Cathedral Range State Park: Ridge Walks and Camping

Cathedral Range State Park is one of Victoria’s most dramatic walking destinations, a serrated spine of rock that rises above the forested Little River valley and rewards hikers with big-sky views, technical scrambles, and sweet, starlit campsites. If you are dreaming of weekend ridge walks, boulder-hopping ascents, quiet afternoons by a mountain stream, and campfires under tall gums, this guide brings you everything you need to plan a brilliant trip.

Below you will find detailed track descriptions, campsite options, when to go, how to get there, what to pack, and practical booking advice. Whether you are eyeing off the Wells Cave Track to Sugarloaf Peak or a gentler loop to the North and South Jawbone peaks, Cathedral Range State Park delivers the perfect blend of adventure and accessibility.

Why Hikers Love Cathedral Range

• Signature ridge walking with panoramic views over the Acheron and Little River valleys
• A variety of circuits, from family-friendly forest walks to Grade 5 scrambles
• Iconic peaks including Sugarloaf Peak and the Jawbone summits, with photogenic rocky spurs
• Excellent designated campgrounds plus hike-in camp at The Farmyard
• Only a few hours from Melbourne, yet it feels a world away

Travelers come for the ridge and return for the vibe. The park’s mix of eucalyptus forest, rocky tors, ferny gullies, and broad views creates an experience that is both exhilarating and restorative. It is the sort of place where you will want to linger, read the landscape, and let the sound of the wind on the rock become part of your memory of Victoria.

Where Is Cathedral Range State Park and How To Get There

Cathedral Range State Park is located in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range in Victoria, Australia. The park lies east of the township of Buxton and north of Marysville, with the Little River running along its western flank.

• From Melbourne: Allow about 2 to 2.5 hours by car. Take the Maroondah Highway through Healesville and Narbethong to Buxton, then turn east on Cathedral Lane. Follow signs to Little River Road for the Neds Gully and Cooks Mill areas, or continue on Cerberus Road for the Sugarloaf Saddle day visitor area and trailheads.

• Road conditions: Access roads are a mix of sealed and unsealed. Cerberus Road is unsealed and can be rough after rain or storms. Always check Parks Victoria park alerts for closures or conditions before you go.

• Closest towns for supplies: Buxton and Taggerty, with larger supermarkets and services in Alexandra or Healesville.

Acknowledgement of Country

Cathedral Range State Park sits on the Country of the Taungurung People. Respect this living culture by staying on marked tracks, protecting cultural sites, and enjoying the land with care.

When To Visit

• Spring and autumn: The most popular and comfortable seasons with mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and excellent visibility.
• Summer: Hot and dry, with heat stress and bushfire risk. Start early, carry ample water, and be alert for Total Fire Ban days.
• Winter: Quiet and atmospheric with crisp air and clearer views, yet the rock can be wet and slippery. Be prepared for cold conditions and short daylight hours.

Tip: The ridge is fully exposed. Even on a cool day, sun and wind are amplified at elevation. Pack layers and sun protection year-round.

Classic Ridge Walks You Should Not Miss

Cathedral Range is famous for scrambly ridgelines, narrow rocky spurs, and rewarding summits. Tracks are rugged, sometimes steep, and require sure footing. The park uses the Australian Walking Track Grading System. Many ridge sections are Grade 4. Wells Cave Track is a demanding Grade 5 scramble that involves squeezing through a tight cave section and using your hands to climb.

Always carry a map or offline GPS, as the rocky terrain and braided pads can be confusing. The official Parks Victoria Cathedral Range visitor guide is recommended.

The South Circuit: Sugarloaf, The Razorback, and The Farmyard

The south end of the range is a playground of steep ribs and airy ridgelines that feel wild yet remain within a manageable day’s walk.

• Start: Sugarloaf Saddle day visitor area on Cerberus Road.
• Highlights: Wells Cave Track, Sugarloaf Peak, The Razorback, The Farmyard.
• Difficulty: Challenging due to scrambling and exposure. Fit, experienced hikers only for Wells Cave.

