Rock climbers in Victoria are openly resisting voluntary bans on climbing routes near Mount Arapiles, a site rich in Indigenous heritage. Despite a strong plea from the state government to respect the area’s cultural significance, many climbers are prepared to disregard the restrictions, which aim to protect millennia-old Indigenous sites, including rock art and artefacts.
Located in western Victoria, Mount Arapiles is renowned as one of Australia’s premier rock climbing destinations. The area is home to tens of thousands of archaeological artefacts, scarred trees, and rock art believed to date back at least 3,000 years. According to a management plan from Parks Victoria, it also features one of the largest Indigenous stone quarry complexes in Australia. In light of this, climbers have been asked to refrain from using five specific routes in the park.
A notice from Parks Victoria states: “While Parks Victoria and the Barengi Gadjin Land Council determine a longer-term management response, and out of respect for this significant cultural landscape, visitors are requested to not enter this area.” The agency is currently developing an amendment to the Dyurrite cultural landscape management plan, which may lead to a formal ban. Despite this, there has been no change to climbing access at Mount Arapiles, as Parks Victoria lacks the authority to enforce the voluntary restrictions.
The proposed bans apply to popular climbing spots such as Chicken Boulder, Pharos Boulders, Plaque Rock, Taylors Rock, and Castle Crag, all of which are considered to hold significant Aboriginal cultural values. However, many climbers have expressed their defiance on social media platforms. Comments on a local climbing Facebook group reveal a strong sentiment against compliance. One user questioned, “What are they going to do … chase someone up a hard core 30?” Another added, “I like resisting all proposed climbing and bouldering restrictions anywhere in Australia; it’s my other sport.”
A recent consultation process conducted by Parks Victoria received feedback from over 1,000 individuals, primarily rock climbers, with 90% expressing opposition to the proposed bans. The summary report highlighted a common theme: the perceived disregard for the climbing community and the potential loss of Mount Arapiles as a premier destination.
The consultation process, which concluded in February 2023, generated 581 submissions and conducted an online survey that attracted 1,094 responses. During an information session, more than 365 people participated. The report stated, “The overwhelming majority of participants expressed concern about the consultation process and felt a strong sense of loss for their much-loved rock-climbing activity.” While many acknowledged the need to protect cultural heritage, there was significant feedback advocating for a reconsideration of the scope of the proposed restrictions.
A spokesperson for the Victorian government stated, “The great outdoors are to be experienced and admired, not locked away.” They also noted that work on the management plan is currently paused as the Community Working Group seeks to create more diverse and inclusive opportunities for people to enjoy and access Dyurrite.
Mount Arapiles, also known as Dyurrite, attracts thousands of visitors each year, drawn to its world-class climbing routes. The ongoing discussions surrounding the voluntary bans highlight the tension between preserving Indigenous heritage and maintaining the area’s reputation as a leading climbing destination. As both sides engage in dialogue, the future of climbing at Mount Arapiles remains uncertain.
