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Length: 11km
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Duration: 3-4hrs
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Grade: 4-5
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Style: Circuit
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Start: Cooks Mill Campground
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End: Cooks Mill Campground
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Location: Cathedral Range State Park
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Closest Town: Taggerty
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Distance from CBD: 121km
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State: VIC
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Latitude: -37.379472
Longitude: 145.760872
Keep the Trail Access info current...
Gravel Road
Public Toilets
Picnic Shelter
Picnic Table
Camping Area
Campfire Pit
Large Car Park
2WD Access
Winding Road
Untreated Water
Select items to indicate conditions for access to the trail.
2WD Access
4WD Access
Public Transport
Bitumen Road
Gravel Road
Steep Road
Winding Road
Speed Bumps
Vehicle Ford
Entry Fee
Large Car Park
Small Car Park
Accessible Parking
Accessible Toilet
Public Toilets
Drinking Water
Untreated Water
Picnic Shelter
Picnic Table
BBQ Facilities
Campfire Pit
Camping Area
Keep the Trail Features current...
Rock Scrambling
Steep Terrain
Scenic Viewpoints
Overnight Campsites
Rough Trail
Exposed Ledges
Well Marked
Bush Bashing
Cathedral Range State Park...
Select items to indicate features found along the trail.
Concrete Path
Timber Boardwalk
Gravel Path
Sandy Trail
Rough Trail
Undefined Trail
Prams & Strollers
Manual Wheelchair
Motorised Wheelchair
Bicycle Trail
Mountain Bike Trail
Historic Rail Trail
Dog Friendly
Urban Walk
Coast & Beach
Historic Lighthouse
Waterfalls & Lakes
Rainforest Walk
Goldfields & Mining
Heritage Walk
Aboriginal Art
Alpine Region
Alpine Huts
Exposed Ledges
Rock Scrambling
Steep Terrain
Bush Bashing
River Crossings
Scenic Viewpoints
Well Marked
Drinking Water
Untreated Water
Fishing Spots
Swimming Spots
Overnight Campsites
Trail Running
Horse Riding
Hike 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 - Southern Circuit hike explores the southern section of the range, taking in some fascinating features such as Wells Cave, The Canyon, Sugarloaf Peak, The Razorback, The Farmyard and South Jawbone. This is a hike for those with a sense of adventure as it involves a serious amount of unassisted rock scrambling along exposed ledges and steep rocky outcrops as you make your way up to Sugarloaf Peak and along the aptly named Razorback Track.
Commencing at Cooks Mill make your way in a southerly direction along the well formed Tween Spur Road. After about a kilometre of easy walking you will reach the recently opened (2012) Messmate Track to your right.
The Messmate Track winds it way across several wooded gullies connecting the Sugarloaf Saddle visitor area with Cooks Mill Heritage Site and camping area. It is quite a pleasant section of the hike and along its 3km length you will experience a gradual ascent until you reach Sugarloaf Saddle.
From the car park you have two options in order to gain Sugarloaf Peak. You can continue along the main track through attractive open forest to the start of a rocky ridge. The trail climbs the very crest of this ridge to Sugarloaf Peak. The alternative, and route for this hike is to take the lesser traveled Wells Cave track. This is recommended for experienced hikers only as it is steep in places, requires a lot of rock scrambling and unassisted climbing and traverses some exposed ledges en-route. While this track can be challenging in places you will be rewarded with a real sense of adventure and in my opinion is well worth the effort provided you have a head for heights.
On reaching Sugarloaf Peak you will be rewarded with amazing 360 degree views of the valley and ranges below.
From Sugarload Peak, the trail continues north, gradually ascending along the rocky and narrow 'Razorback'. There is a lot of rock hoping, scrambling and abrupt drops along the way. The going is fairly straight forward and the trail easy to follow (just stick to the ridge). Make sure you take the time to stop and appreciate the views as they truly are spectacular. After approximately 2.5km the trail becomes easier and the rocky ridge is replaced by open woodland. Soon after this a junction is reached as you arrive at the open grassy flat called The Farmyard. This is a great spot to stop for lunch or for an overnight camp. It is quite sheltered and protected.
From the Farmyard there is 15 minute side trail which takes you to South Jawbone Peak and another opportunity to take in the rewarding views.
After returning to the Farmyard turn east to follow the Jawbone Creek Track as it slowly descends Jawbone Saddle to the car park below. This section of the trail follows a series of man made steps and is quite easy to follow. Poles may be useful on this section to reduce jarring of your knees.
Continue your descent through Jawbones car park as the trail winds its way through open forest back to Little River and your starting point at Cooks Mill.
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.
Tips
Only attempt the gain Sugarloaf Peak if you have a head for heights and don't mind exposed ledges and rock scrambling. Never descend via Wells Peak. Poles may be useful in sections. 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.
Circuit via Messmate track
Cathedral Range - Southern Circuit (11km)
GPX File
Max elevation: 899 m
Min elevation: 375 m
Total climbing: 650 m
Total descent: -651 m
Circuit via Cerberus Road
GPX File
Max elevation: 897 m
Min elevation: 375 m
Total climbing: 643 m
Total descent: -644 m
Hikes Nearby
18 thoughts on “Cathedral Range – Southern Circuit (11km)”
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Hi trail hiking- i’ve noticed that a couple of posts have % signs in the title- has anyone else seen that or is it my weird settings maybe?
Melissa Presley when you’re back!
Was there on the weekend …. busy … but great location not too far from Melb.
My all time favourite rock scrambling hike. Not to undertaken in the wet! And only with people who are climbers or good with heights/scrambling using hands and feet
%thankfulreply%
Just finished this trail on Sunday past, and it was brilliant. Definitely not for people who aren’t comfortable with heights and exposure. For those who enjoy scrambling over rocks, it was heaven. Easy to follow trail throughout.
Mark R Reardon I want to do this one once my ankle is better. Maybe 2 loops though, or 3 if we are getting serious ????
Yes indeed.
Brendan Gillet is this the trail you fid??
Nah we did the cathedral peak track broooo
Suzie Sharp I think we really need to book a weekend when I get back & do this & the northern circuit. Joelene Gordon-Cooke would you be interested?
Yep
awesome! When I get back we’ll book it in
Long weekend?
Did it last weekend, via Wells Cave. An awesome hike, well worth doing. So is the Southern Circuit.
I as wondering how to get past that crack that has the fallen tree in it above Wells Cave. Did not feel happy going on the outside to the left and could not work out another way.
There are two ways to get past.
1. Around the outside as you suggested. It is quite exposed and not safe unless you are confident free climbing short distances.
2. Make your way up the crack in the rock. It is quite challenging but a lot safer than option 1. If you scroll down to view my photos you will see how we tackled it
Please note that from Cathedral peak, all the way to Sugarloaf, and both Wells Cave and Canyon track are now all Grade 5 on the signs.