Wells Cave Track to Sugarloaf Peak

• Grade: 5
• Duration: Allow 2 to 3 hours return to Sugarloaf Peak, longer if continuing along the ridge
• What to expect: Steep rock, short chimneys, a cave squeeze, and excellent handholds. You will use three points of contact often. Carry a small pack for the cave section. If you are uncomfortable with exposure, use the Canyon Track instead.

The Wells Cave route is the most direct and dramatic way to the highest point of the park. You will thread through a rocky slot known as Wells Cave, scramble up polished steps, and pop out on a rib that leads to the summit. Views stretch to the Black Range and beyond.

Alternative: Canyon Track

• Grade: 4
• Duration: Similar time to Wells Cave without the tight squeeze
• What to expect: Steep, rocky, and still hands-on in places, yet easier than Wells Cave. A good option for sturdy hikers who prefer to avoid the cave or exposure.

The Razorback to The Farmyard

From Sugarloaf Peak, follow the Razorback north toward The Farmyard. The track undulates across rocky humps with frequent boulder hopping and some short scrambles. Cairns and markers help, yet always look ahead for the safest line. The Farmyard is a grassy saddle area where hikers often rest or camp.

• The Farmyard: A hike-in camping zone with basic facilities. It is a key junction for continuing north to the Jawbone peaks or descending to Cooks Mill via the Jawbone Creek Track.

Pro tip for the south circuit: If you have two cars, stage one at Cooks Mill or Neds Gully and another at Sugarloaf Saddle. Hike from Sugarloaf over the ridge to The Farmyard and descend to the valley. Without a car shuffle, make it a loop using the Messmate Track or follow management tracks back to Sugarloaf Saddle.

The Jawbone Peaks: North and South Jawbone

The central ridge delivers two photogenic summits that are less technical than Wells Cave yet still wonderfully engaging.

• Start options: The Farmyard if coming along the ridge, or Jawbone carpark area on Cerberus Road for a shorter day.
• Grade: 3 to 4 depending on route
• Duration: 2 to 4 hours return per peak from Jawbone Saddle, or a half day to combine both

From Jawbone Saddle, well-built tracks lead to North Jawbone and South Jawbone. The summit slabs invite you to sit and soak up long views across The Cathedral and the Little River valley. This is a great introduction to Cathedral Range’s granite and conglomerate rock landscapes without committing to the hardest scrambles.

The North Circuit: Neds Gully, Neds Saddle, Cathedral Peak, and Little Cathedral

The north end is rugged and rewarding, with fewer crowds than the Sugarloaf sector.

• Start: Neds Gully campground or day visitor area
• Highlights: Steady climb through tall forest to Neds Saddle, side trip to Cathedral Peak, traverse to Little Cathedral, then descend to Neds Gully or return via Cooks Mill
• Grade: 3 to 4 with rocky sections and occasional scrambling

From Neds Gully, a well-defined track climbs to Neds Saddle. From here, turn south to Cathedral Peak, a rocky highpoint with commanding views along the ridge. Continue to Little Cathedral for a satisfying ridge section, then choose your descent. Some hikers loop down to Cooks Mill and follow the valley back to Neds Gully.

Short and Family-Friendly Walks

Not every visit has to be a full-on ridge push. If you are camping in the valley, there are lower-key outings that showcase the park’s quieter charms.

• Friends Nature Trail: A gentle loop near Cooks Mill through riparian forest along Little River, excellent for birdwatching and spotting wallabies at dusk.
• Little River Walk: An easy stroll from the day visitor areas, shaded and pleasant in warm weather.
• Neds Gully River Walk: Flat and family-friendly, with picnic spots and access to the water for a splash in summer. Always supervise kids around flowing water.

Camping in Cathedral Range State Park

Cathedral Range has a mix of drive-in campgrounds and one iconic hike-in camp area. All campfires must be kept within the provided fireplaces where permitted, and you must bring your own firewood or use a fuel stove. Collecting firewood within the park is not allowed.

