The Friends Nature Walk (Cathedral Range State Park)

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The Friends Nature Walk (Cathedral Range State Park)

Stroll through tall Manna Gum forests, past remnants of the heritage-listed Cooks Mill and its abandoned tramway, on this gentle family-friendly walk. Cross the Little River via the footbridge and spot koalas and colourful native birds. Keep your eyes and ears open for lyrebirds.

Leave your car at Cooks Mill, and follow the signs to the Friends Nature Walk. Interpretative signs are located along the trail highlighting features of the landscape, plants and wildlife. The Grade 2 circuit walk is 2km long and takes about 1 hour.

Visitor Tips: Combine your walk with a picnic or camping (bookings required) at Cooks Mill. Bookings are required for camping. Pit toilets, fireplaces, picnic tables and shelters are available. Firewood collection is prohibited and no drinking water is available, so please bring your own. No bins are provided. Please take all rubbish home with you for recycling or disposal. Download the Visitor Guide for more advice on safe and enjoyable walking in Cathedral Range State Park.

Restrictions: Please note this trail is for walkers only (no bicycles, pets or horses).

How to get there

The Friends Nature Walk (Cathedral Range State Park)

Need to know

The Friends Nature Walk (Cathedral Range State Park)

Safety in nature

You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however, in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

Warnings & Restrictions

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed

Restrictions

No bicycles
No firearms allowed
No vehicles
No camping
No fires permitted
No horses
No dogs allowed

Warnings

Animals and pests
Snakes
Other warnings
Trees may fall take care

Limbs may fall take care

Be Prepared

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

Little River Walking Track improvement works

Walking track maintenance and upgrades will be occurring on the northern end of Little River track between Neds Gully Campground and the intersection of Little River Track and Neds Gully Track. The Little River Walking track will remain open for walkers however some small delays may occur during the construction period.

During this time there may be some increased noise and foot traffic through the Neds Gully Camping Area between 8am -5pm.

Works will be taking place between 30/09/2025 - 17/10/2025.

For further information please call the Parks Victoria Information Line on 13 1963.

Arborist undertaking tree works

Monday 12th October - Friday 17th October 2025

Arborists will be undertaking tree risk management works within campgrounds and day visitor areas of Cathedral Range State Park. These works help to keep these sites open, safe and accessible.

During this time all areas will remain open, however there may be increased traffic and noise during the hours of 8am-4pm.