Overnight Hike At Cathedral Range with Jarred

Join us a Zorali Outdoor Club overnight hike, hosted by Trailblazer Jarred Palanca

Where: Meet at Cooks Mill Picnic area

When: Saturday, May 17 – Sunday, May 18

Time: Meet at 8:00 AM for a 9:00 AM start

Distance: 10km from trailhead to summit (approx. 4–6 hours)

Elevation: 700m

Return time: Sunday 12:00 PM

Join Trailblazer Jarred for an unforgettable overnight hike at the stunning Cathedral Range State Park — just two hours from Melbourne! With exposed ridge lines, rugged rocky trails, and breathtaking 360° panoramic views, this adventure is perfect for city dwellers and surrounding suburbs looking to dive into the outdoors.

This hike is suited to all experience levels, especially those wanting to get into overnight hikes. A moderate fitness level is expected — you’ll need to be comfortable walking up steep gradients, scrambling over rocks, and carrying a hiking pack with your overnight gear.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 – Saturday 17th May

• Meet: 8:00 AM at Cooks Mill Picnic Area
• Walk Start: 9:00 AM
• Route: Cooks Mill → Ned’s Saddle → Little Cathedral Peak → Farmyard Campsite (10km, 700m elevation gain)
• Highlights: Rocky scrambles, lush forest trails, sunset summit walk to South Jawbone
• Camp overnight at Farmyard Campsite

Day 2 – Sunday 18th May

• Sunrise hike up South Jawbone or Sugarloaf Peak (without packs)
• Depart Farmyard: 9:00–10:00 AM
• Return: Hike down to Cooks Mill (3km, steep descent, 1–1.5 hrs)
• Post-hike: Cold creek plunge (optional!)
• Wrap-up and goodbyes around midday

Campsite Details

Farmyard Campsite (Overnight stay)

• No bookings required
• No toilet facilities (bush toilet style!)
• Creek water available (will confirm closer to date; otherwise, bring full water supplies)

Optional Friday Night Stay

• Cooks Mill Campground (Friday 16th May)
• Optional if you want to arrive early
• Book online — free booking: Book here

What to Bring

• Backpack with overnight gear
• Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat
• 3-4L Water
• Meals:
  • Breakfast x1
  • Lunch x2
  • Dinner x1
• Snacks for during hikes
• Layers of clothing (prepare for cold nights and warm hiking days)
• Rain jacket (weather can change quickly)
• Headtorch (for night walk back from sunset hike)
• Personal first aid kit
• Toiletries (including toilet paper)
• Hiking boots with good grip
• Trekking poles (optional for steep sections)

Fitness Expectations

• Confident walking up steep and rocky gradients. The walk is graded up to Gr 5 in some sections.
• Comfortable carrying a hiking pack for 10km+
• Open to adventure, teamwork, and bush camping conditions

To ensure attendees have a safe and enjoyable experience, we have limited numbers to 10 hikers – RSVP now to secure your place!

Get to know your host Jarred here!