Tassie summer climbing guide 2026-27

Are you coming down to the south island this summer? Here's what you should know.

Pic: Hannah Vasiliades 

General tips

 Remember to always:

●     Follow Leave No Trace principles especially for poopin! Pack it out where you can.

●     Respect access requirements on private land - access is a privilege, not a right

●     Respect cultural heritage closures

●     Avoid any cliffs with nesting birds

●     Look out for critters at dusk and dawn

●     Stick to designated paths and campgrounds

●     Follow basic climbing etiquette

●     For general access information, check thesarvo or contact the Climbers Club of Tasmania (CCT) if you have specific questions.

●     Avoid camping in large groups. A lot of free camping locations have been closed down due to this reason over the last couple of years.

Stay safe and informed about access and local weather conditions. Gerry's climbing guide and thesarvo are both good places to start when it comes to access and route info.

Crag Stewards

The Crag Stewardship program is an initiative of the Climbers Club of Tasmania (CCT) that seeks to facilitate efficient communication among the climbing community and with land managers. You will find contact details for the steward on each crag description on thesarvo. The steward is generally your best person to reach out to for the latest access information or any issues that you may need to be aware of.

Stay safe and have fun out there!

Updates to Tassie Access 2026-2027

North Tassie

Sisters Beach

There is currently no climbing allowed on the Dog Wall for cultural heritage reasons, please also avoid standing, walking or hanging out under the wall. Respect these closures, they have been initiated by the Tasmanian climbing community. Shell middens are spread throughout the area and represent living spaces occupied over thousands of years. Extra care should be taken to not impact these. Camping is definitely not allowed in this area.

 

Rocky Cape

This area is of great spiritual significance to the Tasmanian Aboriginal people. Respect the historic and spiritual values it represents. Climbs in the area of North Cave are currently closed because of the significant heritage value of the cave. The old descent gully should also be avoided for this reason. Climbs on Zorro wall are open and descend by abseiling on fixed slings to the right of Zorro.

Marrawah

This cliff is still closed pending further cultural assessments.

Hillwood

Hillwood is open as of March 2024. As a community - we thank both the landowner, and the Georgetown Council for their contribution to Tasmanian climbing. Don’t camp at the cliff - the entire property remains private land and access is still delicate. Do not bring dogs, do not walk across neighbouring paddocks, and leave all gates as you found them. No fires at any time of year. Don’t park along Craigburn Road at the old parking space if the new carpark is full on arrival. Carpooling from home or a nearby location (e.g. Hillwood Football Oval) is encouraged to manage current carpark capacity.

Camping in the Hillwood car park is not allowed and the nearby Egg Island Point Reserve is also day use only. There is free self-contained vehicle camping across the river at Swan Point, and paid camping at Mike & Annies Front Paddock" in Dilston. Other options for camping can be found at Low Head, Exeter and Beauty Point. Also, the nearby Signal Station Tavern also allows overnight stays for self-contained vehicles (no toilets on site). It’s expected that you grab yourself a beer, counter-meal or make a donation to justify your stay. Let them know you're climbers, say "thanks", and generally be a good human!

Fingal/Bare Rock

Camping is no longer an option at the crag, and the toilet is no longer in use. There is an official campground / caravan parking area at the football ground in Fingal. There is also a toilet facility on the main street. This has power, water, toilets and hot showers for a small fee. Park at the end of the council maintained road and walk in from here. Check thesarvo for detailed access notes for the walk in.

Township Creek

Accessing Township Creek crag via Royal Gorge/Avoca is no longer an option. Use Valley Road which requires a couple of creek crossings, and is about a 50 min drive from Fingal. See thesarvo for details.

Flinders Island

Camping is currently closed at The Docks at Killiecrankie. It is recommended to camp at Jude's place (03 6359 8464) at Killiecrankie Bay and drive 20 minutes to The Docks. Fires on Flinders Island are not permitted at any time.

