
Metolius Ascenders
From $89.95
Point Perpendicular has it all with spectacular gritty sandstone cliffs, the crisp ocean breeze, and front row seats for whale-watching. You can’t miss out on this gem, especially if you’re mad about crack climbing (like I am).
It’s like no other climbing area around. You’ve got an easy face climb down low (sometimes a bit sparse and fiddly to protect) and then suddenly you’re in a monster splitter and your forearms are pumped, but all your gear is totally bomber, so you keep swimming up the crack - oh how glorious!
And that’s not even the best part yet. If you’ve only done sport, it’s a place where you can test cracking climb without the commitment of learning trad. Most walls are accessed from above and a top rope can be easily set up. And even better is if you find yourself without a belayer, it’s one of the best places to top rope solo - often I’d be there doing just that.
Julie Pon (uber psyched crack climber)
Nowra was where a lot of my first climbing days were spent, and it’s a gift that keeps on giving. I spent the prerequisite time at Thompson’s Point, getting beat down and having birds fly at my face from the scoops of Orca (now I know- don’t climb this one during nesting times!) before exploring the huge number of other areas, including New Nowra.
With so many different styles of climbing, there’s something for whatever mood you’re in or whatever the weather calls for. One of my favourite areas is The Grotto, especially the technical face climbing of Gonads and Belgian Tourist walls.
The classic Nowra route names disguise the beauty of the area; keep an eye and an ear out for lyrebirds, and you’ll probably encounter some goannas and echidnas. Like myself, you might even end up developing a soft spot for the sounds of speed boats
What’s not to love about Rodellar? Beautiful limestone cliffs overhanging a magnificent gorge; friendly locals and amazing food and wine! It makes a great holiday for climbers and non-climbing family members with a stunning landscape that’s sure to take everyone’s breath away. There’s so much rock in Spain but Rodellar stands out as a gem for sport climbers for a number of reasons. There are a huge number of climbs with a variety of styles and grades. You can always find a sector suited for most weather conditions and seasons.
Jo-anne Low (Web Designer)
Finale Ligure is the perfect sport climbing destination in Italy and a great winter crag - you will sometimes find yourself wearing t-shirts in the middle of winter! With over 4000 climbs and over 200 crags you will not be short of choice or variety. The diverse sport climbing (on beautiful white limestone) has a wide range of grades with great European bolting, a lot of the crags have recently been re-bolted and you could not complain. There are two very big guidebooks and many gear stores in the centre of the village, climbing is clearly a thriving sport in this part of Italy. One day you will find yourself on a beautiful multi-pitch in the wild valley and the next on a small crag along the ocean (you will never be disappointed with the view). Another plus, you’re in Italy, the food is amazing! You’re bound to have a great time, no matter your climbing ability, in Finale!
Estelle Fleming (Graphic Designer)