Location: Dog Rocks, Mt Alexander
Leader: Leigh Hopkinson
Details:
Autumn is a great time to get on the granite of Mt Alexander! Situated near Castlemaine, Mt Alex is a 75-minute drive up the Calder if youre coming from Melbourne. Well be going to Dog Rocks for the day, where access is just a couple of hundred metres from the car park.
Mt Alex is known for its slab and crack climbing, so this trip is a good opportunity to try these styles if youre new to them, or perfect your technique if youre a seasoned climber (Braveheart, anyone?) Theres a wide range of predominantly shorter climbs beginning at around grade 7 (trad) all the way up to the mid 20s. Theres also some excellent bolted artes if youre keen to mix it up.
Beginners are welcome; trip leaders Leigh Hopkinson and Nic Low are happy to put up a few top ropes so you can try slab and crack climbing with confidence.
Dog Rocks is Leigh and Nics local crag, so theyll be able to suggest some options on the day, depending on what youre up for. Top ropes are a great way to explore jam cracks and off-widths while you're learning the technique.
Throw in your bathers and if its a hot day, well finish off with a cleansing dip at the local swimming hole (the Res) and fish n chips and a beer at sunset.
It is essential to contact Leigh prior to the trip to secure your place and get more information.
Photos: Trip Leaders Leigh Hopkinson and Nic Low; and Neil Monteith leading Braveheart (18) [Courtesy of Chockstone.org]
