1+ day Rock climbing around Melbourne

Let’s go rock climbing in Australia! In this occasion I propose to explore the walls around Melbourne, in the state of Victoria. 

The top destinations to climb here are Mount Arapiles, Mount Buffalo and the Grampians. These spots in southeastern Australia are all less than 350 kilometers from the city of Melbourne. Depending on your wishes and time available, as well as your level, we can define together the exact program. There are several different options!

Mount Arapiles, part of the Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park, is located near the town of Natimuk. It has several high-quality routes for varied levels. In fact, it is one of the favourite rock climbing destinations in the country, with over 1200 routes! Composed of hard quartzite sandstone rock, this spot is particularly renown for trad climbing. Almost all the routes are well protected. Most climbing routes here are single-pitch, although we can also find some multi-pitch ones that can be up to 150 meters long.

Mount Buffalo is a mountain plateau (1723m) located northeast of Melbourne, in the national park with the same name. It is part of the Australian National Heritage List. Here we can practice alpine style rock climbing. The climbing options can be divided in two: either in a deep gorge (300m) or on slabs on top of the plateau. Climbing is traditionally protected. In the gorge it is long and steep while in the slabs there are bolt sport routes.

The Grampians is a forested park, also part of the Australian National Heritage List. The beauty of the region is impressive, and there are series of sandstone mountain ranges tempting us to go for a climb. With over 6000 routes, it is by far the largest climbing area in the country. There are many routes with easy access, and some more remote deep into the wilderness: it will be your choice! The sandstone rock is inviting, and throughout the Grampians there are routes of all levels, both single-pitch and multi-pitch. Also, it is the best destination to go bouldering in Australia.

It is possible to rock climb near Melbourne year-round. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for Mount Arapiles and the Grampians, while summer is ideal in Mount Buffalo. Access to the climbing routes is generally short and easy. If we plan a multi-day trip, it is possible to camp on-site.

Whether you are only planning a day trip or you want a longer immersion into the Australian rock, I’m confident we will build together your dream program!

Interested in exploring the rock around Melbourne? Request to book this program indicating your preferences so we can start designing your ideal trip!