After completing an uphill circuit of the 1000 Steps earlier that evening, the same four hikers set out again at 7:30pm to walk the route in the opposite direction.
This time, we climbed towards One Tree Hill using an alternative forest track before descending the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk. The change of direction and slightly different route produced different Garmin results: 5.78km in 1 hour and 21 minutes, with 311m of total ascent.
The evening light was already fading as we began our second circuit, while cool, damp conditions continued through the forest.
Hike at a glance
| Detail | Planned | Garmin recorded |
|---|---|---|
| Date | Friday 12 January 2018 | — |
| Starting time | 7:30pm | — |
| Distance | Approximately 5km | 5.78km |
| Duration | Up to 1 hour 30 minutes | 1 hour 21 minutes |
| Total ascent | Approximately 340m | 311m |
| Group size | Four hikers | — |
| Route | Climb by another track and descend the 1000 Steps | Completed |
| Difficulty | A reasonable level of fitness required | Grade 3 |
Returning for a second circuit
Completing two consecutive circuits gave us the opportunity to experience the same forest from different directions.
Instead of beginning with the staircase, we climbed towards the top of the 1000 Steps using a broader forest track. The alternative route added approximately 730m to the distance recorded during our earlier circuit, although the total ascent remained similar.
Tall gums rose above the lower ferns and forest vegetation as the remaining daylight gradually disappeared.
Fading evening light among the tall gums, ferns and broad forest tracks.
A wallaby beside the track
During the evening walk, we encountered a wallaby sitting quietly in the grass beside the forest. The low light and damp conditions created a peaceful scene as we passed.
Wildlife should always be given plenty of space. Walkers should avoid approaching, touching or feeding wallabies and other native animals, allowing them to move away without feeling surrounded or threatened.
Descending the 1000 Steps
After reaching the upper section of the circuit, we began the descent along the paved staircase of the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk.
Descending placed different demands on the legs compared with our earlier climb. The damp steps required particular care as we made our way down through the ferns in fading light.
We completed the second circuit in 1 hour and 21 minutes, finishing shortly before the park’s 9pm closing time. Across the two consecutive hikes, the four participants covered a combined 10.83km with approximately 620m of recorded ascent.
What hikers said
One participant later summed up the evening:
“Good walk Michael, plus the weather was cool and damp. Thanks for the enjoyable company as well.”
The two circuits also provided an opportunity to welcome some newer members to the group, who hoped to return for future walks.
Planning an evening walk
This report documents a group hike completed in January 2018 and should not be relied upon as a current route or access guide.
Parks Victoria currently advises that the Ferntree Gully entrance has automatic gates operating between 6am and 9pm. Opening arrangements can change, so check the current Dandenong Ranges National Park information before setting out.
For an evening circuit:
- Allow enough time to finish before the applicable park closing time.
- Carry a dependable headlamp, even if you expect to finish before dark.
- Wear footwear with suitable grip for damp or slippery steps.
- Carry water and appropriate protection from rain.
- Keep your distance from wallabies and other wildlife.
- Avoid relying solely on a mobile phone for lighting.
- Check for track closures, severe-weather warnings and fire-danger restrictions.
The official Kokoda Track Memorial Walk page identifies steep and slippery surfaces as key hazards.
This hike was organised through Green Trails Australia’s Meetup group. View the original Hike Down the 1000 Steps event.