The WVCC July base camp will be held at Mt Hope on Saturday 12 July and Sunday 13 July 2025. Camping is free, but you there are no facilities. Gunbower and Pyramid are not far away, though in opposite directions. If you haven't climbed at Mt Hope, then the rock is granite (10 to 50 m high), with a mix of trad and bolted climbing. A 60 m rope will get you up everything. You will need a small rack (nuts and cams) and bolt plates if you plan on leading. Otherwise, a helmet, harness and boots will suffice. All intending participants must contact the trip coordinator, Jaemi Raneiri,  prior to the trip to let him know you are coming, your level of experience and whether you need a climbing partner - and if you have any questions (0419 926 890; or email ja_emi@hotmail.com) You will need to bring all the necessaries for outdoor camping for the weekend. all camping gear food and water suitable clothing - check the weather forecast a few days prior. toilet paper, shovel and hand sanitiser

The WVCC June base camp will be run from our campsite in the Leanganook camping  area on Mt Alexander from Saturday 7 June to Monday 9 June 2025. Camping is free, but you are advised to turn up early as it is first in- first served. If you haven't climbed at Mt Alexander, then the rock is granite, and the climbing is on granite tors and craglets with a mix of trad, bolts and bouldering. A 30 m rope will get you up (and possibly down) most climbs. Depending on your preference, you could bring a full rack (nuts and a full set of cams), or a bouldering pad. You will need helmet, harness and boots. All intending participants must contact the trip coordinator, Sam North,  prior to the trip to let him know you are coming, your level of experience and whether you need a climbing partner - and if you have any questions (0417 138 163; or email samuel.hs.north@gmail.com) You will need to bring all the necessaries for outdoor camping for the weekend. camping gear food and water suitable clothing - check the weather forecast a few days prior.

The WVCC May base camp will be at Mt Arapiles on the weekend of 10-11 May, run from our usual campsite in the Upper Gums at Mt Arapiles campground. If you have climbed at Mt Arapiles, then it doesn't need any introduction. If you haven't climbed at Mt Arapiles, then the climbing is mostly trad, both single and multi-pitch, so bring your rack (nuts and a full set of cams).  The decisions about where we climb for the day will be made each morning over breakfast and a cup of tea/coffee, and will depend on the wishes and experience of those present, and the weather. Anyone looking for someone to climb with can sort that out with the group at this time. All intending participants must contact the trip coordinator, Ollie Sherlock,  prior to the trip to let him know you are coming, your level of experience and whether you need a climbing partner - and if you have any questions (0409 155 106; or email ollie.sherlock@rbg.vic.gov.au) You will need to bring all the necessaries for outdoor living for the weekend. climbing gear camping gear food and water suitable clothing - check the weather forecast a few days prior You can find more detals on camping at Mt Arapiles at Camping in Mount Aarapiles-Tooan State Park There are areas of significant aboriginal cultural interest in Arapiles-Tooan Ntional Park. Information on areas that are closed for climbing in the park can be foound at Arapiles-Tooan State Park Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Protections

The WVCC will be in the central Grampians-Gariwerd National Park over Easter, from Friday 29th March to Monday 1 April. We will be camping on Adam and Tracey Merrick's property at Moyston.  The rock is sandstone (great for those who aren't keen on granite), and esentially all trad.  Bring a full rack (nuts and a full set of cams), plus helmet and the usual items. This is a FAMILY weekend for parents with children, but not limited to parents with kids. It will be a chilled weekend.  Depending on who is coming and partners, we can look at doing anything from easy top ropes through to harder multipitch climbs...or sit around and read a book. All intending participants must contact the trip coordinator, Adam Merrick, prior to the trip to let him know you are coming, get directions to your camp site, the level of experience in your party, and whether you need a climbing partner - plus you may have questions. Phone Adam on 0488 301 185; or email grampiansreveg@hotmail.com) You will need to bring all the necessaries if you are camping. camping gear - tent, mattress, sleeping bag, cooking gear, head torch, etc food and water suitable clothing - check the weather forecast 2-3 days out (bring sunscreen, hat & raincoat).  The Park south of Halls Gap has been burnt by bushfires at Christmas. However, this still leaves plenty of areas where we can climb, particularly around Halls Gap. There are also climbing bans in place. Information on what areas are open for climbing in Grampians/Gariwerd National Park can be found by clicking the link to Rock climbing in Gariwerd

