1000 Steps Up on the Kokoda Memorial Trail

After driving by the parking lot to the Kokoda Memorial Trail for more than three years now, on Friday we finally took the plunge, or rather the ascent, and conquered the 1,000 steps to the summit. Located at the intersection of Burwood Highway and the Mt Dandenong Tourist Road in Ferntree Gulley, the Kokoda Memorial Trail is a popular spot for picnickers and fitness buffs, many of whom try to run up the steep, slippery stone steps.  Never mind that in so doing they pose a risk both to themselves and to those slower hikers whom they pass along the way. It appears that the challenge is just too irresistible.  

I climbed the steps at a slow but steady pace, choosing to enjoy the mountain ash, fern trees and noisy parrots along the way.   I was grateful for the numerous memorial plaques that provided an excuse to stop and catch my breath, and was more than happy to step off the trail to allow plenty of space for the joggers.  Even better, James went on ahead with his hero Gus, and in the absence of a parent, it apparently never occurred to him to complain about being tired.  I will have to remember that the next time we walk home from school.  When he is forced to walk closer to home, James can't make it more than two blocks without collapsing from exhaustion.  

Posing before starting the big climb:  Everyone is still happy.

Smiles at the Top

Resting after running all the way up

 

The Kokoda Memorial Trail is a tribute to the bravery of Australian troops who fought through atrocious conditions and against vastly superior enemy numbers in the Papua-New Guinea campaign of July 1942-January 1943. With US support the Australians inflicted on the Japanese Imperial Army its first defeat and helped to prevent a Japanese invasion of the Australian continent.

 

Although the 1,000 steps are plenty difficult for the average hiker, they provide only a small taste of the obstacles and exhaustion faced by the WWII soldiers who climbed the actual Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea with its more than 2000 steps.  A pavilion at the start of the trail provides historical background, including four pillars with the words Courage, Endurance, Mateship, and Sacrifice.

This ended up being a more positive experience than I had anticipated.  It surely helped that we did it on a sunny but breezy weekday afternoon with a reward of cinnamon donuts waiting for us at the bottom.

In case you are curious, I read elsewhere that the trail contains only 770 actual stone steps.  However my pedometer gave me credit for an altitude of over 100 flights of stairs, which averages out to about 1000 steps up.  It was certainly enough to make my legs sore for a couple of days afterward.

 

 

Comments

[Emma]

Hi Christie,

I only recently came across your blog, while looking for people that has relocated to Australia, as my husband and I are planning to do so next summer (Northern Hemisphere). We have two sons, 4 and 8 years old.

I have found your blog very interesting, especially informative about what there is to do in Victoria. We are looking to relocate to Geelong area.
Any advice would be much appreciated, and if you won't mind I might need to pick your brain from time to time. Thank you. :)

[Shanda]

That looks like quite the climb! I had to laugh at the part when you wrote that James didn't complain b/c there were no parents nearby.

[Christie]

Hi Emma,
I'm glad you came across my blog and have found it useful. We love Victoria and wish you all the best as you relocate here. I'm happy to answer any questions. I'll send you an email so that you can contact me that way if you like, or you can always ask questions in the comments section of posts. Christie

[BJ]

Hello,
I recently found your blog while searching for blogs of Americans with families who have moved to AU.
I am curious what you think of the schools compared to the US?

Thanks for your time!

[Christie]

Hi BJ,
I can't really comment on comparing American schools to Australian ones as I haven't yet sent my kids to school in the U.S. In general, though, the consensus is that there is less homework in Australia, and far more time during the school day devoted to physical activity. I like both of those things about Australian schools. The standard of work my children are completing seems quite high. I have heard complaints that Australian schools don't offer as many accommodations for special needs learners, but I don't have personal experience with that issue. Hope that helps, and feel free to ask more questions! Christie