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).

The WVCC July base camp will be held at Mt Hope on Saturday 13 July and Sunday 14 July 2024. 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, 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. 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 8 June to Monday 10 June 2024. 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 April base camp will be a week-long event run from our usual campsite in the Upper Gums at Mt Arapiles-Toan campground from Saturday 20 April to Sunday 28 April 2024. Payment for a camp site can be made via the Parks Victoria website (camping-in-mount-arapiles-tooan-state-park) If you have climbed at Mt Arapiles, then it doesn't need any introduction. If you haven't climbed at Mt Arapiles, then the rock is quartzite, a metamorphosed sandstone, and the climbing is mostly trad, both single and multi-pitch, so bring a full rack (nuts and a full set of cams), helmet, and the usual items. 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, Marc Graesser,  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 (0439 789 073; or email graesserm@yahoo.com) You will need to bring all the necessaries for outdoor camping for the week. 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.

REEL ROCK film tour - Saturday 13 April, Ballarat, Victoria The Western Victorian Climbing Club in conjunction with Friction Bouldering is screening the Reel Rock 18 Australian film tour at Friction Bouldering, 7 Laidlaw Dr, Delacombe, on Saturday 13 April. Tickets are $15 and are available at the door. Doors open at 6:30 pm and screening will commence at 7:00. Four films will be screened: .  Sachi Style - Sachi Amma and a first ascent on the mythical Mt. Mizugaki Climbing Never Die - Matt Groom journeys into war-torn Ukraine. Jirishanca - alpinists Josh Wharton and Vince Anderson attempt a free ascent of the Jirishanca, an epic 20,000-foot peak in the Peruvian Andes. Yeah Buddy -  Australian climber Angie Scarth-Johnson and Hazel Findlay explore the best of Mallorca’s deep-water soloing. More details and the trailers can be found at https://www.reelrockfilmtour.com/rr-18-aus

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 0458 965 333; or email adamm@tfn.org.au) 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).  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 WVCC will be in the northern Grampians on the Victorian long-weekend, 9th to 11th March 2024. We plan to be camping at Stapylton Campground in Gariwerd/Grampians National Park. A camp site is $15.60 per night and you will need to book through the Parks Vic website - https://bookings.parks.vic.gov.au/stapylton-campground#/accom/86233.   The rock is sandstone. There is a mix of shorter and longer routes, sport and trad.  Bring a full rack (nuts and a full set of cams), helmet, harness, rope and boots. All intending participants must contact the trip coordinator, Marc Graesser,  prior to the trip to let him know you are coming, whether you have booked a campsite, your level of experience, and whether you need a climbing partner - and if you have any questions 0439 789 073 or email graesserm@yahoo.com You will need to bring all the necessaries if you are camping.  camping gear - tent, mattress, sleeping bag, head torch, stove, pots, etc food and water - there is a tank with water at the campsite, but best to BYO drinking water suitable clothing - check the weather forecast (bring sunscreen and a hat).  You can find more detals on camping at Mt Stapylton by clicking the link. NOTE - this area has been subject to recent fires. PLEASE contact Marc to register your interest so he can contact you if there is a late change of plans. NOTE

The WVCC will be at Mt Buffalo on the weekend of 10-11 February 2024. We will be camping at Lake Catani and have two sites booked for the Friday and Saturday (9th and 10th Feb) nights. The rock is granite, and mainly trad and multi-pitch. It isn't for the faint hearted as the run-outs can sometimes be long. This has changed though in recent years and there are now a mix of places that have been re-bolted and are easier on the head. Bring a full rack (nuts and a full set of cams, plus bolt plates). All intending participants must contact the trip coordinator, Marc Graesser,  prior to the trip to find out which sites we have booked and confirm there is room - and to discuss your level of experience, whether you need a climbing partner, etc (graesser.marc.a@gmail.com OR call phone 0439 789 073) You will need to bring all the necessaries for camping the weekend. 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). It can be cold at Mt Buffalo, even in mid-summer, so bring warm clothes and bedding as well as a rain coat. You can find more detals on camping at Lake Catani campground by clicking the link.

The WVCC will be at Mount Arapiles-Tooan on the 3rd and 4th February 2024. We will be camping at The Pine Campground - site payment can be made via the Parks Victoria website.  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 will be a chilled weekend.  Depending on who is coming and partners, 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, Tim Billington,  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 0438 11 81 03; or email tim_billington@yahoo.com.au) You will need to bring all the necessaries if you are camping, but Natimuk is a short drive away if a pub meal is on the agenda.  Water is available at The Pines, but generaly best to to BYO drinking water if possible. 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 Arapiles by clicking the link.

The WVCC will be at Mt Buffalo during the second week of January 2024. We will be camping at Lake Catani. If you haven't already got a campsite, then you probably won't find a site. For those wishing to come along who can't get a site at Lake Catani, contact Marc Graesser - graesser.marc.a@gmail.com OR call phone 0439 789 073. The rock is granite, and mainly trad and multi-pitch. It isn't for the faint hearted as the run-outs can sometimes be long. This has changed though in recent years and there are now a mix of places that have been re-bolted and are easier on the head. Bring a full rack (nuts and a full set of cams, plus bolt plates). 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 (03 5881 3100 AH; or email samuel.hs.north@gmail.com) You will need to bring all the necessaries if you are camping the week. 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). It can be cold at Mt Buffalo, even in mid-summer, so bring warm clothes and bedding as well as a rain coat. You can find more detals on camping at Lake Catani campground by clicking the link.