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Edgewater Wall / Jack's Magazine explore

cactus

8-Jul-2013
6:17:15 PM

Hello! First time poster - Long-time lurker.

After browsing through the guide looking for some new spots to boulder, I noticed that someone had mentioned the 'edgewater wall' as "the best bouldering in Melbourne".

I used to commute up the Maribyrnong everyday, and remembered seeing the wall off in the distance, but had never checked it out.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the area: The 'Edgewater Wall' is a ~500m 12' bluestone curtain wall surrounding Jack's Magazine (an 1870's powder magazine in West Footscray / Maribyrnong).

As I had the day off and nothing to do at home, I thought it was time to get out of the house and have an explore.

Access to the wall is very good - I rode up the Maribyrnong Trail, but for the bikeless there is an adjacent car-park off Magazine Way, or alternately you could catch the 57 or 82 tram and the Showgrounds train (ha!).

The wall is absolutely huge! 12' high and LONG.
Nice grass to pad any falls. I only had an opportunity to check out the Eastern (river) side.

Large image LINK: http://i.imgur.com/mn0nodw.jpg?1
This is looking westward from the car-park across the magazine. You can see the wall skirting up the hill (could be some decent diagonal work).
Notice that soft, soft grass. I am sick of falling onto footpath.

Large image LINK: http://i.imgur.com/Jp1HqA5.jpg?1
A closer look. Tingling!

Large image, LINK: http://i.imgur.com/JkXulD8.jpg?1
The wall is quite well-made, and the block-work is impressive- making for a pretty tough traverse. On the Eastern Wall I only found a few patches that I was comfortable on.
Admittedly I am a pretty casual climber though, so my crimping wasn't up to it. I found it pretty challenging.
Anyone with skills will find some nice little puzzles.

Definately worth a checkout if you are living out this way, or you have the skills and endurance!

*edit for spelling!

Miguel75

8-Jul-2013
10:57:11 PM

Thanks for the pics. I used to work in Footscray and looked at that wall, along with the bluestone wall out front of Flemington, on Fisher Parade, a few times without playing around on them. I believe the bluestone wall on Fisher Parade is heritage listed (?) though not sure what that may mean for bouldering...

Now you've ramped up the froth-o-meter, I may have to further explore the Edgewater wall...

Jayford4321

9-Jul-2013
9:16:10 AM

On 8/07/2013 Miguel75 wrote:
>I believe the bluestone wall on Fisher Parade is heritage listed (?) though not sure what that may mean for bouldering...
>
Prolly an especial good public relations Xercize 4 climbers in general when tha chalk Bcomes obvious , an more so if tha heritage patina iz brushed off.
Council will also B impressed when someone claims compo for a twisted ankle.

Good thing vicrail bridge height izn't involved or it might attract bluestone safety bolterz 2.

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