Cathedral Ranges and Razorback hike
Posted by Patrick Melon
2 day hike
14:30
Left Melbourne for Buxton arriving at Cooks Mill picnic ground about 16:30. The weather was warm 24 deg and sunny. After leaving the car we set off for the saddle and the Sugarloaf. A steady climb and rather uninteresting on the unsealed road section. We reached the summit of the Sugarloaf about an hour and a half later. A spectacular peak and great panorama from the rocks on the top. Once passed this peak dominates the ridge line all the way north
Looking west towards Buxton
Looking south west
Progress along the Razorback was painfully slow. I’m recovering slowly from shingles and a complication (post herpetic neuralgia). The area affected is the left side of the abdomen which necessitated unfastening the lower buckle of (12kg) rucksack on ascents and descents. This meant the rucksack had a tendency to swing alarmingly. In addition the medication has side effects – unsteadiness in walking, vivid dreams and a dry mouth! Care was required.
Arrived at the campsite at about 19:30
It is called the Farmyard because the local Lyrebirds here imitate the sounds of domestic animals!
Up early to climb the Jawbone for views then breakfast. The forecast was warm and sunny which meant needing to find water for the day. After breakfast we descended the track eastwards from the Farmyard down to Cooks Mill for about 10 minutes. There is a small spring of water by the track. On the left of the track in the dry creek bed a spring can be faintly heard – the only one remotely near the ridge line between the Sugarloaf and the Cathedral. Filled water bottles here.
The ridge track to the Cathedral begins pleasantly but degenerates into a prickly and rocky trail. Follow the orange triangles. Good views back to the Sugarloaf along the way.
Cathedral Peak gives good views of the entire area.
Self portrait on the summit of the Cathedral
A steep descent down the Cathedral track which eases to a more gentle gradient to Neds Gully. The walk finishes with a shaded, undulating walk along the Little river track back to Cooks Mill and the car. Thanks to my son-in-law for companionship and patience on the trail.
Shaded walk along the Little River track below
A toasted sandwich and a cold coke at the Healesville Bakery highly recommended way to finish off.