MELBOURNE—When driving through the flat and scenically monotonous Wimmera plains, Mt Arapiles stands tall on the horizon like a noble castle. Once arriving there, one thing is apparent, people come to this location specifically to climb. The camping site is filled with keen tourists from all over the world and is more than a location, it’s a community. Geared up with their gortex and micro fibre fleece, climbers don rope, a belt full of clanging metal and sheepish smiles, explore the cliff face for potential climbing challenges or “problems”, to speak the lingo.
The reason Mt Arapiles is such a hot spot is that few places in the world offer such a plethora of climbing in the one location. You don’t have to trek hours along over-grown goat tracks to access good climbing, it all happens just a stone’s throw away from the campground and picnic area.
Quality rock, breathtaking views, friendly and a relaxed campsite are just a few features of this world-class, premier climbing destination, situated 4 hours drive north-west of Melbourne.
When sauntering around the orange coloured cliffs, which are reminiscent of Uluru, I see potential lines up the rock everywhere, including beautiful cracks, overhangs and spectacular pinnacles. Ropes and chalk hand-prints give a clue that there are climbers about; when I squint I can just make out the miniature figures as high as 230 meters above us. Bolts can also be spotted high up on the cliff face, but most of the climbs will require that people climb the traditional way, use their own cam devices or friends.
When passing another group of climbers, the conversation repeats itself over again—What have you climbed today? Is it good? When did you arrive? Where are you from? etc.
The reason Mt Arapiles is such a hot spot is that few places in the world offer such a plethora of climbing in the one location. You don’t have to trek hours along over-grown goat tracks to access good climbing, it all happens just a stone’s throw away from the campground and picnic area.
Quality rock, breathtaking views, friendly and a relaxed campsite are just a few features of this world-class, premier climbing destination, situated 4 hours drive north-west of Melbourne.
When sauntering around the orange coloured cliffs, which are reminiscent of Uluru, I see potential lines up the rock everywhere, including beautiful cracks, overhangs and spectacular pinnacles. Ropes and chalk hand-prints give a clue that there are climbers about; when I squint I can just make out the miniature figures as high as 230 meters above us. Bolts can also be spotted high up on the cliff face, but most of the climbs will require that people climb the traditional way, use their own cam devices or friends.
When passing another group of climbers, the conversation repeats itself over again—What have you climbed today? Is it good? When did you arrive? Where are you from? etc.
