One Tree Hill

One Tree Hill is a picnic ground located at the top of the famous Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, also known as the 1000 Steps, in the Dandenong Ranges.

Nicely maintained by rangers, the Kokoda Track is a beautiful walking track with adjacent forested areas, bushlands and various scenic points. Whilst visiting the steps, you will get a small glimpse into the physical effort experienced by the Australian soldiers during 1942.

Most people come to One Tree Hill Picnic Ground to catch their breath after traversing the challenging 1000 Steps hike. As the name suggests, the 1000 Steps includes stone steps that lead to the popular One Tree Hill; which starts at the cafe at the Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground and leads up the top of the mountain.

If you do not wish to tackle the 1000 Steps up to One Tree Hill, you can take the Lyrebird Track which runs to the left of the 1000 Steps. Lyrebird Track is 700 metres longer than the 1000 Steps but is in the form of a sloping rise, rather than the challenging stone steps. (Although there are some smalls steps that run along the Lyrebird Track you can use in wet or slippery weather if you so wish).

The One Tree Hill picnic area is well-equipped with several picnic tables, two picnic shelters, free electric BBQ’s, car parking, toilets (including an accessible, unisex toilet) and grassy areas where you can set up a picnic blanket.

You can either walk or drive to One Tree Hill, with car access to Lord Somers Road via Churchill Drive or One Tree Hill Road. The picnic grounds sit at about 500 metres above sea level, so can get very cold during winter; make sure to dress appropriately for the conditions on the day.

Bring along your friends and family for a day out in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, but please note that dogs are not permitted anywhere in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.