Cooks Mill Campground: Hiking & Camping in the Cathedral Range

Set against the dramatic, rocky spine of the Cathedral Range, Cooks Mill Campground is one of Victoria’s premier destinations for hikers, rock climbers, and nature lovers. Located in the heart of the Cathedral Range State Park, this well-appointed Parks Victoria campground offers an immersive bush experience with excellent access to the area’s most spectacular trails. The campground is nestled in a beautiful, sheltered valley on the banks of the Little River, with spacious, individual sites spread out amongst towering gum trees and lush ferns. It provides a peaceful and scenic base from which to tackle the challenging ridge walks and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views the park is famous for.

Cooks Mill is well-suited for a range of camping styles, with sites that can accommodate tents, camper trailers, and small caravans. Each site is clearly marked and comes with its own fireplace and picnic table, making for a comfortable and organised stay. The facilities are basic but clean and well-maintained, including non-flush toilets. As a bookable campground, it’s essential to reserve your spot online in advance, especially during peak seasons and long weekends when it’s a popular choice for Melbourne locals. It’s a true bush camp, so you’ll need to bring your own drinking water and firewood. To protect the park’s precious wildlife, including lyrebirds, wallabies, and koalas, pets are strictly not permitted. The lack of mobile reception in the valley adds to the sense of a true escape. For those looking to conquer the rugged peaks of the Cathedral Range by day and relax by a crackling campfire by night, Cooks Mill Campground is the perfect adventurer’s retreat.

Campground Information

• Name: Cooks Mill Campground
• Address: Little River Road, Taggerty, VIC 3714, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.378141612351996, 145.7595388670681
• Website: Parks Victoria – Cooks Mill

Features & Facilities

• Location: In the heart of Cathedral Range State Park, beside the Little River.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, small caravans.
• Road Access: Unsealed road, 2WD accessible with care.
• Site Surface: Dirt and gravel.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings and fees apply.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: As per Parks Victoria booking rules.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, individual fire pits.
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own or treat river water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Unreliable to non-existent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: No. Carry-in, carry-out policy applies.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to fire restrictions.
• Generator Use: Not permitted.
• Number of Sites Available: Approximately 30 bookable sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, food, rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets are strictly prohibited in the Cathedral Range State Park.
• Fishing: Possible in the Little River.
• Short Walks: Direct access to numerous hiking trails, including the Friends Nature Trail and tracks to the main Cathedral Range ridgeline.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Little River Inn (Taggerty) – approx. 10 km
  • Buxton Hotel – approx. 18 km
  • Marysville Tavern – approx. 30 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Taggerty General Store (takeaway) – approx. 10 km
  • Buxton Hotel Bistro – approx. 18 km
  • Wide range of cafes and bakeries in Marysville – approx. 30 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Cathedral Range hiking trails (Sugarloaf Peak, The Razorback)
  • Steavenson Falls (Marysville) – approx. 32 km
  • Lake Mountain Alpine Resort (seasonal) – approx. 45 km
  • Town of Marysville

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • BIG4 Taggerty Holiday Park – approx. 10 km
  • Marysville Caravan & Holiday Park – approx. 30 km
  • Alexandra Tourist Park – approx. 35 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Keppel Creek Campground (walk-in) – within the park
  • Various sites in the nearby Toolangi State Forest.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Marysville Public Dump Point – approx. 30 km
  • Alexandra Public Dump Point – approx. 35 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Taggerty or Buxton.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Taggerty or Marysville.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite. Also in Taggerty.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm days and cool nights. Perfect for hiking. Average maximums are around 26°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild days and crisp nights, with stunning autumn colours. Average maximums range from 15°C to 23°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold days and freezing nights, with frequent frost and occasional snow on the peaks. Average maximums are around 11°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days, with the forest coming alive. Average maximums range from 15°C to 21°C.