Rock climbing in Gariwerd

For more than 22,000 years, Gariwerd has been the living, hunting, gathering, cultivating, ceremonial, dreaming Country and territory for Traditional Owners.

Gariwerd Traditional Owners are represented by: Barengi Gadjin Land Council, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, and Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation. Together, they form a Strategic Partnership Committee of Traditional Owners.

All parts of Gariwerd have cultural meanings and associated values for Traditional Owners – the land, its waters, skies, the plants, and animals.

The landscape contains more than 500 registered Aboriginal places, with 277 located within parks and reserves managed by Parks Victoria. The region holds the richest concentration of Aboriginal rock art in Victoria.

Parks Victoria and Traditional Owners were partners in developing the Greater Gariwerd Landscape Management Plan (PDF) which was released in 2021. Opportunities for recreation, including rock climbing, have been identified in the plan.

Rock climbing

Extensive assessments and work with Traditional Owners were undertaken to define more than 100 rock climbing locations in the park. This includes 13 bouldering sites. See the Gariwerd rock climbing visitor guide (PDF).

What do I need to do before climbing?

It is a climber's responsibility to do their research prior to heading out into the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. The Gariwerd rock climbing visitor guide (PDF) is available online and at Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap, where Parks Victoria staff can provide further information on climbing in Gariwerd.

Conditions

• Rock climbing can only occur in designated areas.
• Rock climbers are responsible for assessing and accept the risk associated in undertaking the activity within these areas.
• Climbers are requested to minimise the use of chalk and only use chalk coloured to match the rock surface.
• A rock climbing permit is currently being developed, which, will be free and available online. Once established it will be mandatory for all rock climbers. Keep up to date on its progress at the Parks Victoria website.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I climb?

You can rock climb in Gariwerd at more than 100 designated areas, including 13 bouldering areas. Most sites contain multiple different climbs within them. See the Gariwerd rock climbing visitor guide (PDF) or view a list of designated climbing and bouldering areas (XLS).

Is Taipan Wall open to rock climbing?

Yes, a section of is. Taipan Wall was assessed and found to have cultural values. However, through discussions with Traditional Owners, who worked with the Gariwerd Wimmera Reconciliation Network, alternate access points and other mitigation measures were identified and agreed as suitable for allowing access to the northern section of the wall. As a result, some climbs in the area have been re routed and some are closed. Please ensure you read this Information Sheet (PDF) before climbing at Taipan Wall.

Will other sites be open to rock climbing in the future?

The plan includes a list of other possible rock climbing sites that can be assessed to see whether they are suitable for rock climbing in the future. Which sites are assessed and when will depend on resourcing into the future. Parks Victoria has identified funding for continuing assessments of priority areas in the first 12 months. We will work with climbing representatives through CVAC/Climb Victoria to identify these areas.

There will be no further bouldering areas opened due to the high impacts of the activity and subsequent management required to mitigate impacts.

What is included in the Anderson’s West designated climbing area?

Anderson’s West includes Clicke, and lower Clicke.

Can I climb at Spurt Wall?

No. Spurt Wall is not located within the Gunigalg (Taipan Wall) Designated Climbing area. Parks Victoria and Traditional Owners have conducted a preliminary archaeological survey of the Spurt Wall area and significant cultural values have been identified. Further archaeological surveys are required to explore the extent of the cultural values. Signage on the ground will clearly delineate where climbing is/isn’t permitted.

Can I climb at Grey and Green Walls?

Yes, but this area must be accessed via “The Buttress”. Do not access the Taipan Wall (Gunigalg area) Designated Climbing area from the Grey and Green Walls area.

How will I know when other sites are open?

The long-term approach will be through the rock climbing permit system. This will allow us to update all people who climb in Gariwerd about changes to climbing including changes to conditions, new places opening and potential seasonal closures.

Will there be signs to tell me where I can climb?

Yes, there will be, Parks Victoria is developing a signage plan. The Gariwerd landscape is very large with many points of entry, it may not be possible to have signs at every place which is why we are providing information through other means, such as developing a rock climbing permit.

Why does there need to be a permit for rock climbing?

It is not uncommon for sports to require permits when there are conditions on that activity to mitigate harm, fishing licences are an example. In the case of rock climbing in Gariwerd, it is important that all users understand the cultural significance of the landscape and the conditions in which they climb.
The permit will be free and can be completed online. There are still more logistics to work through and it could take up to a year before it is implemented. More details will be provided as the process is finalised.

Can I use and install fixed protections?

Within designated climbing areas the use and installation of fixed protection (bolts) is permitted to enable climbing. Rock climbers are responsible for assessing and accept the risk associated in undertaking the activity within these areas.

There are buffer areas within some designated climbing areas to protect cultural or environmental values. The use and installation of bolts is not permitted in these buffer areas.

Parks Victoria encourages minimising the impacts of recreation and will continue working with the rock climbing community on state-wide guidance about appropriate use of fixed protection in parks.

Is Summerday Valley Licensed Tour Operator access only?

Yes. Due to the cultural values, you can only climb with a Licensed Tour Operators (LTO) at Summer Day Valley. LTO permit conditions allow land managers to specify additional protections to ensure the cultural values are monitored and protected.

Are there any areas available for all abilities climbing?

Yes, there is all abilities climbing areas in Summerday Valley, however this is a LTO only climbing areas. We have taken on feedback about ensuring free access to all abilities climbing, and the plan includes a strategy to seek to establish all abilities climbing in another designated rock climbing area.