General things of interest:
The ACIA is an incorporated association that has been formed to represent the interests of climbing instructors and guides throughout Australia. The aims of the association are to promote professional standards of rock climbing instruction as well as to assist it’s member guides and instructors with issues such as accreditation, land management and licensing, cliff access and environmental responsibility.
thecrag.com – “the facebook of climbers” is the worlds largest collaborative climbing database. It lists over 300.000 routes world wide and is especially well used in Australia. You’ll find almost every existing route with information about the climb the area and topos updated and provided by users all over the world. I furthermore is a platform to log your ascents, see how you are progressing and stay up to date with what your climbing buddies are up to.
Chockstone is a Victoria based climbing site. Its on-line guide provides supplemental information about most Victorian climbing destinations including the major areas of Arapiles, the Grampians and Mt Buffalo. It has a gallery with images & video from all over the state. And a forum where climbers discuss all things climbing related from tech tips, over accident reports and speculation up to the newest pick-up lines.
Access, Camping and Facilities:
CliffCare Victoria is funded by the Victorian Climbing Club and takes care of everything which has to do with access to the crags. They negotiate with Parks Victoria, organize track upgrades and keep everyone informed about which areas are open, how to get there and how to keep other users of our beloved climbing areas happy.
Responsible for all State and National Parks as well as State Forest, Reserves etc etc. Information about camping, road closures and everything else in their parks can be found here.
For when there is no time to go Outdoors; Climbing Gyms around Melbourne:
Hardrock runs two climbing gyms in Melbourne: Hardrock CBD and Hardrock Nunawading.
Bayside Rock in Carrum Downs offers climbing and bouldering.
Cliffhanger in Altona is the highest climbing gym in Australia. It is mostly quiet and a good spot if the city gets too hectic. It also has a bouldering cave.
Melbourne’s first gym dedicated to bouldering only.
Coming soon. Bouldering gym opening on the northside of town.
For all our climbers in the west.
Where to get your Gear:
Small store full of all things outdoors in the Melbourne CBD. Specialized shop with knowledgable staff. Offers a 10% discount to club members.
Outdoor Retail chain which sometimes offers great deals on climbing gear.
Online climbing gear retailer. Club members get 10% discount.
The Arapiles Mountain Shop in Natimuk offers Climbing and Outdoor gear close to the Mount with a 10% discount for club members. Phil also does a great job resoling climbing shoes.
