Aboriginal Name - Unknown
To the Razorback from Sugarloaf Saddle:
The Cathedral Range is a large ridge jutting out of the little river valley, situated 1 hour and 50 minutes north east of Melbourne and is pretty easy to get there from the inner city. It’s a nice drive through wineries and Healsville especially in the frosty early winter mornings,
The most fun way to begin the walk is at the Sugarloaf Saddle Carpark at the southern end of the ridge, mostly because of the exhilarating climb at the start. Heading up to the Sugarloaf peak via the Canyon Track you are met with a steep half an hour scramble, which at some points give you the shakiest of knees but is a bit of an adrenaline boost. Once you complete the climb and reach the highest point of the Sugarloaf peak you get to take in the ridiculous view of the surrounding valleys and farms, It’s also your first chance to see the full 7km (ish) length of the Razorback ridge which you have to scramble across.
After the occasionally difficult hour long trek across the Razorback you find yourself in an open field and campground called the Farmyard. It’s pretty much the most perfect mid hike campsite sheltered by bushes and soft grass everywhere. This point gives you an option though (if you’re prepared for a overnighter), whether to start the trip back or pitch your tent and spend the next day exploring the Cathedral peak and Ned’s Gully. If you keep it a day trip, you head down a steep track from the Farmyard through a gully back to the main road.
The last part of this walk is a pretty much the lamest couple of hours along a road all the way back to your car, which on a hot day you’d want to have lots of water and sunscreen. If you’re lucky like us you can flag down a passing posse of four wheel drive enthusiasts and get a lift back up to the Sugarloaf saddle.
by Max Blackmore
2014
LFRF acknowledges all the Traditional Owners of the land [or country] and pay our respects to the Elders, past and present of all of Victoria and urges you to please do the same.
