bins, so be prepared to take your rubbish home if you visit.

Amazing scenery. 1000 steps was a challenge due to its elevation. We made it to the top and that was an achievement. Once committed, you can only go up. The weekend was a bit crowded but achievable. Would prefer a quieter climb to fully appreciate my surroundings.

An enjoyable track with lots of storyboard plaques on the ascent to the top. The walk itself takes about 15-30 minutes depending on how often you stop and read the plaques, or take breaks etc. It can get quite slippy on a wet day but is a beautiful walk nonetheless. Some people use this as regular fitness or just to get some fresh air.

A lot of free parking space. Beautiful hiking spot. Not too difficult track. BBQ equipment and toilets included.

It is just so beautiful here. The air is fresh, the forest is stunning and the location is so relaxing. Sure, you have to manage your way through tourists, but it's a great spot. I grew up right near here and the steps were the best exercise you could get. Be mindful, the walk up to the steps is almost harder than the actual steps

Is a very natural national park ,you can explore a lot of things in here ,we found a red bird and kookaburra,we walked 1000steps is not really difficult very easy to reach to the summit ! I am highly recommend here and is not crowded very peaceful.

Difficult, but rewarding trail hike. There are so many tracks to choose from, I went up the Kokoda trail (which is one way) and back down the Lyrebird trail. Both trails are very tiring and demanding, but I saw a variety of people of all ages going their own pace. Reserve at least 2 hours to walk the whole trail. There are some beautiful picnic areas, and there are plenty of rest points along both the Lyrebird and Kokoda track. The Kokoda track is just beautiful, it follows a small creek all the way up, and has beautiful ferns on either side. Just be mindful the steps are very slippery, so hold on to the handrail.

Nice walk, even with kids. We went with a few families, and we had 4 year olds and older making it all the way up and down. We also had a couple of babies being carried in a carrier by their dads. As there isn’t much sun it stays quite wet and at times slippery. The top of the 1000 steps is an anticlimax and no great view. There are a couple of better views on the way up and down. At the base of the hike is a nice playground and toilet facilities. Parking was very full on a public holiday but luckily we found one right away.

Beautiful, picturesque, always loads of cockatoos, bird life & wallabies. Very steep in section good area to train for grade 3+ hikes

Used to go frequently until the secret was out. Thought I’d give a return visit a shot. I was impressed. Water fountains at various locations which has appeared to have stopped the dumping of water bottles👌 The steps track is now one way 👌 which saves you having to squeeze through or get knocked down by the energetic joggers on the way down. Unfortunately doesn’t stop some😩 but whatever. I went around 6pm so less walkers at that time. Toilets have also been upgraded👌plenty of parking at that time of day. Just a hint, if no parking, find somewhere else or risk being fined. Plus if it’s that busy you will literally be like on a peak hour train and it’s not fun. There is the wider track to come down. Which is also a two way track. Once at the top keep going to One Tree Hill and see the memorial there. And don’t forget what the track is about, take some time to read the informative boards they have about. Certainly makes you appreciate the freedom and pleasure of walking

The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk is quite popular as a relatively easier track which takes about 30-40 mins to finish. There are another 3 different tracks which are shorter and easier. I think it's really good for a 2 hours walk altogether. The info for the Papua New Guinea history in helping Australia in the WWII against Japanese army is itself very informative.

Beautiful walking and hiking trails set in natural environment. Popular spot, with playground, cafe and public toilets. Busy on the weekends. I tend to avoid the weekend as climbing the narrow steps to difficult when too many people are there. Early morning weekdays much quieter. Parking on site.