 

Cataract Gorge

Pubic Flash Buttress is a popular nesting site for peregrine falcons. If you see any signs of these birds nesting (Aug to Dec), let the CCT know (eskriver@climbersclubtas.org.au and cct@climbersclubtas.org.au) and avoid the area for climbing. How do you spot a peregrine? Have a look here.

Ben Lomond-Northern Escarpment

A no bolts ethic applies to all of the Ben Lomond escarpment and self-reliance is crucial. Where possible, avoid leaving tat. For most routes on the northern escarpment, topping out and walking out the descent gully is encouraged. Some trackwork has been done here so this is the best descent. This is an alpine area so the vegetation is fragile to the effects of trampling. Walk on hard surfaces where you can.

South Tassie

Mt Wellington

Parking below the Organ Pipes in summer is really tricky. If you get up there early enough, then park in the climbers car park but be sure to check the sign (at the car park) that shows the optimum orientation of cars to fit the most in. If you’re out of luck at the climbers car park, try the Chalet (5 mins up the road, only a slightly longer and flatter approach). If there’s no room there, consider changing your plans and trying the lost world or summit car park, which access some of the best climbing on the mountain.

Paradiso

When turning off the Mt Brown track towards the fun an occasional grease fest that is the Paradiso cliff, please walk on the rocks as much as possible, and avoid walking on any muddy areas - this contributes to track erosion which is becoming more evident. Camping is tricky on the Tasman Peninsula, but public campgrounds are available at Fortescue Bay (book here). It is often busy so book in advance if you can.

Mad Monkeys and Monkeys Bum

The access instructions to these crags have changed so that the tracks no longer cross private land. Check thesarvo for details.

Cloudy Bay, Bruny Island

Access to the Cloudy Bay campsite and cliffs is along the Cloudy Bay beach. To avoid impacting the threatened hooded plovers and other resident shorebirds that nest in the soft sand, time your trip to drive at low tide and stick to the hard sand. Camp fees apply at Cloudy Bay apply as land is managed by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service.

Sand River

The access road is full of wildlife so drive reasonably slowly (Tasmanian devils have been included in recent road kill), and slow down further when passing the farmer's white house (to minimise dust). Please don’t camp at or near the carpark (this includes lighting fires), there is no toilet. 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. Parts of Sand River are dog friendly. However, please keep dogs under effective control, and no dogs are allowed on the private land of Panopticon South.

The land owner of Panopticon South may be undertaking controlled burns. Do not call the fire brigade in these instances or contact the landowner (who wishes to be left alone). All communications are to go through the Climbers Club of Tasmania.

Lowdina

This crag is on private property. The only way you can access this crag is if you go to the landowner’s annual BBQ, or are going climbing with someone who has. Even then, you must text landowner Noel the day before, and wait for okay. Sign in the indemnity form before walking up the hill. Be back before dark. See thesarvo for details.

Ross and Kempton Quoin

This crag is closed due to access issues through private land.

Waterworks Quarry Hobart

This crag also remains closed due to loose rock above the cliff.

West Tassie

The Tyndalls

The Tyndal Range is a sensitive alpine area that has become more popular in recent years. To maintain water quality, poo outside of the camp/cave drainage or better yet take a poo tube or wag bags and pack it out!

Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area

This is a huge area stretching from south-west Tassie up past Cradle Mountain in the north and includes crags like Federation Peak, Frenchmans Cap and Mt Anne. Flying drones is not allowed in the area or any National Park in Tasmania without a permit. These places are remote and wild - check the weather and plan appropriately. 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 regulate numbers.

Frenchman’s Cap

A separate permit for climbers is available for Frenchman’s Cap, which will allow you to stay for six nights rather than just the four nights available to walkers. Register via this page with your trip plans, and check the walking info here.

Mount Lyell bouldering area

Exercise caution when pulling on or off the Lyell Highway to park, the road can be a bit gnarly. This is an alpine area so follow all leave no trace principles, and avoid poop’in at the crag! Please look after the native plants like the King Billy pines and other native Tasmanian trees. As this area is still being developed some hold cleaning is sometimes required, but avoid enlarging holds.