Rock Climbing is for those that love a challenge, being outdoors and living life on the edge. At Valhalla Tactical, we love all things outdoors and physical, and that’s why we’ve put together this list of the top 10 rock climbing spots for you!
1. Mt Maroon
Mt Maroon is the smaller sibling to Mt Barney, but it’s still no dwarf. Located a couple of hours outside of Brisbane between Boonah and Rathdowny, this spot has long been said to have bad access with anti-bolting locals. The fact is, it’s quite the opposite. Easy entry, with 1000m altitude, year-round parking and free camping… what’s not to like?! We have a great selection of sleeping bags that suit any time of the year.
2. Frog Buttress
To reach Frog Buttress, you’ll head through Beaudesert, Boonah and head towards Rathdowney. After following Mt French Rd, you’ll arrive at a clear carpark and the cliffs are just a short 3 minute walk away. This is one of Australia’s most visited crack climbing venues. With over 400+ routes, lines that soar for 50m and jam-packed with crack line after crack line.
3. Glass House Mountains
These mountains are situated about 65km north of Brisbane and very visible from the Bruce Highway. To access these mountains, take the ‘Glass House Mountains Tourist Route’ and follow the signs to the township. With the mountains offering a number of walls for a variety of climbing styles, there is something for every level of climber out here. If you want to camp, you will have to ring ahead to secure a spot at the Glass House Mountains camping park. Check out our sleeping bags here if you’re planning on camping!
4. Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Kangaroo Point is the only real climbing area within 60km of Brisbane, which means that it’s extremely popular with beginners and experts who are training beginners. The old quarried face houses over 150 distinct climbing routes and the concrete bollards along the top are easy points to practice abseiling. There’s no camping here, so be sure to have alternative arrangements for after a long day of climbing.
5. Mt Tinbeerwah
Mt Tinbeerwah is definitely one of the most climbing friendly areas in Queensland. Located just west of the Noosa township, it is well signed and not hard to reach from the Bruce Highway. The wall is under vertical by 10-20 degrees and features trad climbs, as well as bolted climbs. There are overhangs for the more experienced climbers which makes this a great all-round climbing spot.
6. Redcliffs
This sandstone crag stands around 70m high, located east of Toowoomba in the Helidon Hills. Since this is a newly developed area, it features mainly ring bolted routes but does have the occasional crack route. To reach the Redcliffs, head into the Murpheys Creek township, head over the railway line, turn right and follow the road towards Paradise Creek road, which you will turn right on to. After a short drive, the cliffs will present themselves.
7. Brooyar
Located in the Glastonbury State Forest, this small sandstone crag features bolted routes, ‘juggy’ ascends and rough walls. Situated about 20km north west of Gympie, and 180km north of Brisbane, it is easily found after taking the Brooyar State Forest turn-off. Keep a look out for the road branched marked ‘lookout and campsite’. The average grade is around 20 here, with classic routes including ‘Looking for the Sun’ (19) and ‘The Great Devoid’ (22).
8. Urban Climb
If indoor climbing is more your style, or the weather doesn’t permit outdoor cragging, Urban Climb now boasts 3 facilities in Brisbane. With each facility home to hundreds of different climbs, many lead routes and the best bouldering spaces in Brisbane, there is something here for beginners and advanced climbers alike.
9. Rocksports
The first ever indoor climbing gym that Brisbane was graced with, Rocksports still stands tall with its indoor mountains and climbing challenges. The facility is home to a 28 x 8m top rope wall, 80 routes and 20 bouldering problems. They now provide aerial silk and lyra hoop classes, making Rocksports the home of full body fitness!
10. Crank Indoor Climbing
What is Crank in two words? Functional fitness. On top of their skyscraper high rock walls, the Macgregor climbing gym now houses Parkour and Ninja Warrior training parks for their members to scramble their way through. This is a top-tier facility which is sure to challenge even the fittest of climbers.
Contact Valhalla Tactical today if you’re thinking about camping and want to get the best gear for the job. You’re going to need a good nights sleep and we’ve got you covered, literally.