Fun, quick, moderately challenging, scenic hike. 🌄 A narrow, 45-minute, 250 metre elevation, one-way up, dirt and stone staircase track. Overall around 1.5-2 hour loop from, and to, the parking lot. Or longer if you want to continue further North. With plaques commemorating the WWII Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, for which the track is named after due to the rainforest atmosphere. Busy during the day, so it is recommended to trek either early after sunrise, or close to sunset. Don't forget a water bottle. You may get lucky and see some native fauna, such as the noisy Superb Lyrebird. 🐦‍⬛

Wonderful place for people who's hiking for fun! Id recommend taking the lyrebird track first just to get some tough cardio in, then go to the one tree hill picnic ground. From there, go to dobson track and try going through a beautiful shortcut to clarks road. It was hard but the walk was so gorgeous. Id recommend having a small bite at the thousand walk cafe to begin and going to proserpina bakehouse later. The thousand walk area was pretty crowded, but towards the dobson track, it became much more quiet. There were a lot of places to refill your bottle as well as plenty of washrooms. it was clean and kept well, with no trash in sight. Lovely time!

An awesome weekend or weekday walk. Be prepared for the car parking challenges regardless of the time of day or morning…but it’s worth it. People are coming and going the whole time. The photos show the two tracks, I recommend going UP the 1000 steps and down the other side. It’s a beautiful walk surrounded by trees (and shade). There are lots of rest stops with some seats to allow others to pass you or for you to pass other scenic walkers. The grounds have a lot of areas to picnic as well in addition to the cafe (we did not go to). Highly recommend for the whole family.

We recently visited the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk and was deeply moved by the experience. The 1000-step climb was challenging, but it was worth it to see all of the memorials and tributes to the brave Australian soldiers who fought and died during World War II. The park is beautifully landscaped and provides a peaceful and reflective atmosphere. The walk is a must-see for anyone interested in Australia's military history or for those who want to pay their respects to those who have served our country. I highly recommend this memorial walk to all visitors to Melbourne.

I love this trail. It's still doable in rainy/winter days but thrives in summer/spring. Is hard enough for a seasoned hiker, but also easy enough for someone looking for a small challenge. I'd recommend coming in the early afternoon for less crowds though

Beautiful place, great place for a weekend walk

Great track with easy public transport access.

Have been meaning to do this walk for several years. Finally got around to do it and really enjoyed it. Nice scenery as you walk up. Track is well maintained. Large carpark at the bottom with public toilets, barbecues and a cafe. Is a bit challenging but there are plenty of seats to stop for a rest if you have to so anybody of an average level of fitness should be able to complete it. Highly recommend.

Not so difficult track anyone with a reasonable fitness level could do it. Would take 15 to 30 min depending on the fitness level. Tranquil surrounding. Ideal on a summer day. Many stops to rest. Could be slippery on a wet day. 1000 steps track is one way currently due to COVID. Could be used as a track to build fitness as well.

Good walk up the top! Take your time and enjoy the fresh air!

The scenery is majestic. The 1000 step trail is definitely a challenge for those who want to experience what Australian soldiers had to go through. Don't forget to bring lots if water and take breaks throughout.

A great hike!! A great boost dopamine for my weekend!! Steps are steep, it takes me only 30min to hike without stopping. Overall good experience to exhaust my legs muscles 😂

I'm a local to the area, this is my weekly go to for a bit of a cardio session. There's an abundance of trails that link above the steps that you can loop into various different tracks. Beautiful greenery, great for a walk to decompress in nature. The steps from the first to last without stopping is a rough gauge of 10-15mins. The rest of the trails are predominantly flat and easy going. Biggest advice wear proper training shoes and be wary when it has rained, the trial is much more slippery. There are also water fountains at the base of the steps & when you reach the top.

Great exercise trail. Good cardio workout with steep hill climb. Sufficient car parks and BBQ areas. Plenty of drinking fountains at the top of the lyre bird track.

amazing path, goes up really high. it was great for exercise. there's not much of a view at the top, and the paths can be slippery if wet. some of the stairs near the top are at a slight angle too, so please be careful.

Fantastic walk and great tracks. The history and monuments are very insightful and moving. A great experience and good training for the real thing.

