- Duration
- a driving day, ~40 km from the city (≈ 3 h 59 min: moving and stop time only)
- Who it suits
- Everyone
- Transport
- drive
- Start
- 1000 Steps
- Finish
- Sassafras
- Pace
- moderate pace
- Best time
- a weekday morning, before the coaches reach the 1000 Steps
- Budget per adult
- fuel and a pie in SassafrasPrices as of: July 2026; transport and zoo prices October 2026
Getting there
Go by car. On weekends the 1000 Steps car park is full by 9.
Stops in order
The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.
1. 1000 Steps~1 h 20 min at the stop
The creek climb kept as a Kokoda memorial. Locals use it as training. It is not Puffing Billy and not a queue for a steam train.
Tip: The climb takes 40–60 minutes. The Ferntree Gully car park gates open 6am to 9pm; on weekends it's full by 9am. The park closes on Extreme Fire Danger days.
Open on the map ↗↓ drive · 20 min · 12 km
2. Grants Picnic Ground~40 min at the stop
A clearing in Sherbrooke Forest where lyrebirds come to the tables if you sit still. Do not feed them. You do not need to.
Tip: The picnic-ground café is temporarily closed; a coffee van runs Tuesday to Saturday. Quiet beats crumbs: a weekday morning almost guarantees a bird.
Open on the map ↗↓ drive · 6 min · 2 km
3. Alfred Nicholas Gardens~45 min at the stop
A 1930s garden in a gully under mountain ash: terraces, stone walls, streams and a lake with a boathouse. Free and nearly empty while everyone is at the Olinda lookouts.
Tip: A steep unsealed path of about 1 km leads to the lake; return the same way. Open in daylight hours, closed on Extreme Fire Danger days.
Open on the map ↗↓ drive · 8 min · 3 km
4. Sassafras~40 min at the stop
One main street, pies and tea. Finish the day here, before the mountain road gets dark.
Tip: Take the pie away if the tables are full. The city is about 45 minutes back.
Open on the map ↗
Before you go
- Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
- Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
- On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.