Boulder Dash
With Climb Australia set to open their newest and biggest bouldering gym on Oct-12, Seanna Hill talks rockclimbing, bouldering and the small but dedicated local climbing scene.
12 September 2024
Written by Seanna Hill
Photography (Outdoor): Matt Martin
It's 5 am and still dark as local climber Matt Martin and 'whichever friends he's managed to rope in that day' make their way to 'Redcliffs', an established crag near Murphy's Creek that features several 30-40 meter high sandstone cliffs. It's just enough time for two quick hours of climbing before high-tailing back up the range to make it to work by 8:30 am.
"High levels of commitment", Matt laughs as if understanding what we were already thinking.
When you think of a rock climber, words like 'adventurous', 'risk-taker', and 'fearless' might come to mind. But ask those in the sport, and you'll soon discover that far beyond rock-solid nerves or even brute strength, this is a game of agility, flexibility, body awareness and balance.
For local climbers like Matt (who also runs the 'Toowoomba Rock Climbing' group and for whom fostering the local scene is somewhat of a personal mission) or for visitors to the city like Troy Clifton, the appeal of rock climbing lies in its adventure, yes, but also its sense of fun, challenge, and community.
"There was definitely the fitness aspect (it can be a seriously good workout), but it was the personal challenge of it," explains avid climber Troy Clifton. Overcoming what you think your limits are, doing progressively more challenging climbs; when you finally get something you've been working on for 2+ months, it's a pretty good feeling!"
"But it is also the community," he continues.
"There's nothing quite like the rock climbing community and sense of camaraderie".
It's a sentiment shared by Matt, who also explains that Toowoomba sits on the fringe of some 'pretty incredible' climbing locations.
Places like Frog's Buttress and The Glass House Mountains are some of the best in Queensland and draw climbers from all over Australia. Locally, however, Matt says, the area still remains largely unexplored, taking it upon himself to start exploring the region and opening up additional crags for use.
There are several others now, he explains, but they tend to require someone who 'knows the ropes' to help you find them.
"Toowoomba's community of climbers is small (the Facebook community page has roughly 500 members), but we're growing, Matt continues, "and they are committed!".
He cites one of the main reasons for this as the city's lack of a climbing gym to engage new climbers, to train, and as a place to foster that community.
This is something Beth Cowling, the person behind Climb Toowoomba, opening soon in the heart of the city, hopes to change.
"It was actually our son who was the initiator of the family's love for climbing", Beth explains. A trip to a climbing gym at an early age for a birthday party, where he started "climbing the walls with no fear", quickly saw him joining competitive teams, prompting Beth to move into judging and the family to open the Climb Australia gyms.
After making the move to Toowoomba in 2021, Beth saw the need for a climbing gym here, and coupled with several "months of prompting (i.e. complaining)" by their now teenage son, a bouldering style gym was chosen, and the journey to Climb Toowoomba began.
As opposed to traditional rock climbing, bouldering is done without ropes and could be considered the 'essentials' of climbing, going back to basics, without the need for the same level of equipment or a partner to assist your climb.
"The benefit is its ease of accessibility; the only equipment required is a pair of climbing shoes (which can be hired)", Beth adds.
"The climbs are up to 4.5 meters high (if you fall, there are mats to catch you) and will change weekly, with a range of 'levels' for individuals and groups of different ages and abilities to share the same space. You can climb at your own pace, and if you're struggling [or those just starting], it is a safe space to ask for help and chat all things climbing."
It is a great (and fun) way to challenge yourself, and it can also be a great introduction to climbing 'on belay' with a rope and the outdoor climbing space.
As Beth reassures us, "Whether you are an experienced climber or want to try something new, there will be a challenge for you."
For information on rock climbing locally, reach out to Matt at "Toowoomba Rock Climbing" on Facebook.
To follow along with Climb Toowoomba and to find out more about their grand opening on October-12, visit climb-australia.com.au/toowoomba/
