***Minimum of 5 people required***
Often considered the hardest day hike in Victoria, the Cathedral Ranges Southern Circuit is, like its northern neighbour, a challenging yet rewarding 11km hike.
Starting off our day at Cooks Mill campground, we’ll head south and follow Messmate Track before we make our way to Sugarloaf Peak via Wells Cave Track. You will be required to climb various sections here unassisted. Make no mistake – this section of the hike isn’t easy and is largely the reason why this is considered a difficult day hike.
But, the reward is worth the effort as you’ll be treated to some spectacular 360-degree views from Sugarloaf Peak and delicious lunch courtesy of Suburban Wholefoods. We’ll then follow the Razorback Track for 2.5kms to the Farmyard – literally the central meeting point of both the Northern and Southern Circuit – and then make our way back down to Cooks Mill campground.
In partnership with Suburban Wholefoods, adventurers will also have the choice of 1x wrap & 2x protein balls for their lunch for the day. Options include:
Wraps
Chicken & cheese
Egg, bacon & cheese
Veggie
Protein balls
Raspberry
Peanut Butter & Chocolate
Salted Caramel
Basic Booking – $65
Booking with Transport – $90
We deem this hike to be a Grade Four hike in accordance with the Australian Walking Track Grading System which refers to a track that “is recommended for experienced bushwalkers”. To find out more about this Grading System, click here.
It includes a consistently steep hike up to Sugarloaf Peak that requires both hiking, rock scrambling, and unassisted climbing via Wells Cave Track. Furthermore, the trail across the Razorback Track is rocky and consistently uneven, and therefore rock scrambling is required. Our guides are there to support and lead you but you will need strong fitness to hike potentially 6-7 hours across this type of terrain. If you are unsure, just coming back to hiking or recovering from injury/surgery we strongly urge you to please contact us to chat about whether this hike is suitable for you.
Saturday, January 16th, 2021
Cooks Mill Campground, Taggerty
Please meet at the centre campsite car park at 9:15am sharp on your right as you cross the bridge at Cooks Mill. We will depart at 9:30am sharp and finish at approximately 3:45pm.
