Unofficial guide · verify with Parks Victoria

Dandenong Ranges National ParkDandenong Ranges National ParkUnofficial operator’s manual

One Tree Hill

The clearing at the top of the 1000 Steps: picnic ground, toilets, filtered Melbourne views, quieter parking than Ferntree Gully, and the practical bail-out / car-shuffle end for Kokoda Track Memorial Walk visitors.

  • Best for: 1000 Steps turnaround, quieter parking, picnic after the climb, filtered city views
  • Time: 30–90 minutes as a picnic / lookout stop; longer if you start or finish the 1000 Steps here
  • Uphill from Ferntree Gully via park / tourist-road links — confirm signed access on Parks Victoria maps. Roughly 35–45 km from Melbourne CBD depending on route. Gate hours shorten outside daylight saving (6:00 am – 6:00 pm).

Verify conditions on Parks Victoria → · Park alerts

Kokoda Track Memorial Walk / 1000 Steps through rainforest gully, Dandenong Ranges National Park
One Tree Hill — 1000 Steps / Kokoda Track Memorial WalkKacey Chong · CC BY-SA 4.0

Bail-out, start point, or quiet picnic

One Tree Hill is where many 1000 Steps walkers emerge from the gully: a clearing with picnic facilities and car access. That makes it the sensible turnaround, the place to meet a pickup, or an alternative start if Ferntree Gully parking is already full.

Parks Victoria itself suggests trying One Tree Hill parking when the lower car park is jammed. Use that advice — do not circle Ferntree Gully endlessly and burn the morning.

Views and facilities

Expect filtered city glimpses through trees rather than an open cliff panorama. On clear days you still get a sense of Melbourne below; in mist you get forest atmosphere. Bring a layer — hilltops are cooler than the CBD.

Toilets and picnic areas make this a proper break point. Confirm current facilities and any temporary closures on the official One Tree Hill picnic ground page before relying on them for a large group.

Vehicle gate hours

Unlike Ferntree Gully’s year-round 6:00 am – 9:00 pm window, One Tree Hill shortens to 6:00 am – 6:00 pm outside daylight saving according to Parks Victoria’s park page. Do not plan a late winter picnic exit without checking the current gate table.

Pedestrian timing still needs daylight and energy for any descent. Night deer-control operations can close selected areas on signed nights (published window 16 August – 19 November 2026, typically 4:00 pm – 7:00 am — check which sites that night).

Highlights at a glance

  • Top of Kokoda Track Memorial Walk / 1000 Steps
  • Picnic ground with toilets and car access
  • Filtered Melbourne views through the trees on clear days
  • Often easier parking than Ferntree Gully on busy mornings
  • Natural pickup / drop-off point for groups with mixed fitness

Practical tips

  • Use as Plan B parking when Ferntree Gully is full.
  • Agree a meeting time if one car drops walkers at the bottom.
  • Check non-daylight-saving gate close time before winter visits.
  • Carry water even if “only” picnicking — hill air is drying.

Facilities & services

  • Car park
  • Toilets
  • Picnic areas
  • Lookout / filtered views
  • Vehicle gate (seasonal hours) [VERIFY]

Confirm toilets, parking and open facilities on the day via official sources and on-site signage.

Walks & lookouts nearby

Grades, times and open/closed status change — open each guide and verify on Parks Victoria before you go.

1000 Steps

hard

Melbourne’s most popular bushwalk: steep rainforest steps from Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground to One Tree Hill, memorial plaques for the Kokoda campaign, heavy weekend crowds, and a practical loop-via-Lyrebird or same-way return choice.

Grade
Steep continuous ascent — reasonable fitness required [VERIFY]
Time
~45–90+ minutes typical (fit walkers faster; many stop at plaques)
Distance
~1.8–3+ km return or loop depending on start and whether Lyrebird Track is used [VERIFY Parks Victoria wording]

View guide →

All trails

Itineraries that use this area

3—5 hours on the ground (+ Melbourne travel)

Half-day: 1000 Steps & One Tree Hill

One solid climb of the 1000 Steps from Ferntree Gully, One Tree Hill turnaround or Lyrebird loop, a picnic stop, and enough time to get home — without pretending you can also do Sherbrooke and Olinda the same morning.

7—9 hours doors-to-doors from Melbourne

Full day: Ferntree Gully, One Tree Hill & quieter forest

Morning 1000 Steps with early parking discipline, lunch reset, then Sherbrooke Falls or Eastern Sherbrooke — one hard climb and one quiet forest block, not five rushed picnic grounds.

Full calendar day (even if “only” a half-day on the ground)

Melbourne day-trip: travel & parking buffers

A realistic Melbourne day trip: traffic and train buffers, early parking, one main park goal (usually 1000 Steps or family falls), and a hard leave-by time — so you are not stuck choosing dinner in a dark Tourist Road queue.

Map

Orientation only — confirm trailheads and road status before you drive.

Interactive map — pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads and road status before you drive.

Open in Google MapsGet directions

FAQ — One Tree Hill

Tap a question to expand the answer.

Can I start the 1000 Steps at One Tree Hill?

Yes — many people park here and walk the memorial track downhill then climb back, or arrange a one-way with a pickup. Confirm track access and gate hours on Parks Victoria. Fitness is still required for the uphill leg.

Is parking easier than Ferntree Gully?

Often yes on busy weekend mornings — Parks Victoria recommends trying One Tree Hill when the lower car park is full. It is not guaranteed empty on peak public holidays.

Are the views worth a stop without walking the steps?

If you want a short picnic with filtered Melbourne glimpses and forest setting, yes. If you need a big open panorama, consider Kalorama Lookout or Burkes Lookout elsewhere in the park (and confirm access), or note that SkyHigh is a separate paid attraction outside park entry.

Stays, tours & gear near One Tree Hill

Optional next steps after you plan this area — park entry is never affiliated; camping is not permitted inside this park.

Nearby stays

Upper Ferntree Gully · Belgrave · Olinda · Sassafras · Mount Dandenong · Emerald

All Booking.com links open in a new tab and may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Park entry is never affiliated. Camping is not permitted inside Dandenong Ranges National Park.

Guided tours

Optional — useful for Melbourne visitors who prefer a guided hinterland day

A tour does not replace checking Parks Victoria / VicEmergency, gate hours, or fire closures yourself.

What to bring

Practical kit for steep steps, wet gullies and cooler hill weather

Some stay, tour and gear links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Park entry fees are never affiliated. Camping is not permitted inside Dandenong Ranges National Park. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy

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