Neds Gully Campground

• Location: On Little River Road, set among tall river red gums and manna gums.
• Style: Drive-in sites, short walk to the river, great for families and groups.
• Facilities: Pit toilets, fireplaces, picnic tables.
• Vibe: Classic bush campground with easy access to the Neds Gully ascent for the north circuit. Book early on weekends and school holidays.

Cooks Mill Campground

• Location: Further up Little River Road near a historic milling site.
• Style: Open, grassy areas with shaded spots, good space for larger groups.
• Facilities: Pit toilets, fireplaces, picnic tables.
• Vibe: Friendly base camp atmosphere, convenient for the central and south sections of the park, and for the Jawbone Creek Track up to The Farmyard.

The Farmyard Hike-in Camping Area

• Location: A high saddle on the ridge between the Jawbone peaks and Sugarloaf sector.
• Style: Walk-in only, simple open sites on grass and dirt.
• Facilities: Basic, usually a drop toilet. Water is not reliable.
• Vibe: Rugged and rewarding, with sunrise and sunset views a short stroll away. This is a bucket-list Cathedral Range experience.

Note on water: Little River in the valley can seasonally provide water, yet you must treat or boil it. Water on the ridge is unreliable and often not available. Carry in what you need.

Bookings, Fees, and Park Rules

• Bookings: Neds Gully and Cooks Mill require advance bookings through Parks Victoria. Fees apply per site per night and popular weekends sell out. The Farmyard is a hike-in area that may not require booking, yet always check current rules on the Parks Victoria website as policies can change.
• Park alerts: Always check for seasonal closures, storm damage, or track maintenance notices.
• Dogs: Dogs and other pets are not permitted in Cathedral Range State Park.
• Fire restrictions: No fires on Total Fire Ban days. Use only designated fireplaces where permitted. Carry a fuel stove for The Farmyard and when restrictions are in force.
• Drones: A permit is required for drone use in Victorian parks.
• Waste: There is no rubbish collection. Pack out everything you bring in, including food scraps and hygiene products.

Safety and Preparation

Cathedral Range is a rugged environment. Visitors regularly underestimate the difficulty of the ridge and the time taken to scramble through rocky sections. Respect the terrain and go prepared.

• Fitness and experience: Wells Cave Track requires confident scrambling, small packs, and comfort with exposure. If you are unsure, choose Canyon Track or the Jawbone peaks.
• Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or approach shoes with grippy soles.
• Weather: Expect rapid changes. Wind and sun are intense on the ridge, and rock becomes very slippery when wet. Avoid the ridge in thunderstorms.
• Navigation: Carry the Cathedral Range visitor map or offline GPS. Watch for orange markers and cairns, and confirm your position at junctions.
• Communications: Mobile coverage can be patchy. Consider a PLB or satellite messenger for remote travel.
• Wildlife: Snakes are active in warmer months. Keep a safe distance from wildlife.
• Cliff edges: Stay behind safety barriers and keep well back from unstable edges.

Emergency tips

• For emergencies call Triple Zero (000). If coverage is limited, try SMS if available or move to higher ground with a clear sky view for satellite devices.
• Carry a basic first aid kit, know how to treat sprains, cuts, and dehydration, and have an exit plan if weather shifts or someone in your party is struggling.

What To Pack for Ridge Walks and Camping

• Navigation: Map, compass, or GPS with offline maps.
• Water: 2 to 3 liters per person for day walks, more in hot weather. For overnight trips, plan water carefully, as ridge sources are unreliable.
• Footwear and clothing: Grippy boots, sun hat, warm layer, rain jacket, gloves in shoulder seasons.
• Food and stove: High-energy snacks, lunch, and lightweight meals. Fuel stove for The Farmyard or during fire restrictions.
• Camping kit: Lightweight tent or tarp, sleeping bag rated for season, sleeping mat, headlamp.
• Safety: First aid kit, PLB or satellite messenger, whistle, spare batteries, and a small repair kit.
• Extras: Sunglasses, sunscreen, trekking poles for descents, dry bags for electronics.

