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Grade
5
Advanced
10.5 KM
4-6 Hours
Circuit
Day Hike
Little River Track, Taggerty VIC 3714, Australia
Cathedral Ranges Southern Circuit
Image: Parks Victoria
Why this Hike
This walk in the Cathedral Ranges is one of Victoria's more challenging while being one of it's most rewarding through grand views of the entire Cathedral Ranges at some of its peeks. This walk exclusively for experienced bushwalkers who aren’t afraid of doing some rock scrambling can be a huge test for hikers no matter their skill level and is a must do if you are in the area and up for the challenge.
Track Notes & Overview
Starting at Cooks Mill Campground near Little River, this hike follows Friends Nature Trail over some small foot bridges that cross the river until linking up with Tweed Spur Road. From here you will follow the road south until joining Messmate Track which is steep and challenging path across gullies and dense forest. After walking this tretch you will ascend to Sugarloaf Saddle Day Visitors Area where a carpark can be found and a choice of direction must be made. The Two trails are canyon track which is a hard track that requires rock scrambling and will take you to Sugarloaf Peak and Wells Cave Track which is harder and should only be attempted by ‘Very’ experienced hikers as it takes you through the lower section of the track (see note). Beyond Sugarloaf Peak you will be required to rock hop and scramble over boulders as you walk towards Farmyard Campsite. From there you will be required to make a steep decent down to Jawbone Car park before a softer walk back to Cooks Mill Campground through a forested area which will mark the conclusion of your walk.
*Please note that the Wells Cave Route is an accent only track and should not be attempted as a decent route, this part of the trail requires near vertical rock scrambling and should only be attempted by experienced hikers who have knowledge about how to stay safe while doing this very intensive activity. Avoid this hike after rain or bad weather.
Packing for a Day Hike
Even if it is just a small day hike, packing is still essential to make sure everyone stays safe and has fun while on your hike. This free packing list will make sure you have everything you need while taking the hassle out of packing.
Food for a Day Hike
Before setting off on a day hike one thing you must do is plan what food you are going to bring with you. Your snacks and lunches should be nutritious, delicious and lightweight but they don't need to be complex.
Our recipe hub includes a range of lunches and snacks perfect for a day hike ranging from easy to create in minutes to tasty creations like you would make at home.
Leave No Trace
A Hikers Friend fully endorses the 7 principles of ‘leave no trace’ hiking which aim to protect our natural spaces and encourages you to apply them on your next adventure.
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