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.

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the WVCC. To celebrate, we are inviting all past and current members to join us for a BBQ at The Cork Oaks, Mt Beckworth, on Saturday 9 December, starting at 6:30 pm. The club will provide meat and soft drink. You will need to bring a salad - and alcohol if you want it. Please register here (i.e. get a "ticket") so we know numbers for catering. We will also be climbing Saturday and Sunday and camping at the Cork Oaks Satuday night, if you wuold like to join us. The rock is granite, a mix of trad and bolted, and only single pitch. There is also some good bouldering to be had. Bring your rack (nuts and a full set of cams, plus bolt plates) and/or your bouldering pad. We will be holding our annual AGM in the campground on Saturday evening. This will be followed by a short slide show - provided we can get our hands on a portable projector (if you have one to loan, contact Sam) If you are coming, particularly for the BBQ, please contact the trip coordinator, Sam North, to let him know you are coming, your level of experience and whether you need a climbing partner - 03 5881 3100 AH; or email samuel.hs.north@gmail.com 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 Mt Beckworth at The Cork Oaks Picnic Area

The WVCC November base camp will be 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 and you should be leading 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, 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 118 103 AH; or email tim_billington@yahoo.com.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 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 camping 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