Cathedral Range State Park — Attraction in Taggerty

Hike breathtaking ridges of the Cathedral Range. Cathedral Range State Park, located just over 100 kilometres north-east of Melbourne in Victoria, offers a range of walks, bushwalks and hikes to suit all abilities.

Adventurous walkers can tackle the challenging Razorback Track or multi-day circuit trails, which provide stunning panoramic views across the park. For a more relaxed experience, choose from the shorter walks like the Friends Nature Trail or the Little River Walk that meander through the park’s scenic forests.

Campgrounds are available for those seeking a full immersion in nature. Cooks Mill campground offers historical charm with its location beside old mill ruins, while The Farmyard provides a secluded escape accessible only by foot.

Beyond walking and camping, Cathedral Range State Park caters to rock climbing enthusiasts. The Boulders provide a perfect training ground for beginners, while Sugarloaf Saddle and North Jawbone present a steeper challenge for experienced climbers.

The park holds cultural significance for the Taungurung Traditional Owners, and Parks Victoria acknowledges their ongoing connection to this land. Visitors are encouraged to respect both the natural environment and the cultural heritage of the park.

Want to find the best trails in Cathedral Range State Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia has the top trails for walking, hiking, running and more. ...

Cathedral Range offers some quite difficult trails which are truly special and rewarding. Some portions of the trek demand rock climbing and scrambling abilities which can be challenging and feel potentially dangerous if you’re afraid of heights.

There’s plenty of trail variations to choose from for different experiences. I started from Cooks Mill and completed the South Circuit in 4.5 hours via Canyon Track (instead of Wells Cave). It’s generally recommended that only confident rock climbers enter Wells Cave due to the difficulty level.

11.4km South Circuit (652m elevation gain) : Cooks Mill - Messmate Track - Sugarloaf Saddle - Sugarloaf Peak via Canyon Track - Razorback Track - Farmyard - South Jawbone - Jawbone Carpark - St Bernard Track - Cooks Mill

The path is well signed and marked regularly but there are still plenty of chances to stray off track, so if you haven’t seen an orange marking in 100m it’s best to trace back and reassess.

Be sure to bring plenty of water, it gets really exposed at the ridge especially on a hot day! Also you may see lots of lizards at the rocky bits, potentially some snakes too but they usually hide deep in the cracks where it’s cooling. Also you might be accompanied by some persistent March flies on a hot summer day, it hurts when they sting! Consider staying away from black / dark blue clothings so you’re not inadvertently attracting too...

Only 800 metres above sea level. Never have my knees complained more about only 800 metres. We did the Jawbone Track to North Jawbone Peak. I think only my jawbone didn't hurt after that little hike. But what a hike ending with fabulous views of the surrounding, valleys, peaks and ranges. I'm pretty sure I saw an amazing Gothic cathedral at the the top of Cathedral mountain. But there is a slight possibility that was due to heat stroke and lack of water. Very pretty cathedral though. Keep your eyes and ears open for wildlife. We were confronted with a wallaby that stared me in the eye for a few seconds before bounding away. The wallaby not me. I was fumbling for my camera. I think I got 3 seconds of jerky footage that would do a Yowie hunter proud. The highlight was maybe 6 lyrebirds cavorting, splashing, washing in a stream. I don't think I've seen half a dozen lyrebirds in the wild in my entire life let alone 6 in one spot. This was before heat related hallucinations so I'm sure they were there. The hike to the north Jawbone Peak takes about an hour and half one way. Most of that one way to the peak is up hill. The last 150 metres is clambering over rocks. The good news it is mostly downhill if you take the return path. Take water, snacks and a first aid kit. Take your rubbish with you. Other hikers reported seeing brown snakes. Truly a...