The club organises local and distance rock climbing and bouldering trips. We are able to do setup and supply of equipment at our events, and can rent out club equipment to our experienced members who are keen to go on a personal trip.
There are opportunities to be trained in setting up ropes, learning knots, and other safety procedures when we’re running an event, so reach out to us if you’re keen and we will offer you the chance to come along and learn.
General Info on Rock Climbing in New England
The New England region has seen a lot of development since the 1960s with the establishment of many large cliffs located in Gara Gorge (15km’s east of Armidale), Bulagaranda, and Ebor Gorge. Around Armidale climbing on granite offers many cracks, slabs and faces.
However, about 70km east can take you out to Ebor which offers an abundance of cracks and aretes on Basalt which originated from a long extinct volcano. In terms of access Ebor is the easiest as the climbs are only a couple of minutes walk from your car. The climbs also happen to be very close to the local pub!
All cliffs located in Gara Gorge (with the exception of Blue Hole) can be accessed by a demanding long hot or bloody cold walk down the gorge, OR by driving virtually to the cliffs through private property with permission. Therefore, it is advisable just to climb at Blue Hole which has no access restrictions, or to contact a local climber to take you out to the cliff. If unsure follow these simple steps:
- Contact a local climber or the UNEOAC
- Obtain permission before driving through a farmers property
- Leave all gates as you find them
Failure to do so may see climbing access to these cliffs restricted by car and will entail the previously mentioned long walk!
In addition, there is lots of bouldering at Blue Hole (Gara Gorge) and Bulagaranda (formerly Mt Yarrowyck).
Information on the climbs around the Area can be found on our Guides Page.
Rock Climbing & Aboriginal Sites
Please ensure you do your due diligence to protect any Aboriginal heritage sites you may encounter on your trips. Rock climbing activities can damage these protected sites, so please be aware of where they are and your actions while in these areas. The Aboriginal Heritage Office provides great resources for understanding your impact and identifying Aboriginal sites.
Leave No Trace
Outdoor climbing involves respecting the environment. Follow the principles of Leave No Trace, which include packing out your trash, minimizing impact on vegetation, respecting wildlife, and avoiding damage to rock surfaces. Be mindful of your surroundings and help preserve the climbing areas for future generations.