One Tree Hill Picnic Ground
A serene picnic ground at the top of the 1000 Steps, offering shaded relaxation, BBQ facilities, and a peaceful escape in nature.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Secure a picnic spot
One Tree Hill Picnic Ground
Best Time
Secure a picnic spot
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene picnic ground at the top of the 1000 Steps, offering shaded relaxation, BBQ facilities, and a peaceful escape in nature.
"Perfect for a half-day trip: hike, picnic, and relax in a peaceful forest setting."
🚗 Parking Tips
Arrive early on weekends as the car park fills quickly. Overflow parking may require a walk. :car:
🥾 Hike & Picnic Combo
Combine a hike on the 1000 Steps with a relaxing picnic lunch. Perfect half-day trip! :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Top of the 1000 Steps
Adjacent to Kokoda Memorial Walk
The perfect reward after conquering the challenging 1000 Steps hike. Catch your breath and enjoy the views.
Picnic Shelters & BBQs
Picnic area
Enjoy a meal with free electric BBQs and sheltered picnic tables, ideal for groups and families.
Peaceful Forest Escape
Surrounding grounds
Relax under ample shade from mature trees, offering a tranquil atmosphere away from the city bustle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Prime Spots
Dress for Mountain Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Arrive early on weekends as the car park fills quickly. Overflow parking may require a walk. :car:
🥾 Hike & Picnic Combo
Combine a hike on the 1000 Steps with a relaxing picnic lunch. Perfect half-day trip! :hiking_boot:
🧥 Layer Up!
It can get cold and windy here, especially in winter. Bring extra layers for comfort. :coat:
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
Remember that pets are not permitted in the picnic ground area. :noentrysign:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Arrive early on weekends as the car park fills quickly. Overflow parking may require a walk. :car:
🥾 Hike & Picnic Combo
Combine a hike on the 1000 Steps with a relaxing picnic lunch. Perfect half-day trip! :hiking_boot:
🧥 Layer Up!
It can get cold and windy here, especially in winter. Bring extra layers for comfort. :coat:
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
Remember that pets are not permitted in the picnic ground area. :noentrysign:
📱 Stay Connected
Mobile networks are generally operational in the area. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise One Tree Hill Picnic Ground as a peaceful, well-equipped spot for picnics and a rewarding stop after the 1000 Steps hike. Its natural shade and BBQ facilities are highlights, though arriving early is crucial on weekends due to popularity. Some note the cold weather in winter, advising visitors to dress warmly.
"One Tree Hill Picnic Ground is a good resting stop if you plan on doing the 1000 steps hike. You can also drive straight up there without hiking, and it has enough parking if you are prepared to walk from the lower sections. It's great for anyone who likes a nice outdoors escape.
The picnic area is nicely set up with a few picnic tables, but you'll want to come early on a sunny day as they can quickly get occupied. There's also a few spots that are sheltered, free electric BBQs, car parking, toilets, and grassy patches where you can spread out a blanket. It’s got enough shade and trees that it feels peaceful and cooling, especially compared to the city. The facilities are clean enough, though not fancy, but for what it is they’re good.
What I liked especially is that it sits at the top end of the 1000 Steps / Kokoda Memorial Walk. So if you’ve pushed yourself up those steps, this place is perfect for catching your breath, grabbing a bite, enjoying views through the trees. There are other walking tracks nearby so you can extend your walk if you want something longer or less steep.
It can be cold up there in winter, more so when the wind picks up, so layers help. On weekends and nice days the car park fills up, so arrive early if you want a good spot. Also, keep in mind that there are no dogs allowed.
Overall, it’s a great escape from the hustle. Would recommend for a half‑day trip: hike, picnic, relax."
Tim J
"One Tree Hill is a picnic ground located at the top of the famous Kokoda track memorial walk, worth visiting this point to catch their breath after traversing the challenging 1000 Steps hike. This picnic area is well-equipped with several picnic tables, two picnic shelters, free electric BBQ’s, car park, toilets. The picnic grounds sit at about 500 metres above sea level, so can get very cold during winter especially on windy days. There is a 2nd world war memorial as well. Car access to Lord Somers Road via Churchill Drive or One Tree Hill Road."
Jawad Arain
"Nice place for a moderately high altitude forest hike around the Dandenong Ranges.
Sufficient parking with some 15+ spaces at the top and entry of the grounds. 🅿️
Plenty of bathrooms, barbecues, and tables. 🚻♿🍖🌳🌳🌳
Mobile networks fully operational in the region. 📶"
Andrew Khassapov
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access One Tree Hill Picnic Ground via Lord Somers Road, Churchill Drive, or One Tree Hill Road. There is a dedicated car park, but it can fill up quickly on busy days.
