Four hikers took on the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk during a cool and damp summer evening on Friday 12 January 2018.

Our first walk followed the famous staircase uphill through the fern-filled forest before returning by a different track. The original event advertised a 5km loop with approximately 340m of climbing. Our Garmin recorded 5.05km, completed in 1 hour and 13 minutes, with 309m of total ascent.

Mist hung between the trees throughout the walk, giving the forest a distinctly atmospheric appearance.

Hike at a glance

Climbing the 1000 Steps

Beginning from Ferntree Gully, the route gradually entered the cool, sheltered forest before reaching the main staircase.

The sustained climb up the steps was the central challenge. Although the route was short compared with many of our longer group hikes, gaining more than 300m over approximately five kilometres made it an energetic evening walk.

The paved steps climbed between ferns, wet vegetation and towering trees. Cool, damp conditions made the forest particularly atmospheric, but also meant that care was needed on potentially slippery surfaces.

A memorial walk through the forest

The 1000 Steps is officially known as the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk. Fourteen plaques positioned along the climb commemorate Australian soldiers who fought and died during the Kokoda campaign in Papua New Guinea during the Second World War.

The walking track itself predates the memorial. It was created during the early 1900s, when tree-fern trunks were placed across wet sections to make the climb easier. These were later replaced with wooden palings, followed by permanent concrete steps in 1950.

Veterans of the Kokoda campaign adopted the site as a memorial in 1998. The staircase represents the Golden Staircase, the name given to approximately 2,000 steps cut into the Kokoda Track between Uberi and Imita Ridge.

The memorial setting gives the climb a meaning extending beyond its popularity as a fitness challenge. Visitors should take time to read the plaques and understand the history they represent.

Returning through the misty Dandenongs

After completing the staircase, we returned using a different, much wider forest track. Mist remained visible between the tall gums as the group descended, creating a quiet contrast to the physical effort of the climb.

The group completed the 5.05km circuit in 1 hour and 13 minutes. After a short break, the same four hikers prepared to tackle another loop in the opposite direction, this time climbing by an alternative track before descending the 1000 Steps.

Planning a visit to the 1000 Steps

This report describes the route and conditions experienced by our group in January 2018. Tracks, access arrangements and park conditions may have changed since then.

The official Parks Victoria guide to the 1000 Steps provides current visitor information, access updates and closure notices.

Before visiting:

• Check current track conditions and park closures.
• Prepare for a steep and sustained staircase.
• Wear footwear with suitable grip, particularly in wet weather.
• Carry drinking water and protection from rain or changing conditions.
• Allow faster walkers to pass where the track is narrow.
• Remember that the park closes on days of Extreme Fire Danger or severe weather.
• Dogs, bicycles and horses are not permitted on the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk.

The 1000 Steps can become exceptionally busy, particularly on weekend mornings. Quieter periods may offer a more enjoyable walk, but anyone visiting late in the day should check current park opening hours and carry a reliable light.

This hike was organised through Green Trails Australia’s Meetup group. View the original Hike Up the 1000 Steps event.