A steep, rocky ridgeline loop along a narrow sandstone range near the Cathedral Range's Sugarloaf Peak, with sweeping views over the Acheron and Cathedral valleys.
The Cathedral Range Southern Loop starts from the Cook Bank car park off Cerberus Road near Buxton, within Cathedral Range State Park, about 1 hour 45 minutes north-east of Melbourne's CBD via the Maroondah Highway. Parking is free and there is no public transport to the park, so a car is required. No permit is needed, though walkers should register in the trailhead logbook.
The Southern Loop covers about 5.5 kilometres but takes 3-4 hours due to its steep, technical nature, with roughly 400 metres of cumulative elevation gain concentrated over a short distance. The walk is graded hard: the ridge sections involve rocky scrambling with hands-on-rock sections in places, and there is genuine exposure along the narrow spine of the range, making it unsuitable for anyone uncomfortable with heights.
Underfoot conditions shift from formed dirt track at the base to bare, uneven sandstone rock along the ridge, with little to no shade once on the exposed spine of the range. Sun and wind exposure are significant on the ridgeline, and the rock can be slippery when wet.
The main landmark is Sugarloaf Peak, the loop's high point, offering sweeping views over the Acheron and Cathedral valleys and the surrounding forested hills. The ridge traverse between the southern and northern sections of the range is the most technical and exposed part of the route, and less experienced walkers should treat the saddle before Sugarloaf Peak as a natural turn-around point if conditions deteriorate.
There is no water source on the ridge and no huts or shelters; the trailhead has a basic car park but no kiosk or toilets nearby. Walkers should carry at least 2 litres of water and check fire danger ratings before setting out, since the park closes on days of extreme fire risk.
| Distance | 5.5km loop |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3-4 hours |
| Difficulty | hard |
| Trailhead | Car only, about 1 hour 45 minutes north-east of the CBD via the Maroondah Highway |
| Best season | Autumn and spring; avoid extreme heat days and check fire bans in summer |
| Address | Cerberus Rd, Buxton VIC 3711 |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Cathedral Range State Park, near Buxton
What to bring
Hiking boots with good grip, at least 2L water, hands-free rock scrambling sections require care
Location
Cerberus Rd, Buxton VIC 3711
-37.3928, 145.6864 View on map
Highlights
- Exposed rocky ridge walking along Sugarloaf Peak
- Sweeping views over the Acheron and Cathedral valleys
- Technical scrambling sections along the narrow range spine
- Quieter alternative to the park's longer full-range traverse
Tips for visiting
- Wear hiking boots with strong grip for the scrambling and rock sections
- Avoid the ridge in wet or windy weather, when exposed rock becomes slippery and hazardous
- Check the Parks Victoria fire danger rating before setting out; the park closes on extreme fire days
- Carry at least 2 litres of water, as there is none available on the ridge
- Sign the trailhead logbook before starting in case of emergency
When to visit
Autumn and spring mornings offer the most stable conditions for the exposed ridge; avoid extreme heat and check fire bans before visiting in summer.
Accessibility
The steep, rocky ridge with scrambling sections and exposure is not suitable for wheelchairs, prams, or walkers with limited mobility; there are no accessible sections on this loop.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Cathedral Range Southern Loop dangerous?
It involves exposed rocky ridge sections with some hands-on scrambling, so it demands a reasonable head for heights and sure footing, particularly in wet or windy conditions.
How long does the loop take?
Most walkers take 3-4 hours to complete the 5.5 kilometre loop due to the steep, technical terrain.
Is the park open on total fire ban days?
No, Cathedral Range State Park closes on days of extreme fire danger; check the Parks Victoria website before visiting.
Is there water available on the trail?
No, there is no water source on the ridge, so walkers should carry at least 2 litres.