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Grampians summer climbing - from UK |
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22-Apr-2015 7:56:29 PM
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I was considering flying out to Melbourne in summer to sport climb in Grampians. I just wondered what the situation was like with finding partners, like could you rock up to the crag and easily meet people or is there a social hub of sorts? Also how easy is it hitchhike from Melbourne to the Grampians, or if possible is there anyone on this forum who would be willing to give a lift to a car-less Brit. Thanks
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22-Apr-2015 8:19:33 PM
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Arapiles would be my destination if I were sans car. Some of the best trad climbing in the world. Great campsite to meet other climbers, some of whom might be up for day trips to the gramps. Large portions of the Northern Grampians are still closed after the last batch of fires. Taipan is open. Not sure what grades etc you're looking at?
The sticky thread at the top of this forum gives details of trains, buses, hitchhiking etc to Arapiles. The crag beta forum has a sticky about Grampians weather.
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22-Apr-2015 10:17:24 PM
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I've heard great things about Arapiles but I'm a sport climber. I'm looking at low 5.13 grades, Taipan was one of the main crags I was interested in actually. I take Arapiles is entirely trad?
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22-Apr-2015 10:38:23 PM
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low 5.13? So 7c+?
There are sports climbs in that grade region at Arapiles, but you're on the right forum to find people to climb with you at other crags.
I'd be basing myself at araps as it's much more accessible for those without a car.
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23-Apr-2015 3:50:56 AM
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Okay, interesting. Is there any kind of public transport like buses or whatever to the Grampians? Also UK summer is your winter if I am not mistaken, is this a good period to climb in?
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23-Apr-2015 7:38:14 AM
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Australia has lots of sport, but it's not as prevalent in Victoria as it is in the Blue Mountains. Quite a few of the more popular areas are also closed due to fire damage at the moment and will be for the foreseeable future due to a lack of rain preventing regrowth.
Public transport to the Grampians is limited or nonexistent and as the climbing tends to be fairly dispersed, most people take a car. Stapylton Campground was walking distance to Taipan, but is closed due to the fires and you'd still need a car to go get food and water.
Winter isn't always a great time to climb here, it can be damp for days on end. There's a thread about the region's weather here.
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24-Apr-2015 2:45:33 AM
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That's a shame. Thanks for your information and opinions, guess I'll be back another time
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24-Apr-2015 4:21:56 PM
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depending when your about its not too hard to get out to the gramps and hang out with the taipan crew. During the busy months theres always loads of people around and not having a car wont be an issue. If your there in the middle of our summer there wont be any one about, for good reason. Come to tassie!!
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