Wolgan Valley Meet - April 2026

Over the Anzac Day long weekend, eleven members of the Canberra Climbers Association set out for four days of climbing in the stunning Wolgan Valley. With four members familiar with the area and seven visiting for the first time, the trip struck a great balance between experience and fresh enthusiasm. We based ourselves at Newnes, where the relaxed camp setup quickly became a hub for planning, and plenty of laughs. From the outset, the club atmosphere was a highlight, bringing together climbers of different backgrounds to share knowledge, encouragement, and a genuine sense of community.

The climbing delivered in spades. Groups spread out across the valley, with many heading to Old Baldy to take on classics like Excalibur and Scimitar. Others made the trip to Coke Ovens Wall, ticking off a long list of well-known routes including War of the Roses, Sizzler, The Knuckle, and Mirror Man. For those new to the Wolgan, it was an eye-opening introduction to the unique sandstone climbing the area offers, steep, varied, and full of adventure. For returning members, it was a welcome chance to revisit old favourites and share them with new partners.

Beyond the climbing, the trip offered plenty to explore. Walks around the historic ruins of Newnes Industrial Ruins gave a glimpse into the area’s past. Evenings were spent gathered around the campfire, swapping stories from the day and getting to know one another better, as well as getting to know other climbers in the valley. One of the standout moments came on the drive out, when the group was lucky enough to spot a Spotted-tailed quoll, a rare and special sighting that capped off the weekend perfectly.

All up, it was an incredible four days of climbing, connection, and adventure. Trips like this are a reminder of what makes the club special, not just the places we go, but the friends we make on the way. Canberra Climbers Association meets are open to any climber with the appropriate experience for the advertised trip, and they’re a fantastic way to get involved, explore climbing areas, and be part of a welcoming climbing community.

(Photos by: Peter Blunt, Jan Ho, Mike Masters, Cait Horan)