The article and the photos by Paola Bianchi
Climbers and belayers, beginners or advanced. These are four top places to climb in Melbourne and Victoria. Choose one place, grab your gear and go climbing!
Hardrock, central climbing spot
Located in the CBD, close to Melbourne Central, this climbing gym has become the most popular place for locals and students (make sure you show your credentials for a discount). They offer beginners classes and Lead training and the staff is super friendly. It is a relatively small space and can get crowded during peak times, but music is great and the location is super convenient. Situated in a strategic corner on a second floor, has lovely views of the city and the natural light that is coming through the enormous glass windows is an advantage. Here is where I usually bring my friends for the first climbing experience. A great place to start the journey.
You can check this gym here
North Walls, appealing climbing gym
As soon as you walk into this indoor climbing gym, you can’t avoid appreciating the clean aesthetic atmosphere. They thought about the visual aspect of this building, and we can thank that. It’s a pleasure to climb in white walls with colourful routes and a roof that displays natural light. Inside there is a cafe that provides that often needed caffeine fix, a -in development- training section with bars, and offer several kinds of courses like movement and strength. Lots of seats to relax, great for that friend you invited to shoot the cool pics.
Climbing and coffee, you got me. Located in Brunswick, you can check this beautiful place here:
Gravity Worx, comprehensive climbing gym
This indoor climbing gym has all you ever needed. Over 200 routes that are changed regularly, 16 auto-belay routes (in case you go alone!), a speed wall (what!?) like the one used on international competitions, a training section and experienced instructors. Courses are also available and schools are welcome. Competitions are often held with prices. This place is huge. Impossible to get bored.
Located in Pasco Vale, check this gym here.
Mount Arapiles, magic outdoor climbing
Arguably, one of the best climbing spots in the world, this PARADISE for climbers has it all. As it was stated by Chockstone, an online website for climbers in Victoria, Mount Arapiles may be ‘the very the heart and soul of traditional climbing in Australia’.
Located in a protected park in the Wimmera region in western Victoria, this big rock formation can easily compete with the famous Grampians region because of its thousands of quality climbing routes, hiking tracks, bouldering walls, killing sunrises and a gorgeous natural setting full of wildlife. Kangaroos included!
I know what you might be thinking, ‘that rock does not seem big at all’. Let me tell you that, with its just 370mts of high, you will feel challenged when unrolling your rope on the base.
Everyone stays at least a long weekend. Some may stay for a whole month. The only option available is a rustic campsite that you should book in advance for a super cheap price. It’s an unpowered site with toilets.
One of the most beautiful aspects of this place is the great vibes of the climber’s community. You can go looking for good climbs, but you will return after making such good friends. The best months are from February to April, as it is not too hot nor cold, and little rain! The least you want is a wet rock that makes impossible for grabbing. Take into account that due the dry weather, there is a wood fire ban from the 1st of November until the 30th of April.
There are different levels of climbing routes to choose from. You can check them on the Arapiles book guide (shown in next pic), or check the classic routes here, or get help to start with these guys.
