Everything you need to know if you're planning to scale cliffs in the Apple Isle this summer.
Climbing in lutruwita/Tasmania is unique, and more and more people are realising it. With our borders open, we’re expecting unprecedented numbers of visitors this summer. So, we’ve compiled a handy little guide to all the things you need to know to lessen the load on the environment, wildlife and local climbers, so the Tassie climbing experience doesn’t lose its wild feel.
Follow Leave No Trace principles, check out the climbing guides on Thesarvo for access advice, contact the Climbers Club of Tasmania (CCT) if you have specific access questions, and get general advice for lessening your impact here.
Social media
Parks have noticed many non-climbers starting to use climbers’ tracks and climbing areas, placing extra pressure on the environment. Please think carefully before posting to social media and tagging your location, particularly in wilderness areas.
Overnight hiker/climber registration
A free registration system has been put in place for several overnight/multi-day hikes in Tasmania, including Frenchman’s Cap and Federation Peak, to help protect our most remote and sensitive areas. A separate permit for climbers is available for Frenchmans Cap, which will allow you to stay for six nights rather than just the four nights available to walkers. Visit this page for further info about the climbers’ permit and the Parks Tasmania website for more details about other permits.
Birds
Princess and Influenza on Flange Buttress at the Organ Pipes, kunanyi/Mt Wellington, are closed until Feb 2022 due to a pair of nesting Grey Shrike-thrushes. Peregrines are nesting at The Panopticon in Sand River and pinmatik/Rocky Cape (right of North Cave in the Ramp area, with caution needed around Pink Elephant and Zorro wall) so these areas are closed until the end of December. Please back off if the peregrines are still in nest defence mode during January. Check Thesarvo forum for further updates.
Poopin’
Many Tasmanian crags are located in sensitive and wild places. Always try to poop before you leave home. If you’ve really gotta go at the crag, dig a deep hole and pack your TP out in double zippys or whatever makes you comfy. Always carry a trowel and ziplocks so you won’t be caught out. For rocky or alpine areas (the Boneyard, Paradiso, Star Factory, Tyndalls, Acropolis etc.), bring a poo tube / container and pack your poop out, too.
Critters
We have some super special and pretty unique wildlife on our little island, many of which are night owls (figuratively speaking). Drive slow from dusk ‘til dawn.
The Tyndalls
Access advice for the Tyndalls has been changed in consultation with the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service to prevent new tracks from forming across the plateau. Visit Thesarvo for more details.
Hillwood
Still closed for the time being.
Sand River
Please don’t camp at or near the carpark – there is no toilet and things are getting out of hand. There is camping and a toilet nearby at the Ye Old Buckland Inn in Buckland. You just have to buy a beer from the pub or donate $5 to camp.
Temporary cultural heritage closures
The Climbers Club of Tasmania has been very pro-active in this area recently, and are building a better understanding with Tasmanian Aboriginal groups. Marrawah in the north-west, the North Cave at pinmatik/Rocky Cape and Dog Wall at Sisters Beach are temporarily closed pending further assessments. Respect these closures strictly. These closures have been initiated by the Tasmanian climbing community. Learn more about how to protect cultural heritage around Tasmanian cliffs from our Code of Conduct. Boulderers in particular need to be mindful of the advice around potential rock shelters.
Fingal/Bare Rock
Access to Bare Rock is via local climber Andy Martin and his partner Alannah’s property. Please respect their privacy and the following requests:
Bare Rock campground (on Andy’s property) is closed until Easter, as is the toilet, to alleviate pressure on the area. Free camping and toilets are located nearby in Fingal town centre.
The road to Andy’s is not council maintained, and is paid for by local property owners, including Andy. Please drive slowly to minimise your impact, and contribute $10/car to help maintain the road. An honesty box is located at the campsite. Car-pooling is encouraged
Please shoot Andy a text to let him know you’re coming (0418883418) and don’t show up after dark.
Organ Pipes
The railings are being redone on Pinnacle Road, so overflow parking is no longer available on the opposite side of the road to the climber’s carpark. Follow the directions on the carpark sign to fit the maximum number of cars into the carpark, and, if the carpark is full, trundle on up the hill for more parking at the chalet.
Wet sandstone
Fruehauf (in Hobart), Sand River (near Buckland) and Blackwood Rocks (near Poatina) are just a few of our sandstone crags. The rock at these crags is brittle and easily breakable when wet. It can take multiple days to dry out after heavy rain – err on the side of caution.
Finally, Tasmanian crags are almost always stunning, usually wild and often remote. Please only take on adventures that match your experience and skill level, don’t pull your ropes unless you’re sure you can get out, and don’t underestimate the seriousness of our infamous weather. Stay safe and have a great summer!
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