Suggested Itineraries

Here are three tried-and-true plans to help you choose the right adventure, from a big day out to a two-night escape.

1. The South Circuit Day Hike: Sugarloaf and The Razorback

• Start: Sugarloaf Saddle day visitor area
• Distance: 8 to 12 km depending on loops and side trips
• Duration: 5 to 7 hours
• Highlights: Wells Cave or Canyon Track, Sugarloaf Peak, The Razorback, The Farmyard

Steps:

1. From Sugarloaf Saddle, ascend Wells Cave Track to Sugarloaf Peak. If you prefer a slightly easier scramble, use Canyon Track.
2. From the summit, follow the Razorback north toward The Farmyard. Take your time on the boulders and enjoy the views.
3. Rest at The Farmyard. Option to continue toward the Jawbones for a short side trip.
4. Return via the Razorback to Sugarloaf Saddle using Canyon Track for descent to reduce risk on down-scrambling.

Why you will love it: The park’s biggest vistas and most dramatic terrain in one standout day.

2. Overnight Ridge Traverse: Cooks Mill to The Farmyard Return

• Start: Cooks Mill Campground
• Distance: 16 to 22 km depending on side trips
• Duration: 2 days, 1 night
• Camp: The Farmyard hike-in area

Steps:

1. From Cooks Mill, take the Jawbone Creek Track up to Jawbone Saddle, then up to The Farmyard.
2. Drop your pack at camp and tag the Jawbone summits for golden-hour views.
3. Day 2, take the Razorback toward Sugarloaf Peak. If conditions and energy allow, ascend Sugarloaf via Canyon Track, then return to The Farmyard and descend to Cooks Mill.

Why you will love it: A classic Cathedral Range overnight with sunrise and sunset on the ridge, plus flexible peak options.

3. The North Circuit Loop: Neds Gully, Cathedral Peak, Little Cathedral

• Start: Neds Gully Campground
• Distance: 10 to 14 km
• Duration: 4 to 6 hours
• Highlights: Neds Saddle, Cathedral Peak, Little Cathedral, forested descent

Steps:

1. Climb from Neds Gully to Neds Saddle.
2. Turn south to Cathedral Peak for wide views, then continue to Little Cathedral.
3. Return via a loop to Cooks Mill and along the valley to Neds Gully, or reverse your route if time is short.

Why you will love it: A quieter circuit with excellent value for effort, ideal for confident hikers seeking ridge flavor without the Wells Cave commitment.

Rock Climbing and Bouldering

The range’s solid conglomerate and granite-like rock attract climbers, especially at the Jawbone cliffs. Routes vary from beginner-friendly slabs to steeper faces.

• Access: Respect closures and any seasonal restrictions. Approach tracks can be steep and loose.
• Safety: Helmets are recommended due to loose rock. Standard outdoor ethics apply.
• Permits and rules: Climbing is generally permitted within the park, yet new route development, bolting, or cliff-top anchors may require approvals. Check with Parks Victoria and local climbing communities.

If you are new to Cathedral Range climbing, consider going with experienced partners or booking a guide who knows the crags and access issues.

Wildlife, Flora, and Photography Tips

• Wildlife: Keep your eyes peeled for swamp wallabies, echidnas, wedge-tailed eagles riding thermals, and superb lyrebirds scratching through leaf litter.
• Flora: In spring, look for native orchids, grevillea, and wattles. The river flats host lush fern gullies.
• Photography: Dawn and dusk on the ridge produce warm light on the rock outcrops, while forest floors offer macro opportunities with fungi and moss after rain. Carry a lens cloth, as wind-driven dust is common.

Responsible Travel and Leave No Trace

Cathedral Range’s popularity means every visitor has a role in protecting it.

