Trail Fast Facts

Cathedral Range: North & South Jawbone Peaks is a 7.5km, grade 4 hike located in the Cathedral Range State Park, Victoria. The hike typically takes 3-4 hours to complete.

Length: 7.5km

Duration: 3-4 hrs

Grade 4 (Hard)

Style: Return

Start: Cooks Mill Campground

End: Cooks Mill Campground

Location: Cathedral Range State Park

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Taggerty

From state capital: 121km

Latitude: -37.378730127300564

Longitude: 145.75920939445498

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

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Warning

The Cathedral Range is a special place that has a lot to offer hikers, but it should not be underestimated. The terrain is dominated by rocky ridges and outcrops, requiring navigation of steep climbs, uneven surfaces, and potentially slippery sections. Weather conditions can shift rapidly, so trekkers must be prepared for all possibilities.

Hike Overview

Cathedral Range State Park, located in Taungurung Country, is an awe-inspiring mountain range that forms part of the Great Dividing Range. Only 90 minutes from Melbourne, it serves as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, drawing its name from the distinctive peaks resembling cathedral spires and buttresses.

For those seeking a challenging yet achievable day hike, the North and South Jawbone Peaks hike offers a 7.5km, grade 4 trail. Typically taking 3-4 hours to complete, this hike is perfect for reasonably fit walkers. The trail features steep climbs and uneven terrain, requiring good balance and strong legs. Hiking poles can be beneficial, especially on the steep, uneven rock stairs and exposed areas.

The return trip covers about 7.5km from Cooks Mill Campground and includes both craggy peaks. Starting from the Jawbone Carpark trailhead can shorten the hike to a 5km return trip, although accessibility for two-wheel drive vehicles may be limited. It’s advisable to allow 3-4 hours for the return hike, depending on the starting point and incorporating rest breaks.

Trailheads are conveniently accessible from Cooks Mill Campground, which offers bookable campsites and amenities, and Jawbone Carpark on Cerberus Road, which may occasionally be closed to two-wheel drive vehicles.

The Jawbone Hike is ideal for walkers with some experience, offering rewarding views without the extreme challenges of trails like Razorback and Sugarloaf, both rated Grade 5. The hike is divided into two main sections:

The first section, from Cooks Mill Campground to The Farmyard, is a 2.5km one-way track that ascends steadily, passing Jawbone Carpark. This reasonably challenging section features numerous stairs and steep climbs, offering scenic views of the Cathedral Range. The Farmyard serves as a rest area or potential overnight camping spot, with both South and North Jawbone Peaks accessible from here. After summiting each peak, hikers return through The Farmyard.

The second section involves summiting the peaks from The Farmyard. Both initial ascents are relatively easy through the bush, but the final sections require navigating large, uneven rock stairs and some scrambling. The effort is rewarded with panoramic views from both peaks.

Camping in the Cathedral Range State Park

Cathedral Range State Park offers several camping options to suit different preferences.

Cooks Mill campground provides a scenic riverside location with shade and a variety of sites suitable for tents, campervans, and a limited number of caravans. Amenities include pit toilets, fireplaces, picnic tables, and shelters.

For a more secluded experience, Neds Gully campground is accessible by a short walk across a swing bridge. This campground is limited to tents only and offers basic amenities like pit toilets and fireplaces.

The Farmyard, designed for experienced hikers, provides a remote overnight camping option directly on the range. This location is accessible only on foot and has no facilities. Campers must bring their own drinking water, gas stove for cooking, and firewood (purchased from nearby towns as collecting firewood within the park is prohibited).

Regardless of your chosen campsite, remember to book online in advance for Neds Gully and Cooks Mill (bookings can be made through parks.vic.gov.au or by calling 13 1963). Specific campsites cannot be reserved, so selection happens upon arrival. Additionally, bring your own cooking plates and drinking water for all locations. Campfires are only permitted in designated fireplaces using purchased firewood, not collected from the park.

Tips

The Cathedral Range should not be underestimated. The terrain is dominated by rocky ridges and outcrops, requiring navigation of steep climbs, uneven surfaces, and potentially slippery sections. Many trails are steep and rocky, becoming slippery after rain or in misty weather.

Weather: Check the weather forecast before you go. This hike is not recommended in wet, windy, or hot conditions due to exposure to the sun and lack of shade. Weather conditions can shift rapidly, so walkers must be prepared for all possibilities.
Timing: The best time to hike the Jawbone is during autumn and spring. Avoid starting this hike after lunch to ensure you descend before dark.
Navigation: Follow the orange trail markers in designated areas. While the track is well-defined in most sections, especially for the Jawbone Creek Walk, it is recommended to carry a topographic map, compass, or GPS. Plan for slower progress due to the rugged terrain, expecting to cover 1.5-2km per hour in some sections.
Supplies: Pack plenty of water (at least 2 litres), snacks, and sun protection. Wear sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support. Gaiters are advisable during snake season. Hiking poles are highly recommended for certain parts of the trails.
Company: It's always safer to hike with someone else. If hiking alone, ensure someone knows your itinerary and expected return time.

Map and GPX file

Cathedral Range: North & South Jawbone Peaks (7.5km)

Total distance: 7611 m
Max elevation: 771 m
Min elevation: 379 m
Total climbing: 500 m
Total descent: -501 m

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Trailhead

Track Grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Getting there

Cathedral Range: North & South Jawbone Peaks (7.5km)

To reach Cooks Mill Campground in Cathedral Range State Park, start by following the Maroondah Highway from Melbourne towards Buxton. Continue past Buxton for about 9.5 kilometers, then turn right onto Cathedral Lane. The park entrance will be on your right after 2.5 kilometers. Drive past Neds Gully campground and Cooks Mill Campground will be located at the beginning of Lowerson Track off Little River Road, just before you cross the river. For those continuing on to Jawbone Carpark, simply keep following Little River Road a little further along Cerberus Road.

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About the region

Cathedral Range State Park boasts a dramatic landscape with jagged ridges offering stunning views and hiking trails. Hikers of all levels can explore the park's amazing and rugged beauty. The Friends Nature Trail provides a gentle introduction for families, while experienced walkers can traverse the challenging Razorback or longer circuit routes. All trails reward hikers with breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and valleys.

Camping allows visitors to experience the park under the starry night sky, sharing the environment with native wildlife like kangaroos and lyrebirds. Cooks Mill campground offers historical charm, while The Farmyard provides a secluded escape accessible only by foot.

Beyond hiking, the park caters to rock climbing enthusiasts. The Boulders offer a perfect training ground for beginners, whereas Sugarloaf Saddle and North Jawbone present a steeper challenge. Sugarloaf Saddle also boasts a stand of Mountain Ash, one of the world's tallest flowering trees, with some specimens reaching an astonishing 90 meters.

The Cathedral Range's rugged beauty demands respect. Hikers should be aware of the prevalent rocky terrain with steep climbs, uneven surfaces, and potential for slippery conditions. Weather changes rapidly, so be prepared for all possibilities.

The park holds significance for the Taungurung Traditional Owners, and their ongoing connection to this land is acknowledged and respected.

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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

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Cathedral Range: North & South Jawbone Peaks (7.5km)

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? 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.

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.