Canberra Climbers' Association

Sport Climbing 101 – Gym to Crag
2026-01-18 | ACT
Learn the fundamentals and become a safe, competent and independent outdoor sport climber.
This CCA course will cater to those starting out climbing, gym climbers, and those looking to improve their skills and knowledge in sport climbing.
The primary focus of this course is on safety, proper technique, and enjoyment of the sport.
Participation
Event registration is required and is now closed.
The course is a four-part series. As it is sequential, all sessions should be attended.
This event is only for CCA members. You cannot join the CCA on the day of the event, and you can only join via the CCA website.
Please note that 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.
Instruction will be provided by qualified and experienced volunteer leaders from CCA.
Dates and venues

Sunday 16 November – Snake Rock, Namadgi National Park.
Thursday 4 December – evening at Mountain Strong bouldering & fitness gym, Fyshwick – skills workshop.
Sunday 14 December – Tianjarra Falls.
Sunday 18 January – Thompsons Point, Nowra.

Cost
$120 per person, to be paid when registering (contribution to CCA insurance and CCA equipment).
Transport to the course venues is not included; carpooling is recommended.
Essential equipment
Each participant must provide the following climbing gear in good, serviceable condition that is not more than 10 years old. Equipment will be inspected.

Climbing helmet
Climbing harness
2 screw-gate carabiners
Belay device
60cm anchoring sling
Either a 60m dynamic climbing rope OR 12 quick draws OR both
Climbing shoes/boots

Course content
Practical climbing sessions – practical climbing time on rock is maximised.
Safety and risk management – climbing etiquette, environmental awareness, accident prevention.
Climbing gear and equipment – understanding different types of climbing gear and their functions. How to properly use gear – especially Grigri type belay devices.
Basic knots – how to tie essential knots for climbing.
Rope management – proper handling and management of climbing ropes.
Climbing technique – basic and advanced.
Belaying techniques – proper belaying techniques, including both top-roping and lead belaying.
Communication – effective communication signals between climber and belayer.
Lead climbing – clipping techniques, fall management, minimising rope drag, use of clip sticks.
Cleaning anchors.
Falling and resting – how to safely fall while climbing, and techniques for managing falls.
Identifying resting positions on the wall to conserve energy.
Basic abseiling.
Climbing routes and grading – understanding how climbing routes are graded and how to assess and choose routes appropriate to one’s skill level.
Problem solving and complicated terrain.
Fitness and strength training for climbing.
Overview of sport climbing opportunities in Australia and internationally.
Next steps in climbing – guidance on how to further develop climbing skills, including more advanced courses and outdoor climbing opportunities.
Insurance
CCA insurance includes public liability, and association office bearers and volunteer activity leader accident policies.
Course participants are expected to carry their own medical/accident cover and ambulance cover as they deem necessary.

Red Rocks Gorge Sport Climbing and Cragcare
2026-03-14 | ACT
[image by Chris Chia]
This is an opportunity for experienced and independent CCA sport climbing members to climb together at Red Rocks Gorge.
It is expected that time will be spent also working on replacing as many of the shining silver bolt brackets as possible with dull powder-coated brackets to reduce the visual impact of climbing.
Participation
CCA members who are competent and experienced sport 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 day will be Peter Blunt.
Registration
Event registration is required is available now:
Register for this event
The cutoff for registration is 11 March.
(* 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
Climbs at Red Rocks Gorge start at grade 16 and range up to the mid 20’s.
Red Rocks Gorge climbing routes & climbing guide
What to bring
Independent sport 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.
Equipment will be inspected prior to activities.
You will also need to bring your own food, water and sunscreen for the day. Be prepared for both cold and warm conditions.
Meeting time and location
Details will be forwarded to people who register for the day.
Enquiries
You will have an opportunity to ask questions of Trip Leader as part of the registration process.

CCA General Meeting / guest speaker: Duncan Brown
2026-03-25 19:30 - 21:30 (Australia/Sydney) | Ainslie Football & Social Club, 52 Wakefield Avenue, Ainslie, ACT, 2602, Australia
Come and hear a rundown of the CCA’s recent activities plus general climbing news and points of interest, followed by our guest speaker presentation.
CCA members and non-members are welcome.
Dinner is available from The Limestone Kitchen at the Ainslie Football Club, providing a great chance to relax and socialise with other CCA members before the meeting starts at 7.30pm. A table in the name of CCA is booked for 6pm.
Guest speaker: Duncan Brown
An outdoor athlete’s life is one of trials and tribulations, but few go through as many as internationally renowned Aussie climber Duncan Brown… and all in his own backyard (Australian Geographic Adventure).
Duncan is a prolific first ascensionist who has been quietly putting up an impressive number of new bouldering routes in the ACT region. Most recently, Duncan and his crew have been dedicating significant time and energy to developing a brand new bouldering area at The Outer Rim, out along Corin Road.
This new zone is quickly generating buzz, and Duncan will be sharing insights into the development of the area and what boulderers can expect from this significant addition to the ACT bouldering scene.

Wolgan Valley Rockclimbing Meet
2026-04-24 - 2026-04-27 | ACT
[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.

CCA General Meeting / guest speaker: TBA
2026-05-20 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-09-16 19:30 - 21:30 | Ainslie Football & Social Club, 52 Wakefield Avenue, Ainslie, ACT, 2602, Australia
Come and hear a rundown of the CCA’s recent activities plus general climbing news and points of interest, followed by our guest speaker presentation.
CCA members and non-members are welcome.
Dinner is available from The Limestone Kitchen at the Ainslie Football Club, providing a great chance to relax and socialise with other CCA members before the meeting starts at 7.30pm. A table in the name of CCA is booked for 6pm.
Guest speaker: TBA
(presentation details TBA)

CCA General Meeting (AGM) / guest speaker TBA
2026-11-18 19:30 - 21:30 | Ainslie Football & Social Club, 52 Wakefield Avenue, Ainslie, ACT, 2602, Australia
This meeting will be our AGM, so we will include election of CCA office bearers for 2023/2024 and a rundown of the CCA’s recent activities plus general climbing news and points of interest. The meeting will be followed by our guest speaker presentation, as usual.
CCA members and non-members are welcome.
Dinner is available from The Limestone Kitchen at the Ainslie Football Club, providing a great chance to relax and socialise with other CCA members before the AGM starts at 7.30pm. A table in the name of CCA is booked for 6pm.
Guest speaker: TBA
