HARD/Cathedral Ranges Sugarloaf Peak &South Jawbone Peak Loop/Day Hike 11.3km/G4

If you are on the waitlist, you will be moved to "RSVP" and confirmed going once there are enough drivers.

Clamber over boulders along this challenging track to reach the 840m-high Cathedral Peak. The Cathedral Range is a spectacular ridge of sharply upturned sedimentary rock. A variety of walking tracks ranging in difficulty from easy to challenging offer the opportunity to explore the park’s main features and climb the peaks to enjoy views of the forests and farmland in the valley below. This hike explores the southern circuit of the range taking in Wells Cave, Sugarloaf Peak, The Farmyard and South Jawbone. Commencing at Cooks Mill make your way in a southerly direction along the well formed Tween Spur Road. After a short distance of easy walking you will reach the Messmate Track to your right. The Messmate Track winds its way across several wooded gullies connecting the Sugarloaf Saddle visitor area with Cooks Mill Heritage Site and camping area. It is quite a pleasant section of the hike and you will experience a gradual ascent until you reach Sugarloaf Saddle. From the car park you have two options in order to gain Sugarloaf Peak. You can continue along to Razorback Track which passes through attractive open forest to the start of a rocky ridge.

On reaching Sugarloaf Peak you will be rewarded with amazing 360 degree views of the valley and ranges below. From Sugarloaf Peak, the trail continues north, gradually ascending along the rocky and narrow 'Razorback'. There is a lot of rock hopping, scrambling and abrupt drops along the way. The going is fairly straightforward and the trail easy to follow (just stick to the ridge). Make sure you take the time to stop and appreciate the views as they truly are spectacular. After some distance, the trail becomes easier and the rocky ridge is replaced by open woodland. Soon after this a junction is reached as you arrive at the open grassy flat called The Farmyard. This is a great spot to stop for lunch or for an overnight camp. It is quite sheltered and protected. From the Farmyard there is a 15 minute side trail which takes you to South Jawbone Peak and another opportunity to take in the rewarding views. After returning to the Farmyard turn east to follow the Jawbone Creek Track as it slowly descends Jawbone Saddle to the car park below. This section of the trail follows a series of man-made steps and is quite easy to follow. Poles may be useful in this section to reduce the impacts on your knees. Continue your descent through Jawbone car park as the trail winds its way through open forest back to Little River and your starting point at Cooks Mill.

Total ascent is 971 meters. A good level of fitness is required as the first 2hrs will be all uphill.

Itinerary:
Meet at Ringwood Station Parking at 8:30AM.
Drive 1.5 hours to Cathedral Ranges State Park
Start the hike from Cooks Mill campground (approx. 7hrs return)
Have lunch and take selfies at the top of Cathedral Peak
Head back down to the cars and return to Melbourne early evening

What to bring:
Sufficient water (2 litres min) - MANDATORY
Snacks and lunch - MANDATORY
Sunscreen
Hat, sunglasses and a backpack
Good hiking shoes (no runners)
Walking polies
A first-aid kit
Insect repellent
Rain coat (weather dependent)

Please note If you rock up unprepared with no backpack, water or food, you will not be attending this trip.

Cost
$8.00 by PayPal in advance

Car Pooling
The carpooling will be organised at a later stage.

FAQ
https://www.meetup.com/OZadventurers/pages/22941773/FAQ/ Risks and

Waiver of Liability
https://www.meetup.com/OZadventurers/pages/20945960/Risks_and_Waiver_of_Liability Group You can also join the Facebook group to network and share photos. https://www.facebook.com/groups/OZadventurers https://www.facebook.com/OZadventurers