Kokoda Track Memorial Walk

A tribute to the famous Kokoda Track, Dandenong Ranges’ 1000 Steps trail is a meaningful and challenging climb to the top. Since 1900 this trail has been challenging hikers with its steep inclinations and large number of steps. The journey to the top only stretches a short distance of around 2.8 kilometres, however the difficulty lies in the challenging inclination.

The purpose of the track is to educate people on the trialling times those men went through when climbing the original Kokoda Track. Along this trail, plaques have been installed depicting the lives of the soldier who fought and died on the real track in Papua New Guinea. The stairs at the Dandenong trail depict the 2000 steps cut by the Australian Army Engineers between Uberi and Imita Ridge. The Australian soldiers referred to these steps as the ‘Golden Staircase’.

The climb is surrounded by a large range of greenery including tree ferns, manna gum and black wood. This climb is a must for those up for the challenge, there is no time limit and you can climb at your own pace. There is no running allowed on the track however on the weekends and public holidays, the track is filled with climbers, some even running.