HIPPO'S WALK: Kokoda (1000 Steps) Memorial Walk and Lyrebird Track, Dandenong Ranges National Park

Melbourne, 29 July 2019

So, this Monday I dedicated my time to visit Dandenong Ranges National Park. Since it would be my first time of solo hiking, I decided to take the most popular track i.e. Kokoda (1000 Steps) Memorial Walk, Dandenong Ranges National Park. From Box Hill, I took Belgrave line and got off at Upper Ferntree Gully train station. From there, I walked for around 10 minutes to reach the Ferntree Gully picnic ground.

The track begins from Kokoda Memorial Archway and continues past the playground. In the little amphitheatre there are 4 big pillars wit the word endurance, sacrifice, courage, and mateship. Those words had significant meaning for the diggers and also past and present Australian Defence Force personnel whom the memorial dedicates. And there's board of information related with World War II and the Australian spirit.

The information aboard about (original) Kokoda track

The four pillars

After the amphitheatre, there's a fork in the path. To the left is the start of Lyrebird Track (2.5 km) and to the right is  the Kokoda (1000 steps) Memorial Walk (1.8 km). Both end in One Tree Hill Picnic Ground. Total elevation gain 627 ft (around 190 m).

The path fork

For ascending I chose the Kokoda Track. The track is gravel and dirt with a lot of steps, classified as Grade 5 trail. It is estimated to be completed in 1.5hrs in reasonable fitness level. The steps end in Kokoda Village and the trail continues for another half kilometer to the One Tree Hill picnic ground, in which along the way there are some standing signs depicting profiles of the soldiers of 39th Infantry Battalion of Australia which was heavily engaged in the defence of Port Moresby, fighting along the Kokoda Track, in  year 1942. For detailed information, click here. And in the picnic ground there are some stone pillars to commemorate the native carriers of the Kokoda Track.

To go back to where I started, I chose different track i.e. Lyrebird track This track isn't as scenic as the Kokoda track  which follows the river and goes through fern gullies. It's more open and surrounded by gum trees. It is longer than Kokoda track and steeper, I even saw one lady fell down on the track.  One thing for sure, both tracks require good level of fitness. I personally spent 1hr 10 min of walking plus 30 min rest.

In front the monument at the One Tree Hill picnic ground

in middle path of Lyrebird track

I felt so overwhelmed and energized during and after my trip. It felt so good to be close to the nature. Can't wait for another hiking.

-ari.sita-