The warm sunny summer days will be starting to fade away before we know it. In a couple of months it will be getting colder and the rain will arrive at our door step, so it’s time climbers start thinking about heading south to climb and make the most of the beautiful weather. The Labour Day long weekend CAWA has a trip planned to Mount Frankland in the picturesque Karri forest north of Walpole, 400km south of Perth.
For the uninitiated, Mt Frankland is a 422 m high granite dome set in the middle of a beautiful karri forest, conveniently located in the Mt Frankland National Park. The main and most worthwhile climbing is on the main dome. Best known for its slab and face climbing, you will also find the odd crack as well. It involves multi-pitch climbing with a mix of bolted and traditional. You can just do the single pitch stuff but will run out of climbs fairly quickly and it is only possible to top rope a few climbs from the bottom. To get a better idea of the climbing, check out the West Australian Rock or the South Coast Rock guidebook and the newer climbs are detailed on the CAWA web at the link Mt Frankland New Climbs or at On-line Guides/Mt Frankland.
Camping is not allowed at Mt Frankland but comfortable sites with a very basic camp kitchen and drop toilet are not too far away. Water is generally available but this is variable and you should be totally self sufficient. BYO firewood. The road off the main highway is dirt and can be in variable condition, though always 2WD friendly.
It’s always a great weekend away and a good chance to meet other climbers. There are lots of other outdoor activities in the area including kayaking bushwalking and mountain biking. If you intend to come on the trip send me an email at melissak@climberswa.asn.au and I’ll send you a registration form. Please fill in the form and send it back to me.
Please note that CAWA trips are only open to current members. Non-members who are interested in coming can join online via our website.
All participants need to be ‘independent participants’. This means you are responsible for your own safety. Due to legal and liability issues, CAWA does not provide training on trips. If you are an inexperienced climber, then have a chat to some of the more experienced people you know and see if they are planning to attend.
Cheers
Melissa Keefer
CAWA Committee member