Hi Dan,

Plenty of climbing around Perth, but much more and better ‘down south’ at Margaret River (Bob’s Hollow, Wallcliffe, Willyabrup) and Albany (Peak Head, West Cape Howe, The Gap, Bluff Knoll, Gibraltar Rock etc). ‘Up north’ is Kalbarri – where it will be warmer and dryer.

The quarries near Perth as well as Bob’s and Wallcliffe are generally fully bolted. Willys, Churchmans (Perth), Peak Head etc are generally trad with a few bolts here and there. Kalbarri is mainly bolted, but with some great trad as well.

Some, like The Gap and Bluff Knoll, is only trad.

Many Aussie bolts are … unusual and you’ll need ‘bolt plates’ – get these from a shop such as Mountain Designs or Main Peak.

I suggest you bring some trad gear – cams and nuts plus quickdraws.

Some places such as West Cape Howe you’ll need 2 ropes – one to rap down, one to climb up. On the long multi-pitch, I usually use 2 ropes anyway.

Gyms can be variable – a lot of gym climbers have never, or rarely climb on rock.

There are a few casual groups that often meet up on weekends for a day trip to a local crag or weekend trip down south. You’re welcome to come out with me, so if you put up your email and when you’re here, I’ll be in contact. Unless I forget….

Hi Dan

You could also join CAWA. We run a gym crash each month and organise climbing trips on the long weekends (and other weekends) and over the xmas-New Year break. Membership will also get you discounted gym entry and gear in the outdoor stores.

i’d recommend a single rope and a trad rack, pick up some bolt plates when your in perth

if your clipping removable bolt plates (as you probly will be) it seems to be best if the bolt end carabiner on the quickdraw isnt a wire gate