Trail summary

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Quick overview: Experience the thrill of the 13km Cathedral Range hike, a Grade 4 circuit trail that will take you through the heart of Victoria's northern and central ranges in Australia. This challenging hike starts from Neds Gully Campground car park, offering breathtaking views from Neds Saddle, Cathedral Peak, and South Jawbone Peak. Expect a mix of gentle and steep tracks, optional side trips, and a fair bit of rock scrambling. Don't forget to make a pit stop at the iconic landmarks like The Farmyard, Jawbone Carpark, and Cooks Mill. Perfect for seasoned bushwalkers seeking a rewarding day out.

Length: 13km

Duration: 5 hrs

Grade 4 (Hard)

Style: Circuit

Start: Neds Gully Camping Ground

End: Neds Gully Camping Ground

Location: Cathedral Range State Park

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Taggerty

From state capital: 117km

Latitude: -37.35583976222267

Longitude: 145.7530349493027

Hike Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

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Safety advice

The Cathedral Range is a special place that has a lot to offer hikers, but it should not be underestimated. The terrain is dominated by rocky ridges and outcrops, requiring navigation of steep climbs, uneven surfaces, and potentially slippery sections. Weather conditions can shift rapidly, so trekkers must be prepared for all possibilities.

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.

Camping in the Cathedral Range State Park

Cathedral Range State Park offers several camping options to suit different preferences.

Cooks Mill campground provides a scenic riverside location with shade and a variety of sites suitable for tents, campervans, and a limited number of caravans. Amenities include pit toilets, fireplaces, picnic tables, and shelters.

For a more secluded experience, Neds Gully campground is accessible by a short walk across a swing bridge. This campground is limited to tents only and offers basic amenities like pit toilets and fireplaces.

The Farmyard, designed for experienced hikers, provides a remote overnight camping option directly on the range. This location is accessible only on foot and has no facilities. Campers must bring their own drinking water, gas stove for cooking, and firewood (purchased from nearby towns as collecting firewood within the park is prohibited).

Regardless of your chosen campsite, remember to book online in advance for Neds Gully and Cooks Mill (bookings can be made through parks.vic.gov.au or by calling 13 1963). Specific campsites cannot be reserved, so selection happens upon arrival. Additionally, bring your own cooking plates and drinking water for all locations. Campfires are only permitted in designated fireplaces using purchased firewood, not collected from the park.

Tips

The Cathedral Range should not be underestimated.
The terrain is dominated by rocky ridges and outcrops, requiring navigation of steep climbs, uneven surfaces, and potentially slippery sections.
Weather conditions can shift rapidly, so walkers must be prepared for all possibilities.
Be aware that many trails are steep and rocky, and can become slippery after rain or in misty weather.
Only attempt to summit Sugarloaf Peak if you are comfortable with heights and exposed sections requiring scrambling.
Follow the orange trail markers provided in designated areas.
Plan for slower progress due to the rugged terrain. Expect to cover 1.5-2km per hour in some sections.
Hiking poles are highly recommended for certain sections of the trails.
Let someone know where you are hiking and when you expect to return.

Trail features

Rough Trail
Exposed Ledges
Rock Scrambling
Steep Terrain
Overnight Campsites

Map and GPX file

Cathedral Range: Cathedral & Jawbones Hike (13km)

Total distance: 12800 m
Max elevation: 814 m
Min elevation: 314 m
Total climbing: 700 m
Total descent: -700 m

Download file: Cathedral%20Range%20-%20Cathedral%20Jawbones.gpx

Getting there

Cathedral Range: Cathedral & Jawbones Hike (13km)

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.

Get directions

Access conditions

2WD Access
Gravel Road
Public Toilets
Campfire Pit
Camping Area

Photo gallery

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

About the region

Cathedral Range State Park boasts a dramatic landscape with jagged ridges offering stunning views and hiking trails. Hikers of all levels can explore the park's amazing and rugged beauty. The Friends Nature Trail provides a gentle introduction for families, while experienced walkers can traverse the challenging Razorback or longer circuit routes. All trails reward hikers with breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and valleys.

Camping allows visitors to experience the park under the starry night sky, sharing the environment with native wildlife like kangaroos and lyrebirds. Cooks Mill campground offers historical charm, while The Farmyard provides a secluded escape accessible only by foot.

Beyond hiking, the park caters to rock climbing enthusiasts. The Boulders offer a perfect training ground for beginners, whereas Sugarloaf Saddle and North Jawbone present a steeper challenge. Sugarloaf Saddle also boasts a stand of Mountain Ash, one of the world's tallest flowering trees, with some specimens reaching an astonishing 90 meters.

The Cathedral Range's rugged beauty demands respect. Hikers should be aware of the prevalent rocky terrain with steep climbs, uneven surfaces, and potential for slippery conditions. Weather changes rapidly, so be prepared for all possibilities.

The park holds significance for the Taungurung Traditional Owners, and their ongoing connection to this land is acknowledged and respected.

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Let someone know

Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

Reviews

Cathedral Range: Cathedral & Jawbones Hike (13km)

1 Review on “Cathedral Range: Cathedral & Jawbones Hike (13km)”

Overall rating

Stuart Hislop

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.

13/03/2023, 09:06

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe

Acknowledgement of Country

Cathedral range: cathedral & jawbones hike (13km)

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.