Arapiles Easter Trip (updated)
NewsIn 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.
March 22nd, 2012 at 12:06 pm
I am interested, but I just found out I have a Fed Con assignment due the day after we get back (16th)… I might have to be a maybe until I can get this sorted out
March 22nd, 2012 at 9:10 pm
Hi!
i am interested to go and looking for a partner that has experience with trad climbing. I have done outdoors leading climbing in Israel before and few multi-pitches in south America.
Also looking for a ride to Arapiles, planning to head out there on Friday/Saturday.
my number: 0434201350
Cheers!
March 23rd, 2012 at 11:26 am
Very much interested!
Looking for a ride from/to Sydney, whenever. No prob driving (if you trust a guy that usually drives on the right side of the road…
)
Also, mostly climbed indoor till now (lead also), only a couple of outdoor climbs, no trad. So if any of the more experienced members feel like taking me under their wing, that would be awesome.
(0466) 656-160
Ohad
March 29th, 2012 at 2:02 pm
In regard to inexperienced people having someone to climb with, I will be happy to teach trad/multipitch for the first 1 or 2 days with 1 or 2 people who have enough prior climbing experience to then be able to go forth and conquer the mount themselves. For people who fit into this category, so long as there is gear and a rope available they will be able to have a good trip and go climb, so no real problems there.
If those who aren’t like this, ie people who really have just started climbing then it is a bit more difficult, personally I wont be wanting to play guide for very long. Perhaps new leaders or some people who fit in the first category will be happy to have you bumble around after them on easy stuff while they get their trad head. It is probably best that you try to organize someone who will be willing to do this with you before leaving.
This wont be some official organized trip where someone is telling everyone what to do and organising people and giving lessons etc etc, it is just a group of people going climbing (much better anyway).
Having said all that, I don’t really want to be putting people off. Arapiles is THE place to learn trad, and climbing in general. The rock is good, plenty of good easy routes, plenty of good and easy gear placements (in most routes). You should like to climb lots, be keen to learn and try things, and after a handful of days climbing there you could reasonably expect to be ready to do a some easy leads yourself.
Usually there is a degree of flexibility and swapping of climbing partners at the campsite as everyone works out what they want to do for the day. However, it is best not to assume that someone will take care of you or you might end up with no one to climb with or guilt tripping someone to change their plans for you. So ask around and try to find someone who is keen on what you want to do.
As a last resort, it is easter so there will be heaps of people and it is possible you could ask around the campground and find someone who is willing to let you climb with them, or if you get stuck at the campground slackline/hang out with. There is also plenty of bouldering to play on.
Bring a camp chair.
March 29th, 2012 at 4:09 pm
I’m definitely interested in going. However, I just need to sort out what is going to happen with all my assessments and other things. I mostly climb indoors and sports outdoors. Never done trad…so would love to learn how to do it. Cheers!
March 30th, 2012 at 12:03 pm
In addition to the list above you will want some climbing gear!!!
For people who are new that means personal gear ie a harness, climbing shoes, a helmet, chalkbag+chalk, a belay device and belay biner, a couple of screwgates, a couple of slings, and probably 2 prussiks wouldn’t hurt. I doubt anyone will be taking extras so you will need to get your own before you go. The club can probably loan everything except climbing shoes and chalkbag+chalk.
A tent, or a space in someone’s tent is really a must, sleeping in the picnic shelter isnt on. You will also need a sleeping mat, your own toiletries including some toilet paper incase it runs out, water bottle with enough capacity for a full day, probably a small daypack to carry water +food etc, a large water container (>10L) so you dont have to walk to the water tank every time you want water (and it is good to bring town water anyway), an esky (buy ice in Horsham) is very useful, garbage/plastic bags are a good idea to keep the place clean, maybe a camera. Hammocks, slacklines, camp tables, camp lights, a tarp if it rains etc can all make life more pleasant if you have them.
Bring a camp chair.
March 30th, 2012 at 12:36 pm
I’m happy to lead people on easier routes throughout the week. Not sure what the car situation is going there/back. If you guys really can’t find someone with space in their car it might be worth looking into renting a car. That might be expensive for a week though, not sure.
March 30th, 2012 at 9:10 pm
Hey, I’m absolutely keen on coming, however, may have some problems getting there and back.
I hear we’ve got a shortage of car seats on the way there, so if nothing opens up, I’m happy to arrange myself a flight down to melbourne and a bus up to one of the nearby towns, if someone is willing to pick me up from there.
But firstly, wanna just see if there are any free car spaces that we know of at the moment?
Thanks.
November 10th, 2012 at 10:06 am
Hey there climber-folk! I’ve never met any of you but have stumbled upon this gem of a website. I have a 7-seater nissan patrol, a few harnesses to share around, a roof top tent and 4 or 5 other tents. Been climbing things for many years, but very little outdoor except DWS, bouldering and the adventure park I work for. No one I know wants to climb anything, so I would be super excited to join in. I’ll make my schedule work around it. I’m hoping to come out to ledge on Wednesday to meet some of you guys, so if you want to score a ride, come and meet me and make sure I’m not a creep first.
November 10th, 2012 at 10:18 am
Damn it I missed out by about 6 months.
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