Public transport options are limited. It's generally recommended to drive. Check local bus routes for potential connections to nearby areas, but expect a significant walk. :bus:
From Melbourne, head towards the Dandenong Ranges. Use GPS navigation for the most direct route to One Tree Hill Road or Churchill Drive, leading to the picnic ground. :car:
Yes, there is a car park at the picnic ground. It offers around 15+ spaces, but it's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot. :car:
Absolutely! The picnic ground is located at the top of the 1000 Steps, making it the perfect place to rest and refuel after your hike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to One Tree Hill Picnic Ground is free. You can enjoy the facilities and natural surroundings without any admission cost. :moneywithwings:
The picnic ground is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no strict opening or closing times posted, but it's best to visit when there's natural light. :clock1:
No booking is required for picnic tables. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early is recommended on busy days. :calendar:
While there are no official restrictions mentioned, it's a popular spot. For larger gatherings, consider arriving very early or visiting on a weekday. :peopleholdinghands:
Yes, there are free electric BBQs available for public use. Remember to bring your own cooking utensils and food. :fire:
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The picnic ground offers picnic tables, sheltered picnic areas, free electric BBQs, toilets, and grassy areas for spreading out blankets. :toilet: :barbecue:
Yes, it's a popular starting or finishing point for the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk. There are also other walking tracks in the surrounding Dandenong Ranges for longer hikes. :hiking_boot:
The picnic ground is situated at approximately 500 metres above sea level, which contributes to its cooler temperatures. :mountain_snow:
Yes, the picnic ground is well-shaded by numerous trees, providing a cool and peaceful environment, especially on warmer days. :evergreen_tree:
Yes, there are toilet facilities available at the picnic ground. They are described as clean enough for their purpose. :toilet:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, free electric BBQs are available for use. It's a great way to enjoy a meal outdoors. :fire:
There are no cafes or restaurants directly at the picnic ground. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks for a picnic. :sandwich:
Bring picnic essentials like food, drinks, utensils, plates, and a blanket. If using the BBQs, bring tongs and any necessary cooking spray or oil. :forkandknife:
The nearest shops and cafes would be in the towns within the Dandenong Ranges, such as Olinda or Sassafras. Plan your purchases before heading to the picnic ground. :shopping_cart:
It's a great spot for casual gatherings. For larger events, check with local park authorities for any permit requirements, though it's generally suitable for informal celebrations. :confetti_ball:
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the lush forest canopy, the views through the trees, and the 1000 Steps memorial. The picnic shelters also make for charming shots. :camerawithflash:
While not panoramic vistas, the surrounding forest offers beautiful natural light and textures for landscape and nature photography. :camera:
Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light. Midday can be harsh, but the shade offers some relief. Consider the weather for dramatic shots. :sunriseovermountains:
You can see the start/end of the 1000 Steps from the picnic ground, but for full views of the steps themselves, you'll need to be on the track. :camerawithflash:
The 2nd World War memorial is a significant landmark. The picnic shelters and the dense forest provide picturesque settings. :military_medal:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the 1000 Steps might be too challenging for very young children, families can still enjoy the picnic facilities and explore shorter, gentler walking tracks in the vicinity. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and dress the kids in layers to account for the cooler mountain air.
🚶 Hikers & Fitness Enthusiasts
If you're looking for a longer workout, explore the network of other walking tracks in the Dandenong Ranges that connect to this area. The cooler, shaded environment is ideal for strenuous activity, especially during warmer months.
couples
Consider combining your picnic with a leisurely stroll on one of the nearby walking tracks for a perfect half-day escape. The cooler mountain air adds to the refreshing experience, making it an ideal spot for couples seeking a serene natural retreat.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 1000 Steps & Kokoda Memorial Walk
Many visitors use the picnic ground as their starting or finishing point for the 1000 Steps. It's a place to catch your breath, rehydrate, and enjoy a well-deserved meal after the strenuous climb. The proximity of the picnic facilities to the end of the track makes it an ideal combination for a half-day adventure in the Dandenong Ranges.
Beyond the 1000 Steps, the area offers other walking tracks for those seeking different levels of difficulty or longer excursions. These trails wind through the beautiful forest, allowing visitors to further immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region.
Picnic Facilities and Atmosphere
The atmosphere is consistently described as peaceful and cooling, thanks to the ample shade provided by the surrounding trees. This makes it a pleasant escape from the heat of the city. The facilities, while not luxurious, are noted as being clean and functional, meeting the needs of a casual day out.
Beyond the tables and BBQs, there are grassy areas perfect for spreading out a picnic blanket, allowing for a more informal and relaxed dining experience. The presence of toilets adds to the convenience, making it a well-equipped spot for families and groups.
Weather and What to Pack
It's highly recommended to dress in layers. This allows you to adjust your clothing based on the temperature and your activity level. A waterproof or windproof outer layer is a wise addition, particularly if the weather forecast is uncertain.
Even on a sunny day, the shade from the trees can make it feel cooler. Bringing a warm hat and gloves during cooler seasons can enhance comfort. Mobile phone reception is generally good, so you can check weather updates or stay connected.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit