Cathedral Hump return walk, Mount Buffalo

Cathedral Hump return walk, Mount Buffalo created by Victoria Walks

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Summary

A highly rewarding return climb up to a view of the stunning Cathedral then onward and upward to the Hump - with amazing 360 degree vision over Mt Buffalo's craggy granite peaks and sweeping vistas.

Description

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Put this varied climb on your Mount Buffalo 'must do' list as its stunning and varied views make it well worth the walk, even if it involves a bit of huffing and puffing. You may wish to allow yourself up to 2 hours for this walk to make the most of the views.

From the picnic and parking area you'll wind around twisting paths and up stone steps for about 700m until you come to the base of the stunning Cathedral, one of Buffalo's most awe-inspiring formations. The Cathedral 'tor' (a rocky peak) was exposed over millions of years as ice and water chiseled away layers of granite. After taking it in, continue along the path about another 250m up to the Hump.

This part of the walk takes you through Alpine Wattle and snow gums and the terrain changes to rocky outcrops as you approach the Hump, a loose collection of boulders that peak at 1695m.

Keep an eye out for some of the small orange, triangle markers to point out the path, which isn't always obvious.

You may want to keep adventurous children close up here as the path veers close to the rocky, sloping cliffs in parts and the boulders make tempting climbing fodder. There's no need to climb the Hump as the panoramic views are special enough here - across the Mt Buffalo plateau, over Cresta Valley and encompassing a distant view of the Horn (Buffalo's highest point, and your next walk perhaps?)

While it may be tempting to stay for sunset, allow yourself plenty of time (and light) to make your way back down the winding, rocky paths to the picnic area.

For more information on this and other walks at Mount Buffalo, you can download the Parks Victoria Mount Buffalo Visitor Guide at the bottom of this page.

Please note as this is a National Park, no dogs are allowed anywhere on Mount Buffalo.

A basic toilet is available opposite the car park.

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Points of Interest

1. Cathedral car park

The Cathedral Saddle picnic area is located just here and you'll see signage marking the start of the Cathedral Hump walk track.

2. Windy paths, stone steps

You won't get bored on this walk as you never know what is around the next bend. Moderate fitness required to get up and over steps (and boulders at some points).

3. The Cathedral

A place of reverence indeed, of nature in all its glory!

4. Better view

The Cathedral is so large we had to get a camera shot of the whole from a little further along the track.

5. Variety of flora

As you get a little higher you'll wind through bright Alpine wattle shrubs and sturdy, bent snow gums - there are plenty of wildflowers too, depending on the time of year.

6. Rockier

Keep an eye out for little orange markers to ensure you're clambering over the right boulders! There are some you'll have to negotiate, and keep little people close, away from dangerous falls.