boulderers' code of conduct
We are all responsible for access to bouldering in the Grampians – do not take this access for granted. The following is a short list of Dos and Don’ts that if we all follow them will ensure we can continue to climb in the Grampians for many years to come..
- Minimise the use of chalk and tick marks, especially on caves and overhangs where untouched by rain it remains for many years. Clean off any tick marks that you do make.
- Carry all your rubbish out, this includes fruit peels, apple cores, tape, wrappers. Everything.
- Make use of picnic area toilets if you can. If the need suddenly takes you and getting to the picnic area is not an option then make do your do a long way from the climbing area and any streams or tracks. Bury everything at least 15cm deep and put a rock on the tilled soil. If you are up on Hollow Mountain hold it till you get down. Breaking these golden rules and dumping your bowels without due care is the fastest way to trash a climbing area. And don't be afraid of using your own poop tube.
- Under no circumstances should you ever chip, paint, draw on or alter the rock in any way. If you see someone else doing it then try and get their name or car registration number and report them immediately to Parks Victoria. Vandalism by climbers has led to closures and restrictions in some of the world’s best climbing areas. Don’t let it happen here.
- Lots of people use the Grampians for lots of different reasons. Almost all seek peace in natural surroundings. Respect others’ experiences – leave the sound system off and keep the screaming down if others are around.
- Stash pads at your own risk. Sometimes it is necessary to temporarily leave pads at the crag, but try and keep a low profile. Where possible obscure them from view and always retrieve everything you stash. Thinking your doing a community service by abandoning your pads under Cherry Picking just makes you a knob.
- If you are scouting out new rock do not climb anywhere near Indigenous rock art. If you do find rock art and you think it may not have been recorded, report it to Parks Victoria.
FIRES
It is illegal to light fires outside of designated fireplaces in the Grampians National Park. In particularly, you should never, ever light a fire in a cave – this is to protect Indigenous rock art. If you’re cold, put on more clothes or go home.
Be aware of fire warnings and bans. The Grampians is extremely flammable, and there are fires in the park every summer. If it is a total fire ban day, you cannot even use a fuel stove. There are heavy fines for people who break total fire bans or who start fires.
“Stay out of trouble.”
Banner image this page, Reuben Louis Bennett-Daly on Copperhead (V7), Venus Baths. Simon Madden