1000 Steps, Upper Ferntree Gully (As per title there are lots of steps)

The 1000 Steps is one of Melbourne’s most iconic bushwalks. Officially known as the "Kokoda Track Memorial Walk".

Distance:
Approximately 300 m of elevation and 3 km return (one loop). Depending on how you feel, you may elect to do two loops of the steps.
Note: There are drinking fountains near the bottom and at the top of the 1000 steps.
Check the weather on the day and dress accordingly.

Cafe after the hike
For those interested we can also visit a local cafe after the hike.

Some history:
Created in the early 1900s, the 1000 Steps Walk was originally made from tree fern trunks laid along the wetter areas of the track to make the climb a little easier. These were replaced by wooden palings, and more permanent concrete steps were installed in 1950.
The veterans of the Kokoda campaign adopted this park as their memorial site in 1998. The similarity of the walk to the first 100 metres of the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea resulted in the establishment of fourteen plaques along the walk, dedicated to the Australian Military Forces who fought and died on Kokoda. The 1000 Steps represent the ‘Golden Staircase’, a name given by Australian soldiers to the 2000 steps cut by the Australian Army Engineers and others into the track between Uberi and Imita Ridge.

Location:
The 1000 Steps trail is located within the Ferntree Gully Picnic grounds, and the entry can be found at the intersection of Mount Dandenong Tourist Road and Burwood Highway in Upper Ferntree Gully.

NOTE to all attendees:
All attendees participate at there own risk and accept liability for any injury, loss or damage that may (in an unlikely event) occur during this event.