Cathedral Range – Cathedral and Jawbones is a 13km, grade 4 hike located in the Cathedral Range State Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 5 hrs to complete.
Hike overview
The Cathedral Range is a must-visit destination for hikers. This challenging hike traverses the northern and central sections of the range, offering stunning views along the way.
Start your hike at the Neds Gully Campground car park. Cross the road and follow the marked trail over the bridge. You'll soon reach a junction leading to Neds Gully Track on your right. Initially, the track is gentle but eventually becomes steeper. You'll arrive at Neds Saddle, a vantage point with sweeping views.
Consider an optional side trip to Neds Peak. Allocate about 20-30 minutes to ascend, enjoy the view, and head back. Next, take the Cathedral Track to the left. This section is very steep but short, leading to a saddle along the ridge.
Another optional side trip is Cathedral Peak. Head right and ascend to the summit, savoring the breathtaking views before returning to the saddle.
From the saddle, follow the Ridge Track south. The first 1-1.5 kilometers are challenging, requiring scrambling over rocks. Keep a keen eye out for frequent markers. Enjoy the panoramic views as you progress.
Near the 2-kilometer mark from the saddle, you'll encounter a junction with the North Jawbone Track. Take this to the left and gently descend to the trail ascending to the peak. Ascend the peak, explore the viewpoints, and then descend back down.
At the junction again, head left. At the next junction, veer right towards The Farmyard. Ascend South Jawbone Peak from The Farmyard and admire the spectacular views. Once finished, return to The Farmyard and follow the trail back to the junction you passed when coming from North Jawbone Peak.
Head right and descend into the valley. The trail is steep but easy to follow. After about 1 kilometer, you'll reach the Jawbone Carpark.
Keep an eye out for the entrance to the Saint Bernards Track on your left. It's often obscured by parked vehicles. Take this track for about 1 kilometer to arrive at Cooks Mill.
Near the campsite, veer slightly left to find the Little River Track. Initially, the trail meanders through trees before emerging onto a dirt road for about ¾ kilometers. The path then re-enters the bush, guiding you on a pleasant walk back to the Neds Gully Carpark.
Neds Gully Camping Area
Set in open woodland by the Little River, Neds Gully is the perfect spot to escape and unwind with the family. Follow the Little River Trail for your chance to spot koalas. For experienced hikers, it’s a great base to hike up to Neds Peak for panoramas across the Cathedral Range or to explore the challenging hikes throughout the park.
Neds Gully is suitable for walk-in tent camping only and is accessible via a short walk across a pedestrian bridge over Little River. The campground is equipped with basic facilities including pit toilets, and fireplaces. Individual campsites cannot be reserved, please select your campsite(s) within the campground on arrival. Sites are not marked but are large enough for tents.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 814 m
Min elevation: 314 m
Total climbing: 700 m
Total descent: -700 m
Tips
- Either Jawbone peak makes a good lunch spot, which one you choose is more likely dictated by how hungry you are.
- Hiking poles will be very useful for this.
- Remember your camera.
Trail location
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Getting there
Cathedral Range State Park is 2 hrs 15 min from the Melbourne CBD. From Melbourne follow the Maroondah Highway to Buxton. Continue past Buxton for 9.5km and turn right into Cathedral Lane to find the park entrance 2.5km on your right. Turn right again on to Little River Road, continue for 2.5km and Neds Gully Camping Area is on your right.
About the region
The jagged ridges of the Cathedral Range offer spectacular views and some of the best hiking in the state. Take a gentle walk along the Friends Nature Trail or prepare to tackle the rugged and challenging Razorback Trail or circuit routes. Either way you won't forget the awesome views. The Cathedral Range is a spectacular seven kilometre ridge of sharply upturned sedimentary rock.
A variety of walking tracks ranging in difficulty from easy to challenging offer the opportunity to explore the park’s main features and climb the peaks to enjoy views of the forests and farmland in the valley below. Rock climbing, fishing and camping are other popular activities that can be enjoyed in this park. Advance bookings and payment for camping are required year round.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.
1 Review on “Cathedral Range: Cathedral & Jawbones Hike (13km)”
A fantastic hike with sensational views. Note, the trail to Neds Gully is rated as Grade 4 and the Farmyard/Ridge Track to Jawbone Creek Track is rated as Grade 5.