The Cathedral Ranges are without a doubt one of the most picturesque places in Victoria to go hiking. Located in Taggerty, a town 121 kilometres northeast of Melbourne, the Cathedral Ranges Northern Circuit is a fantastic day hike.
Our group started from Ned’s Gully campground car park early in the morning and began ascending Ned’s Gully track.
This section is relatively easy as it is a gradual incline. But, it can still be hard going on the legs in parts.
The track winds its way up to a junction where you can take a short trail up to Ned’s Peak, continue on another trail to Little Cathedral Peak, or take the steep Cathedral Peak Track to the ridgeline.
Our group took the Cathedral Peak Track, and we experienced unbelievable views over Buxton and parts of Marysville.
After a break, something to eat, and plenty of pictures, we were back on the trail heading south on the Ridge Track.
Up until this point, you’ll probably find your pace to be fairly good.
However, it is slow going when you walk the Ridge Track as there are plenty of rocks to navigate and your concentration levels are at an all-time high.
For me, this is the most enjoyable part of the northern circuit.
After completing this section, we made our way south to an area known as The Farmyard to have some lunch.
This area is a large clearing where camping is permitted but is only accessible by hiking in.
After lunch, we descended the Jawbone Creek track, which is downhill the entire way until the last little bit where you ascend up some stairs to the Jawbone car park.
From there, we took St Bernards Track, passed through the popular Cooks Mill campground, and made our way back to Ned’s Gully campground car park via the Little River Track.
We started the Cathedral Ranges Northern Circuit at 9:45am and were back at the car park at around 3:30/3:45.
Depending on your pace, you could easily hike this trail in 4-5 hours.
In my opinion, the Cathedral Ranges Northern Circuit is best done on a day when there are clear skies and little rain.
Firstly, the views on the Ridge Track are much better if there are clear skies.
Also, you wouldn’t see much on a fairly cloudy day. Secondly, walking along the Ridge Track on a wet day or when it has been raining isn’t the best idea.
Even on the driest of days, you can easily slip on those rocks and hurt yourself.
Note: if you’ve done this one before and are up for a challenge, the Cathedral Ranges Southern Circuit is a level above the Northern Circuit.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cathedral Ranges Northern Circuit
How long is the Cathedral Ranges Northern Circuit?
The circuit is approximately 11.6 kilometers long and typically takes 4-6 hours to complete, depending on your pace and the stops you make.
What is the difficulty level of the trail?
As it is considered one of the tougher day hikes in Victoria, the trail is considered to be moderate to challenging, with some steep sections and rocky terrain. It’s suitable for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness.
Are there any facilities available along the trail?
The trail has limited facilities, such as picnic areas and toilets at the trailhead. As always, be sure to carry enough water and snacks as it is quite exposed on the Ridge Track.
What is the best time of year to hike the Cathedral Ranges Northern Circuit?
I recommend hiking the circuit from September to November and March to May when temperatures are milder and the scenery is vibrant.
The Cathedral Ranges Northern Circuit
Length (km): 11.6kms (according to WikiLoc)
Time: 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Return/Circuit/One Way: Circuit
Location: Cathedral Ranges National Park, Melbourne
Maximum elevation: 861m (according to WikiLoc)
Accumulative elevation uphill: 540m (according to WikiLoc)
