Ferntree Gully is closely associated with the southern section of Dandenong Ranges National Park. The best-known local walk is the 1000 Steps, officially the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, which begins at Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground in Upper Ferntree Gully. The steep track follows a creek through forest before reaching higher ground, with the Lyrebird Track commonly used for the return journey.
Parks Victoria describes the 1000 Steps as one of Melbourne’s most popular bushwalks and notes that the car park can fill early on weekend mornings. Public transport is a practical alternative: Upper Ferntree Gully station is on the Belgrave line, and the picnic ground is within walking distance. Conditions can be slippery, dogs are not permitted on the walk, and park closures can apply during extreme fire danger or severe weather.
The national park setting is larger than this single track. Ferntree Gully is a gateway to tall mountain ash forest, picnic areas and quieter walks across the southern ranges. Closer to residential streets, local reserves provide space for shorter outings and organised recreation. Together, these places explain why the suburb feels both metropolitan and closely connected to bushland.
Sources: Parks Victoria — 1000 Steps, Parks Victoria — Dandenong Ranges National Park South.