UKC

anyone know any where near sydney that is good for climbing, im thinking about going to uni there but depends on the the quality of climbing and if there is any climbing there. i know the blue mountains are 3 hours away but chances are i problaly wont have a car.


any suggestions would be aprecitated,


thanks

max

In reply to HarmM:

Hi Max,

Sydney is actually pretty decent for climbing. I lived there and managed to get out to the Bluies and arapalies frequently.

The bluies are 2 hours away by car/train but then a further walk/approach to the actual climbs. There are some accesible crags from the train/walking combination of excellent quality but a car definately helps to get around and take gear. There is a healthy scene in sydney so finding a partner with a car will probably be easy (I havea friend I can put you in touch with who is always looking for partners). Indoor wall wise, there is a small one at the UNI of sydney with a very good bouldering wall. There are also other walls at St Peters and on the north shore, both very accesible by public transport.

Arapilies in Victoria is THE place for Trad in Aus and its absolutely brillaint. Hire car or car share is vital though as it is 4 hours away frmo the airport.

Generally speaking Aus is great for Climbing but make sure you buy all your gear here and even pay for excess baggage to take it as it is expensive as is general outdoor gear.

Hope it helps, if you need more info just message me. Oh and buy a copy of Blue Mountain climbs as it may inspire you. Its excellent.

Alan

In reply to HarmM: I wouldn't come to Sydney just for the climbing. It's good. It not world class unlike araps. It does beat London for proximity to decent crags with the bluies about 2 hrs away by car or train. And the beaches are better.

In reply to HarmM: Hi Max,

I also lived and climbed in Sydney for a good few years. I pretty much found a car essential, however if you get down to the St Peters Climbing gym and seek some advice I am sure public transport or lifts are easy options.

There are a few half decent sports crags on the north shore of the city, Mt Kuringai being one and Berowra another. If you get the chance Barrenjoey head is great too. Climbs are not amazing but there is a mix of sport and trad and its on a tiny spit surrounded by the sea and some great beaches to cool down in after a good climb.

A few hours south of Sydney there is a place called nowra which is full of sport climbing up to about 30m loads of crags and a good range of grades from easy to really hard - A bit far for a day trip but weekend with camping on the river was the way we used to do it.

As Alan mentioned Blue mountains is good and has load to offer with some really great multi pitch - I particularly liked, Mt Piddington.

You have to get to Mt Arapilies too.

Hope that helps

thanks for your suggestions i'll keep them in mind

In reply to HarmM: theres some pretty good urban bouldering areas. Lynfield, sandstone, worth seeking out. There is a train to blue mountains, I think Blackheath or Katoomba if you can arrange to meet someone there. otherwise i'm sure you could meet someone down the wall or ozclimbing.com