Cathedral Range – Northern Circuit (14.7km)

Summary

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.

This Cathedral Range – Northern Circuit hike explores the northern range taking in South Jawbone Peak, North Jawbone Peak (optional side trip), The Farmyard, Little Cathedral Peak, Neds Peak and Neds Gully.

Commencing at Cooks Mill make your way in a westerly direction along the well formed Cerberus Road. After a short distance you will see Saint Bernards Track to your right. Follow this along its lebgth to the Jawbone Car Park. From the carpark, follow the Jawbone Creek Track up a long flight of rock steps to The Farmyard. From here you can do a quick side trip up the South Jawbone Track to South Jawbone Peak for amazing views across the Cathedral Range and Valley Below.

Retrace your steps and follow the Farmyard Track north. Aft6er about 700m the North Jawbon Track will appear on your right. This is an alernate side trip to North Jawbone Peak.

Continuie north to follow the ridge line all the way to The Cathedral Summit and on to Cathedral North then Little Cathedral Peak which marks the end of the range.

From the summit of Little Cathedral Peak retrace your steps until you reach a sign post identifying the Little Cathedral Track. Follow this track down into Neds Gully and towards the Neds Gully camping area. Before reaching the camping area you will find Little River track on your right. From this point is is approximately one hours walk through forest back to Cooks Mill and the start of your hike.

Getting There

From Melbourne follow the Maroondah Highway to Buxton towards Taggerty. Continue past Buxton for 9.5km and turn right into Cathedral Lane to find the park entrance 2.5km on your right. Roads within the park are not suitable for coaches beyond Little River Bridge.

Tips

Many of the trails are steep and rocky and can become slippery following rain or misty weather. Orange trail markers have been provided in places. Generally rugged terrain will result in slower progress times. Allow 1.5-2km per hour in places.