[Photos: Natasha Sebire]

4 days climbing the classics of the rarely-visited and stunning Wolgan Valley

This rockclimbing meet is an opportunity for experienced and independent trad climbers to sample the sandstone delights of the Wolgan Valley – a spectacular, secluded and beautiful valley in the Blue Mountains.

The Wolgan Valley is located along the Wolgan River in the Lithgow Region of New South Wales. It is accessible via the Wolgan Valley Discovery Trail (Wolgan Road), which has remained closed since late 2022 following extreme rainfall which resulted in widespread landslides. CCA has been able to arrange permission to camp and climb in the Valley, and a required escort service has been booked to accompany our group vehicles.

Participation

CCA members who are competent, experienced and independent trad climbers are welcome to attend.

This event is for current CCA members only. You cannot join CCA on the day of the event (* see note about CCA membership below).

The Trip Leader for the meet will be Peter Blunt.

Cost

The fee for the required escort service is $200 and will be shared by the group. Camping fees are $70 per car.

Registration

Event registration is required is available now:

Register for this event

The cutoff for registration is Monday 20 April.

(* Note about CCA membership: you can only join CCA via our website, and it takes about a month to receive your member’s card after you submit the membership application form on-line and pay the membership fee)

Difficulty

The Wolgan Valley is a predominantly trad area with a few sport climbs. The Valley offers a wide variety of climbing from moderate to extremely challenging routes. To make most use of the venue, climbers should be able to climb grade 14 comfortably.

Some climbs require significant hikes to the start. Climbs vary from 10m single pitch routes to long multi-pitch routes up to 100m high involving up to 4 pitches.

What to bring

Independent trad climbers are expected to bring their own climbing gear and equipment. All climbing gear MUST be in serviceable condition and ropes, harnesses, helmets and slings MUST be no more than 10 years old. All climbing equipment MUST be purpose-designed and certified for use for climbing. All equipment will be inspected prior to activities.

You will also need to bring your own camping gear, food, and drinking water for 3 days or use the “wonderful mountain spring water”. Prepare for both cold and warm conditions. A detailed list will be forwarded to people who register.

Camping

Terrific camping is available on the river flat along the Wolgan River, with some fireplaces, and firewood for sale. Facilities include showers, toilets, taps, a covered area, wood-fired BBQ, sinks and a bookable pizza oven. There is no power.

Meeting time and location

6.00 am Friday morning on 24 April at a Northside location TBA.

The required escort service has been booked for departing 11.00am on the Friday and returning 3.00pm on the Monday.

Climbing routes

Check out thecrag.com for climbing route details. The Trip Leader will be able to supply guidebooks that can be photographed or copied prior to the trip.

Transport and participant numbers

Transport will be shared, and group vehicles must be 4WD or AWD. Participant numbers will be determined by the availability of suitable vehicles. 

Enquiries

You will have an opportunity to ask questions of Trip Leader as part of the registration process.