mount arapiles

I have been climbing with a variety of friends and organisations and have used Arapiles Climbing Company for the last 20 years. We have had a fantastic experience each time. Hugh and his team are brilliant and willingly share their knowledge of the rock. They cater for all levels of experiences and provide all equipment. I highly recommend anyone interested giving them a call. You need to allow all day. Their website is www.arapiles.com.au The best time to visit is Spring and Autumn.It's also nice just to do a bush walk there and watch the climbers too,You can camp at the camping ground which also has flushing toilets. Natimuk has a nice little arts community too.Lastly, don't forget to check out a few Mt Arapiles climbing videos on You Tube before you go.

I come here for a climbing trip and stayed in the camp ground. This place is amazingly beautiful climbing is great and the camp ground is cozy. There are flushing toilets in the campground and a sink to wash dishes. The camp ground has lots of trees, grass and fire pits to use.

My partner and I are climbers, but when we went on a mini road trip beginning from Kyneton to the Arapiles (then down to The Great Ocean Road), we were not expecting to climb much...but upon casting our eyes on the awesome rock, we absolutely HAD to check out some classic routes. Mt. Arapiles is just a great place to be, and a lot of the people we met there were hiking or walking. Many were climbers, but the trails up to the top are so good and gives a different experience altogether.Because our time was limited, we only did 2 classic mutli-pitch routes, and the rock is super solid, if you're a confident climber and not too fussed about climbing hard routes, the easier classics are a great way to experience climbing hundreds of meters without much of a sweat. The facilities are perfect for camping, with fresh rainwater and toilets available, and cleaned in a regular basis. As for showers, there is a town 20 mins away where you can either pay to swim in the pool and use the showers or just rough it up and accept that no one else around you is showering either. We were there in early May, so there was no big dangers of snakes or spiders and it was pretty chilly in the evenings. The campsite is on an honesty basis, sometimes in high season there are rangers checking if you've paid your fees but we gave a contribution appropriate for our stay. I think fees vary between AUS$ 4-7 per night. Really inexpensive for what you get.

I love this place! It's definitely worth the side trip of 23kms from Horsham to check it out. I learned to climb here and have been back many times since. Arapiles has something for every level of climbing ability and children love it. Even if you don't climb, Arapiles is definitely worth exploring, whether it's by foot or on mountain bikes. If you're not a climber you will be blown away by watching climbers scaling the dizzy heights, or you might just be tempted to get outside your comfort zone and try it yourself. There are plenty of very experienced guides available in nearby Natimuk who will be more than happy to teach you the ropes (pun intended). The camp ground is very family friendly and the (mostly) climbing community hanging out there is friendly and helpful. Amenities are very basic - toilet block only, and it is a camp site only so no power available. There is good phone reception if you find it difficult to switch off your devices. Driving or hiking up to the top of Mt Arapiles is worth checking out. The view is amazing. And if you're not afraid of heights you can actually scramble up behind some cliffs to get a feel of being 'high up' without climbing. Pub and other amenities are about 5kms away in Natimuk if you feel like eating out or stocking up with supplies. Campsite fees as of March 2014 are $5 per person per night, which you pay at the campground by placing money and details in a deposit box.

This place has a beautiful view, and also well known for rock climbing, I have family members that rock climb and I will be sure to take them to this spot for sure!! It's a must do if your a rock climber!! And it's a must see!! The view is very nice!

If you're a climber you already know that Mt Arapiles is pretty much as good as it gets. If you're not then this is pretty much the best place to start climbing. I've climbed here many times but came with my kids (5&8) this time and we had a great time top roping in bushrangers bluff.One exciting new aspect is the Natimuk Cafe in Natimuk which is awesome for a fancy feed or excellent coffee. The only problem with it being it is only open Friday - Sunday.

recently my family and I did some abseiling at Mt Arapiles. We were first timers with absolutely no experience as this was our very first try. Our guide Hugh Widdowson was amazing as I had intended only to watch my sons and husband participate as I am scared of heights. After watching the boys do it Hugh encouraged my participation and WOW what a thrill it was. Mt Arapiles is one of the worlds best destinations for rock climbing enthusiasts but is also a great environment for any family. City folk should definitely consider heading to Horsham a beautiful regional city to enjoy the peaceful lifestyle and make a day trip to Mt Arapiles.

I've been climbing at Mt. Arapiles since 1989 and I'm often asked about the area. I've written a blog post about it at http://www.debislinger.com/camping-at-mt-arapiles/ to give full details of what it's like. Enjoy your own trip. It's awesome!

We did a one day climbing course with Hugh from "Arapiles climbing guides". Hugh was great, he went through the basics with us and was willing to share his vast knowledge of climbing. Arapiles was an eye opener, as a novice climber it was great to see so many people camping at the bottom of the mountain and spending the day climbing. We bumped into many friendly people during the day of varying skill levels. Make sure you bring plenty of water, some lunch, sunscreen and a hat. We stayed at the caravan park in Natimuk, it's a few km's out of town but a great spot right on the lake. The park manager was great, we turned up last minute with our dog and he was more than happy to accomadate us.....top bloke. If your into rock climbing youv'e gotta come to Mount Arapiles and if you want to try a day of fun and adventure give Hugh a call.

Having an aversion to heights, my son needed me to accompany him Rock Climbing at the premier rock climbing spot in Australia. Mt Arapiles is a State Park, and is a fantastic place to visit. You have the ability to see a beautiful piece of Australia, go walking and experience rock climbing from gentle to extreme. It is worth the visit just to experience the rugged beauty and the ability of the climbers who gravitate to this place, defying gravity with skill and finesse.We stayed 3 nights, climbed each day, and camped about 10 kms away at the Natimuk Lake Caravan Park - which has very good cooking and shower facilities; including cabins for hire. We kayaked each night on the lake and down the Natimuk river – so relaxing. There is also camping at ‘The Pines’, minutes from the base of the mountain, within the State Park.In the end I succumbed and faced my fear and did a multi-rope climb and abseiled down the edge of a cliff (with a highly skilled guide) - absolutely exhilarating. Ps Bring your camera, and remember safety is a must, especially if venturing close up to the mountain.