The Western Victorian Climbing Club and Friction Bouldering are proud to bring Reel Rock 19 to Ballarat in 2025 for a one-night only screening on Saturday, 5 April, with doors opening at 6:30 pm for a 7:00 pm start.  Tickets are $20 per person here, or paid at the door on entry at Friction Bouldering, 7 Laidlaw Drive, Ballarat. The line-up of films for Reel Rock 19 is: Kai Lightner & Joe Kinder in Death of Villains A former child climbing prodigy emerges from his struggle with disordered eating to attempt his life-long dream of climbing a 5.15 first ascent, with the help of an unlikely and controversial partner. Didier Berthod & Thomasina Pidgeon in The Cobra & the Heart An outrageous 20 year saga, following a whirlwind romance, devastating failure on a legendary climb, a religious epiphany, family betrayal, a single mom's struggle and a desperate attempt to reconnect for a rare second chance - at love, fatherhood, and climbing. Siebe Vanhee, Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll, Drew Smith & Nico Favresse in Riders on the Storm Big wall climber Siebe Vanhee enlists Drew Smith and fellow Belgian countrymen Nico Favresse and Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll to attempt the first free ascent of the elusive Riders on the Storm route on the East Face of Patagonia’s Torre Central. 

The WVCC March long weekend base camp will be run from our campsite in the Chinamas Campground at the western end of Mt Cole State Park from Friday evening 7 March to mid-afternoon on Monday 10 March 2025. Camping is free, but you are advised to turn up early as it is a long weekend and it is first in-first served. There are toilets and a covered eating area, but no showers. If you haven't climbed in Mt Cole, then the rock is granite. On the top of the mount along the main forest road, the climbing is on granite tors and craglets with a mix of trad, bolts and bouldering. At Red Rock and Ben Nevis the climbing is on large slabs/faces that require three 50m abseils in to get to the bottom of the cliff. This is not a place for novices, as you need to be able to pass a knot on abseil, as well as be able to climb a rope using prussiks. You will need a 50-60m rope, as well as a full rack. The slabs are bolt protected, but the bolts are "carrots" and require hangers, and are well spaced (10m), so you need to be comfortable with long runouts. You will need helmet, harness and boots. All intending participants must contact the trip coordinator, Marc Graesser,  prior to the trip to confirm your intentions and experience - and to ask questions if you are unsure of arrangements (0439 789 073) You will need to bring all the necessaries for outdoor camping if you are coing for the weekend. camping gear food and water suitable clothing - check the weather forecast a few days prior.

The WVCC February base camp will be a week-long event at Mt Buffalo, starting Saturday 1 February 2025 and ending Friday 7 February. If you haven't climbed at Mt Buffalo, the rock is granite and the climbs are mainly bolted slabs and/or naturally protected cracks, both single and multi-pitch. Bring a full rack (slings, nuts, 1-2 sets of cams) and a 60m rope, as well as harness, helmet and shoes. This is not a beginner climbing location. The climbs are often run-out by modern standards and route finding to, on and from the climb can be tricky. Unlike most other locations, options for group climbing do exist, but they are limited. You will get more out of the week if you can line up a partner to climb with. We have booked and paid for two camp sites at Lake Catani for these dates. Each site can accomodate up to six (6) people. If you wish to grab one of these spots, then you will need to register and pay. All intending participants must contact the trip coordinator, NAME,  prior to the trip to let them know you are coming, your level of experience and whether you need a climbing partner - and to answer any questions (MOBILE; or email EMAIL) You will need to bring all the necessaries for outdoor living for the week. climbing gear camping gear food and water suitable clothing - check the weather forecast a few days prior, it is an alpine area Food resupply can be had in Bright, 30 km down the mountain. You can find more detals on camping at Lake Catani at Mount Buffalo National Park - Lake Catani Campground

The WVCC December base camp will be run from our campsite in the Leanganook camping area on Mt Alexander from Friday evening 6 December to mid-afternoon Sunday 8 December 2024. Camping is free, but you are advised to turn up early as it is first in-first served. There are toilets, but no showers. There is a swimming pool in Harcourt, 10 km away, so bring your swimmers and a towel. We will run our Mt Alex Climbing Competition on the Saturday (judged on dress sense; climbing ettiqutte, and climbing safety) and will hold our AGM on the Saturday night, with drinks and a communal BBQ.   If you haven't climbed at Mt Alexander, then the rock is granite, and the climbing is on granite tors and craglets with a mix of trad, bolts and bouldering. A 30 m rope will get you up (and possibly down) most climbs. Depending on your preference, you could bring a full rack (nuts and a full set of cams), or a bouldering pad. You will need helmet, harness and boots. All intending participants must contact the trip coordinator, Sam North,  prior to the trip so we know numbers for catering and for organising our climbing - and if you have any questions (0417 138 163; or email samuel.hs.north@gmail.com) You will need to bring all the necessaries for outdoor camping for the weekend. camping gear food and water suitable clothing - check the weather forecast a few days prior.

