Cathedral Range – Little and Cathedral Peaks is a 8.7km, grade 4 hike located in the Cathedral Range State Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 4 hrs to complete.
Hike summary
The Cathedral Range is a spectacular area that should be on any Melbourne hikers to do list. This Little and Cathedral Peaks hike takes in the Northern part of the Range and has some truly spectacular views. Starting at Neds Gully Campground car park, cross the road then take the marked trail over the bridge. Shortly you will see a junction to Neds Gully Track the right. Initially the track is gentle but shortly becomes steep. Eventually you will come to Neds Saddle. At the junction take the trail to head up to Neds Peak, admire the view and head back to Neds Saddle.
Back at the saddle take the marked trail to Little Cathedral. This follows the side of the Range and gradually rises. You will come to a junction where the trail goes to Cathedral peak to the left. Disregard this turnoff for now and continue to Little Cathedral. Once you have admired the views, retrace your steps back to the junction to take Ridge Track up to Cathedral Peak. This part has a lot of rock scrambling, and care should be taken to keep a look out for trail markers. You will soon reach the main ridgeline and the Peak. From here the trail follows the ridge, but also drops down off the ridge at a few points.
Before long you will descend to another saddle, where the trail continues straight ahead, or drops down to your left. Take the left down Cathedral Peak Track. This drops very steeply and you should take care. Nearing Neds Saddle the trail eases off. Once you reach Neds Saddle then follow the trail back down to Neds Gully Carpark.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 830 m
Min elevation: 313 m
Total climbing: 693 m
Total descent: -693 m
Gear you might need
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Location
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Getting there
Cathedral Range State Park is 2 hrs 15 min (153km) from Melbourne CBD. From the Eastern Freeway, take Ringwood Bypass to Maroondah Highway. Pass through Healesville, Narbethong and Buxton. Approximately 9.5km past Buxton, turn right onto Cathedral Lane. Follow this for 2.7 km; turn right onto Little River Rd (dirt road). Meet at the carpark on your left.
Let someone know before you go
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
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.
Gallery
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Let someone know before you go. Register your trip intentions here. Your trip intentions will be emailed to your emergency contact.
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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.