• Stay on marked tracks to prevent erosion and damage to delicate plants.
• Pack out all rubbish, including food scraps and tissues.
• Use toilets provided or bury waste at least 15 cm deep and 100 m from water.
• Keep fires small, off the ground in designated fireplaces, and fully extinguish with water.
• Never feed wildlife.
• Respect other visitors by minimizing noise, especially at dawn and after dark.

Nearby Attractions for a Longer Escape

Extend your trip with these regional highlights:

• Marysville: Steavenson Falls, cafes, and short forest walks.
• Lake Mountain: Winter snow play and summer hiking or cycling.
• Buxton: Famous for fly fishing and the Buxton Trout and Salmon Farm.
• Black Spur Drive: A scenic road lined with towering mountain ash between Healesville and Narbethong.
• Alexandra and Eildon: Country towns with good bakeries and access to Lake Eildon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Wells Cave Track take?

Allow 2 to 3 hours return from Sugarloaf Saddle to the summit, plus extra if you are continuing along the ridge. Times vary based on experience with scrambling and group size. The route is slow going compared to a standard walking trail.

Can beginners do Cathedral Range?

Yes, but choose the right track. Avoid Wells Cave if you are new to scrambling. Start with the Jawbone peaks from Jawbone carpark or tackle the North Circuit from Neds Gully if you have some bushwalking experience. Always carry a map, water, and proper footwear.

Is Sugarloaf Peak the highest point?

Sugarloaf Peak is the park’s highest summit at approximately 920 meters above sea level. The altitude is modest, yet the relief and exposure make it feel much higher.

Are there water sources on the ridge?

Assume no. There may be a seasonal tank near Jawbone Saddle and occasional soaks after rain, but they are not reliable. Treat Little River water from the valley before drinking.

Are campfires allowed?

Only in designated fireplaces and not on Total Fire Ban days. At The Farmyard and during fire restrictions, use a fuel stove.

Do I need to book campsites?

Yes for Neds Gully and Cooks Mill through Parks Victoria. The Farmyard is hike-in, with current policies subject to change, so check the latest advice.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Dogs and pets are not permitted in Cathedral Range State Park.

Is mobile reception available?

Coverage is intermittent. You may get a signal on some ridge points, yet do not rely on it. Consider a PLB for remote travel.

Insider Tips for a Flawless Trip

• Start early: Beat the heat and the crowds on popular tracks like Wells Cave and Canyon.
• Carry gloves: Lightweight fingerless or thin gloves help on abrasive rock.
• Pack a short strap or cord: Handy for lowering or hoisting small packs through tight spots like the cave on Wells Cave Track.
• Watch for heat: In summer, the rock bakes. Plan ridge sections for earlier in the day.
• Footwork first: On scrambles, focus on solid foot placements, test handholds, and move deliberately.

Step-by-Step Planning Checklist

1. Choose your circuit based on fitness and experience.
2. Check Parks Victoria alerts for closures and fire conditions.
3. Book your campsite at Neds Gully or Cooks Mill if staying in the valley.
4. Download offline maps and print the Cathedral Range visitor guide.
5. Pack water, food, and the right layers.
6. Tell a friend your plan, route, and return time.
7. Start early, keep an eye on the weather, and enjoy the ridge.

Conclusion: Make Cathedral Range Your Next Weekend Escape

Cathedral Range State Park is an absolute gem for hikers and campers who crave a wild-feeling landscape without days of travel. The ridge walks are memorable, with hands-on scrambling, uninterrupted views, and that special sense of achievement you get from a big day in the hills. The campgrounds along Little River are charming and convenient, and the hike-in camp at The Farmyard is a rite of passage for keen Victorian walkers.

Plan smart, choose the right track for your skill level, and treat the park with care. Book your campsite, set your alarm, and get ready to step into one of the most distinctive ridgelines in the state. Sugarloaf Peak at sunrise, a campfire by Little River, and a sky full of stars are waiting for you at Cathedral Range.