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    Epic Adventures on Rock and Snow

    The Climbing Company

The Climbing Company

Top-Rope Anchors and Abseiling

This two-day course is aimed at people wanting to learn how to set up their own top-rope anchors to climb safely in the outdoors.

Perfect for beginners and parents

What is Top-Rope rock climbing?

Top-rope climbing, in simple terms, is a system in which a climbing rope runs from a person (called a belayer) stationed at the bottom of a cliff face, up through an anchor system set at the top of the cliff, and back down to the climber.
It is the absolute simplest way for beginners to experience rock climbing in the outdoors, and requires a minimum of equipment.
If you have ever been to an indoor-rock climbing wall, it is likely you were taught the basic techniques that climbers use when top-roping (like belaying and tying a figure-8 knot), however in that indoor situation you will have found the rope already in place at the top of their artificial wall.
That is where this course comes in.

I have never climbed before. Is this course suitable for me?

Most people who book into this course are preparing to purchase their own harnesses, ropes, helmets and all other required equipment to be able to climb independently in the outdoors.
While you could certainly do this course with no prior experience, we recommend that you first get a feel for what outdoor Rock-Climbing is all about by attending an organised Group session or, if there aren’t any available that suit you, you can hire one of our guides directly for a Private Guiding session.

Next Course Date

Top-Rope Anchors and Abseiling
2 spots left

$520.00
Sat, 16 May, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm / Sun, 17 May, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Geboor/Camel's Hump, Mt Macedon
Book Now


Whack your details here and we’ll coordinate together to choose dates that suit you.

What are the aims of this course?

The aim of this course is to provide a comprehensive set of skills that you can use to set up your own top-rope climbs in the outdoors. These skills include:

  • Anchors. You need the ability to set safe anchors at the top of the cliff, capable of holding a fall.
  • Abseiling. To get down safely, you can either walk (which is how you got up there) or you can abseil. We will learn the latter… with a prusik backup.
  • Belaying and Lowering. You need to know how to safely belay a climber as they ascend the cliff (it’s not just as simple as holding the rope), and you need to know how to safely lower them to the ground after they have finished climbing.
  • Rope Management. As well as tying a Figure-8 for the climber and threading the belay device to belay with, you need to know how to manage the excess rope on the ground and how to care for the rope
  • Safety. You need to know how to create a safe climbing environment by recognising and mitigating the dangers of climbing, by wearing a helmet, using redundant anchors and ensuring your own safety by securing yourself while you build and dismantle the anchors.

What will we learn?

  • Identify established rock-climbing areas suitable for top-rope climbing, as well as areas that are not suitable.
  • Secure yourself at the top of a cliff while building an anchor.
  • Build effective top-rope climbing ERNEST anchors.
  • Safe abseiling using a prusik backup.
  • Return at the end of your session without leaving any of your gear behind.
  • Inspect fixed climbing hardware and anchors before you use them.
  • Recognise the most common top-rope climbing mistakes and easy methods to mitigate them.
  • Make intelligent decisions in the outdoors.

What do we need to own/bring?

  • All climbing safety equipment is supplied by The Climbing Company, however if you own any of the following equipment please bring it along with you – learning with your own equipment is far better and will provide a great start to your outdoor climbing experience!Helmet *
  • Harness
  • Locking biner(s)
  • Belay device
    * Helmets are worn on all outdoor Climbing Company/Melbourne Climbing School courses – but as with all of the other climbing safety equipment, we have these if you don’t own one, and we will not charge any extra for their use on the course.
    The Climbing Company/Melbourne Climbing School can rent shoes to participants on these courses – regardless please bring closed footwear such as tennis shoes as they are fine for learning in.
    Non-climbing equipment: You will need to bring suitable clothing and footwear for light hiking, and your own lunch and water for the day (and a camera!).
  • Top-Rope Anchors and Abseiling
Top-Rope Anchors and Abseiling - Image 1
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Hamid is an excellent teacher. I highly recommended any course through this company!
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Angus Philip-Owen 11 months ago
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Just finished a great Alpine Level 1 course. The instructors knowledge and experience is incredible with awesome storiss to back up each element on the course. Looking forward to level 2.

Just finished the level 2 alpine course. Again, excellent instruction and knowledge concerning glacier travel, long toping, short-roping,, and crevasse rescue. Thanks Hamid and Lachlan
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Paul O'Donoghue 2 year ago
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I completed the Alpine Skills Course 1 and 2 with The Climbing Company. I wanted to do these courses to build confidence with alpine climbing equipment (crampons, ropes, ice axes, harnesses, belay devices etc.) before going to climb Mera Peak in Nepal.

Hamid was our instructor for both courses and he had an incredible in his teaching style – the right amount of information and theory mixed in with practical application and loads of fun. I had no knowledge about how to climb in Alpine environments prior to these courses. These courses have provided me with essential skills and knowledge to feel more confident going to Mera Peak.

A big thank you to Hamid and The Climbing Company for offering such a great course so close to Melbourne! Would highly recommend.
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Hannah Walmsley 2 year ago
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Had a spectacular backcountry weekend hosted by The Climbing Company, Mountain Safety Collective (MSC) and sponsored by Arc’teryx. Hamid, Simon (wombat), Luke and Dill were brilliant hosts, providing a safe and well planned experience. Such a great opportunity to experience the Victorian backcountry with a team of professionals. Roll on the next trip!
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Adrian Soares 2 year ago
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We had a wonderful weekend with the guys from The Climbing Company backcountry skiing and snow camping in the spectacular Victorian Alps. The team organised and coordinated a fantastic set of experiences for us all. Our tents were comfortable and cozy, the dining tent (Tipi) was extraordinary, with a wood burner and Wombat cooked us some delicious and nourishing food. Highly recommended for first timers and experienced skiers who want a unique experience in Australian mountains.
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Peter Cook 2 year ago

upcoming sessions:

May 2026

Top-Rope Anchors and Abseiling
2 spots left

$520.00
Sat, 16 May, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm / Sun, 17 May, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Geboor/Camel's Hump, Mt Macedon
Book Now

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