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 overview
The Cathedral Range is a spectacular area that should be on any 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.
<h3>Neds Gully Camping Area</h3>
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: 830 m
Min elevation: 313 m
Total climbing: 693 m
Total descent: -693 m
Trail location
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
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.
Gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
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.
Similar trails nearby
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.
Suggest an edit
Does this hikes information need updating? Sometimes the route, trail features or access conditions change.
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.