Lovely spot in the Dandenong ranges, the walking trails are quite well maintained and there is something for all ages and difficulties. Make sure you have blocked enough time as there are quite a few things to cover.

Fantastic scenery, good trail maintenance. Rest stops at regular intervals so it is also great for children and those needing a break. Challenged myself to make it to the top of the stairs without stopping - success! Then, went on to do some of the other trails and they were peaceful and beautiful.

The signs are very clear and no risk to get lost. The most easy loop is blocked tho. Water available at the beginning and on the top of the loop. Many BBQ areas at the begging area. It's nice to spend time with friends or family here and enjoy the nature.

Great experience! Don't miss the opportunity to visit. Be prepared for real 1000 steps so depends on your age and condition it might take a while to climb. There are few drinking spots at the beginning at the bottom and on the top. I.e. we had 3 girls age 6, 12 and 13 climbed up no problem. However bigger issue was to walk down the hill :). This track is visited regularly by many joggers and some go up and down several times in a row. Nature is beautiful and some good panoramas. Choose timing according to the weather since it will be very slippery and risky during rainy days.

Amazing walk in beautiful forests in Ferntree Gully. It’s a 2.5km lush green walk for nature lovers and fitness lunatics.

Love the trails. If you want some good bush walking that is family friendly then this is highly recommended.

Best moment for parking is early in the morning or late afternoon.

Beautiful nature and great for hiking but we went on public holiday parking was full we have to wait until someone goes

I thoroughly enjoyed this place which pays tribute to our fighting men who endured so much on the Kokoda track in Papua New Guinea

One of the best hiking places I have seen in Melbourne with no so much crowd, parking is subjected to availability, cuz there are car parks available. It was raining heavily. Taking a damn water bottle with you is must 😄. Need moderate fitness. Actually not for everyone obviously, my heart could barely withstand the tremendous effort of coming up here. It's a great trek and a perfect cardio test!Fantastic place to work out in nature.

A popular rainforest track The track is not far from a train station. It has a big parking lot but I can imagine it will be crowded on a good day. I started the Kokoda track to go up and took the Lyrebird down, as Kokoda is one way. I recommend the Kokoda up because it has staircases. The staircases are well maintained with rails and many small stops to take a break. Finishing the track is definitely an exercise. Along the way, enjoy some views, history lessons, the natural sounds of a small stream, bird spitting, and the fresh air of a rainforest. There is water on top and toilets at the parking lot. The cafe at the parking lot is also good.

Incredible hiking experience, both beautiful and a nice challenge! Worth going if visiting Victoria, especially if you live in the state. But try to go off peak because it does get busy which may ruin the experience for some.

The effort you put in to get up the 1000 steps is worth it. Even if only for the view you get when you get to the top. Not exactly the easiest of walks, so pack your walking shoes. Lovely break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy the quiet that nature has to offer.

The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, nestled in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, is a heavenly haven for nature lovers and history buffs alike. The 1000 Steps Walking Trail, a true testament to one's endurance, takes you on a journey through lush, verdant forests and serene landscapes, making the challenge worthwhile. As you immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings, the trail reminds you of the courage and sacrifices made by the soldiers during WWII, adding a poignant touch to your experience. The symphony of birdsong and the rustle of leaves beneath your feet make it the perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle. After conquering the trail, treat yourself to a well-deserved break at the nearby cafe. With its delightful menu and warm, inviting atmosphere, it's the ideal spot to refuel and relax. The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk is a must-visit destination for a rejuvenating day out amidst nature's beauty. Important note: This location can get busy, so be sure to go early in the morning to secure a parking spot.

It's a nice one-hour or two-hour excursion that is suitable for almost all ages (5 to 65). Nice view with only 30 minutes drive from eastern suburbs such as Boxhill and Doncaster.

It's a good place for relaxing or sport. There are so many options over there - hiking, walking, bbq.