More than 500 individual routes across 17 designated climbing areas are now open, thanks to recently completed surveys in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.

The assessments and decisions were made in partnership with the Traditional Owners of Gariwerd, represented by the Barengi Gadjin Land Council, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, and Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation.

Climbing Victoria, the peak body for climbing in the state, supplied Parks Victoria with a list of priority areas for review and were kept informed throughout the survey and assessment process.

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is home to the largest number of significant and ancient Aboriginal rock art paintings and shelters in southern Australia, and is of immense importance to Traditional Owners.

These reopenings reflect a shared commitment between Parks Victoria, Traditional Owners and Climbing Victoria to work together on the implementation of the Greater Gariwerd Landscape Management Plan.

Parks Victoria and Traditional Owners continue to review the outcomes of additional areas in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.

More information about climbing in the Grampians, and the Landscape Management Plan process, is available on the Parks Victoria website.

Parks Victoria Regional Director Clare Purcell said the outcome was an example of balancing recreation activities with the need to protect and preserve precious Aboriginal cultural heritage.

“We’re very pleased this collaborative process has allowed access to more world-class climbing and ensured the incredibly significant cultural heritage of Gariwerd remains protected.”

“Surveys of even more climbing areas are almost complete and everyone involved in the process remains committed to the future of cultural heritage protection and climbing in the Grampians.”