In an unassuming corner of Victoria is the premier climbing destination in Australia, Mt Arapiles. Great rock, great climbing, great climbing on great rock with friends…what more could you ask for?

The climbing there is mostly trad(itional). If you don’t know what that means and you’re new to climbing, don’t fret. You’re most definitely welcome as well. The grades range from easy to hard, but even the ‘easiest’ ones are classics and so worth doing. Dates are provisional at the moment, but currently I think many people want to leave Sydney on Friday the 6th of April and arrive at Arapiles on Sunday 8th. Then stay there for about a week and get back to Sydney by the 15th.
Arapiles is about a 14 hour drive from Sydney or a four hour drive from Smellbourne/Melbourne. That’s a long distance, so if you’re carpooling, it’d be very helpful if you can drive as well. This will saves the driver a lot of grief. If you need to get back to Sydney early, you need to make sure that there’s going to be someone who’s going back on the same day!
Weatherwise – sunny. Probably.
Staying at the campground is $2 every night, but payment is based on a trust system and there won’t be anyone forcing you to. But really, it’s not much to pay.
There are NO showers at Arapiles. But there are showers in the nearest town.
so what sort of things will you need?
A tent. If you can’t get one and all else fails, there’s a covered shelter/patio or somesuch close by.
A sleeping bag.
A stove, unless you like cold meals.
Fuel for the stove.
Pots and pans, cutlery etc.
Food (Fiona has written a guide, study it religiously: http://www.surmc.org.au/camping-cooking/). People will likely make food runs into the nearest town, Natimuk or Horsham.
A folding deck chair, it really helps! Sitting on the ground is overrated and hurts your bum.
A torch/headtoorch + batteries. Remember it. It will make your stay so much easier.
Water: there’s a water tank next to the campground. It’s supposed to taste funny but I never had a problem with it. You’d be surprised how much water you get through on a hot day, so remember to hydrate. Also you’ll need the water for cooking.
Sunscreen – slip slap slop.
Clothing wise, of course you’ll want something you can climb comfortably in. But it can also get surprisingly cold at night.
Beer. This really goes without saying.
Lastly, bring your sense of fun.
If you’re interested, can you leave a comment below so we can have a general idea of how many people want to go? Thanks.
Posted: 21 March, 2012 at 11:05 pm, by Joon, in:
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