The WVCC November base camp will be climbing at Mt Rosea and Bundaleer in the central Grampians, 10 km or so south-west of Halls Gap. We will be camping at the Borough Huts campground. The rock is sandstone, multi-pitch and mainly trad. This is not a good place for beginners, though we can be flexible to suit the group. You should be climbing trad grade 14 at least to get some value out of this weekend. Bring your full rack (nuts and a full set of cams). All intending participants must contact the trip coordinator, Adam Merrick, prior to the trip to let him know you are coming, your level of experience and whether you need a climbing partner - and if you have any questions (0458 965 333 AH; or email adamm@tfn.org.au) You will need to bring all the necessaries if you are planning on camping the night. camping gear - tent, mattress, sleeping bag, head torch, stove, pots, etc food and water suitable clothing - check the weather forecast (bring sunscreen and a hat) You can find more detals on camping at Borough Huts at the Parks website here. Please note there are conditions to rock climbing in Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, including: Rock climbing can only occur in designated areas. Climbers are required to minimise the use of chalk and only use chalk coloured to match the rock surface. Adhere to signs and notifications and do not enter closed areas. Find more information at Rock climbing in Gariwerd, and the Rock Climbing Visitors Guide for currently open climbing areas. 

The WVCC October base camp will be a week-long event, starting 28 September, run from our usual campsite in the Upper Gums at Mt Arapiles campground. If you have climbed at Mt Arapiles, then it doesn't need any introduction. If you haven't climbed at Mt Arapiles, then the climbing is mostly trad, both single and multi-pitch, so bring your rack (nuts and a full set of cams).  The decisions about where we climb for the day will be made each morning over breakfast and a cup of tea/coffee, and will depend on the wishes and experience of those present, and the weather. Anyone looking for someone to climb with can sort that out with the group at this time. All intending participants must contact the trip coordinator, Bob Bull,  prior to the trip to let him know you are coming, your level of experience and whether you need a climbing partner - and if you have any questions (0448 364 527; or email bobandange@bigpond.com) You will need to bring all the necessaries for outdoor living for the week. climbing gear camping gear food and water suitable clothing - check the weather forecast a few days prior Food resupply can be had in Natimuk, or a longer trip into Horsham. You can find more detals on camping at Mt Arapiles at Camping in Mount Aarapiles-Tooan State Park There are areas of significant aboriginal cultural interest in Arapiles-Tooan Ntional Park. Information on areas that are closed for climbing in the park can be foound at Arapiles-Tooan State Park Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Protections

The WVCC are running our inaugural women’s climbing weekend at Djurite (Mt Arapiles) on 14th/15th of September, 2024.  This will be a supportive, safe and social climbing weekend for women only who are members of the WVCC. You are welcome to come along and climb, or just come and be social and meet other climbing women. There will be a female guest speaker on Saturday night around the campfire, and we expect that to be a social highlight.  The club will organise a Climbing Guide (also female) to support the group and ensure climbing safety over the weekend. This will be for top-roped climbing with the group, with the Guide supported by some of the more experienced climbers. This will cost $650 per day ($1300 for the weekend) for the group, with the WVCC subsidising this 50:50 - so expect to pay between $65 and $43 per person for a group size from 10 to 15.  Please call Maree on 0437 093 700 to book your place and discuss climbing and camping gear requirements: A harness, helmet, and climbing shoes, plus tent, mat and sleeping bag is the minimum.  We can organise a share/loan of gear if necessary, but please discuss this with Maree.  You will also need to bring food and something to cook/eat it with. Closer to the weekend, we will communicate through our WVCC WOMENS WhatsApp group, so please provide your mobile number to Maree or Jade (0434 189 616) so they can add you to the group chat.  We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you on the 14th September. Maree and Jade

The WVCC July base camp will be in the Grampians on Saturday 10 July and Sunday 11 August 2024. We will be staying at Roses Gap Recreation Centre (https://www.rosesgap.com.au/). You have the option of either camping, staying in a shared bunkhouse cabin, or staying in a 1-2 bedroom ensuite cabin. Prices are below: Unpowered Site $45 per night Powered Site $60 per night Bunkhouse Cabin $85 per night 1 Bdrm Ensuite Cabin $120 per night 2 Bdrm Ensuite Cabin $150 per night You will need to bring your own bedding/towels/toiletries for the cabins. There is an outdoor shelter in the middle of the camp area for communal outdoor cooking which has tables/chairs. There is a communal fire pit in the middle of the camp, and firewood is available for a small fee - or you bring your own. If you haven't climbed in the Grampians, then the rock is sandstone. Climbing is mainly trad, but there are also a number of sport climbing areas. Climbing in the Grampians is subject to restrictions and some areas are currently closed. You can find more information and maps of the areas open to climbing at https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/grampians-national-park/rock-climbing-in-gariwerd. You will need a full rack (slings, draws, nuts and cams) if you plan on leading. Otherwise, a helmet, harness and boots will suffice. All intending participants must contact the trip coordinator, Sam North,  BEFORE 5 AUGUST so we can confirm numbers for booking and paying. Please call or text Sam on 0417 138 163; or email wvcc.climbing@gmail.com; or use the WVCC WhatsApp group chat. All bookings and payments need to come through as a group (no individual bookings).