Traveller safety information

• The park is ideal for bushwalking, rock climbing, fishing and camping.
• Walking tracks lead to all the major features of the park and range in difficulty from an easy walk along the Little River between Neds Gully and Cooks Mill to the very challenging, steep walk between Sugarloaf Saddle and Sugarloaf Peak which involves climbing up rock faces. Many of the walking tracks are steep and rough.

• Pit toilets are provided at Neds Gully, Cooks Mill and Sugarloaf Saddle.
• Be self-sufficient with drinking water. Carry it in and/or know how to make untreated water safe for drinking. For more information contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or visit the Department of Human Services Better Health website www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
• The camping areas may be crowded during holiday periods and long weekends.
• No fires are permitted at The Farmyard. Fireplaces are provided at Neds Gully and Cooks Mill camping areas, these fireplaces do not include a cooking plate and campers will need to bring their own. Please remember that firewood collection is prohibited in the park.

The range was declared a State Park in 1979 due to its outstanding landscape features and diverse woodland types. It also protects significant pre and post European historic sites. A visit to Cooks Mill timber mill site and the adjacent nature walk by the pictursque Storm Creek will enhance the interested visitors understanding of this highly accessible park.

Aboriginal Traditional Owners

Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters.
Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria

Satin bowerbirds may be seen at the base of the range, beside the Little River. Koalas can be seen throughout the valley area, particularly along the nature walk at Cooks Mill. Their bullet-shaped droppings can be seen under the manna gums and at night their loud, pig-like grunting calls can be heard.

Many native orchids appear in spring and early summer. These include the alpine greenhood along the streams with pink fingers, wax lips and the common bird orchid on the drier slopes. Extensive remnant manna gum habitat along the Little River supports a recently reintroduced koala population.

• Mountain biking is not permitted on any walking tracks within the Cathedral Range State Park.
• Recreational registered trail bikes are not permitted on all park roads and walking tracks within the park. Vehicles and motorbikes may only be used on formed roads open to the public.
• Take your rubbish with you.
• Light fires only in fireplaces provided. No fires may be lit on days of Total Fire Ban.
• Bring your own firewood, collection of firewood is not permitted in the park.
• Dogs and other pets are not permitted in the park.
• All native plants and animals are protected.
• Firearms and other weapons are prohibited.
• Please don't feed any of the wildlife as it encourages uncharacteristic aggressive behaviour which can endanger visitors.
• Leave the park as you find it.

• Do not place tents or cars directly below trees, even the small wattles.
• During winter snow falls, hail and lightning occur on higher peaks. Please go prepared. Walking tracks can be difficult to find in snow.
• Many of the walking tracks in the park are rough and steep. Be especially careful when walking on rocky ground after rain or snow as rocks will become particularly slippery.

The park is about 100 km north east of Melbourne, east of Maroondah Highway between Taggerty and Buxton. The main approach along Cathedral Lane is signposted on the highway.

• Lake Eildon National Park
• Yarra Ranges National Park