I’m writing this to share where we are in the process of working through the future of climbing at Dyurrite (Mount Arapiles), and to encourage everyone in our community to approach what comes next with respect, patience, and a commitment to collaboration.
I don’t speak here on behalf of Parks Victoria, Traditional Owners, or even all Licensed Tour Operators. I speak for myself and my business, but I hope what I share resonates with many of you who care deeply about this place and want to see a positive path forward.
Dyurrite/Mt Arapiles
Widely regarded as the top rock climbing area in Australia, Dyurrite is of world renown. More than 4000 routes have been developed on the many cliffs, crags and pinnacles.
The area is rich with history – for far longer than the modern (post-colonial) history, countless generations of people were living, building, trading, storytelling and thriving in this same place. Their stories continue today and their connection is everlasting.
Where We Are Now
In February 2025, I had the privilege of being invited to participate in the precursor to the current Dyurrite Community Working Group (DCWG) as a representative for Licensed Tour Operators. In it’s early stages it was facilitated by the interim Parks CEO Gus Dear, and has since been officially set up as a continuing Working Group under new Parks Victoria management. This working group represents a significant step forward – it brings together Traditional Owners, Parks Victoria, Climbing Victoria, local community groups, and others who have a stake in Dyurrite’s future.
This is the first time in years that we’ve all been at the table together, listening to each other and trying to find solutions that respect everyone’s needs and values.
The formation of this working group came as Parks Victoria paused the draft management plan amendment in September. That pause was necessary. The process needed to reset, and relationships needed a chance to heal. We needed to create space where all voices could be heard, where concerns could be addressed openly, and where we could work toward outcomes that protect cultural heritage while also recognising the deep connections that climbers, educators, families, and local communities have with Dyurrite.
What This Means for The Climbing Company
The Climbing Company operates at the intersection of recreation, education, and outdoor access. We bring school groups, families, and individuals to Dyurrite to experience the physical and personal growth that climbing offers. For many young people, a day on the rock at Arapiles is transformative – it builds confidence, resilience, and connection to the natural world. For older folk it does the same – and sometimes awakens a hidden passion that becomes an integral part of their lives and identity from that moment on.
When access restrictions were first proposed, the impact on our ability to operate was significant. Not just for us as a business, but for the hundreds of students each year who benefit from programs that depend on having a diversity of routes available – routes that match their abilities, that offer appropriate challenges, and that allow groups to spread out safely across the landscape.
Indigenous Name
Dyurrite (“Joo-right”)
Indigenous groups
Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Peoples (collectively Wotjobaluk), represented by Barengi Gadjin Land Council (BGLC).
I spent considerable time analysing this impact and presenting it to decision-makers. One of the strongest arguments I’ve been able to make is this: shutting out school children from accessible, appropriate climbing areas doesn’t just impact a business – it removes opportunities for young people to connect with Country, to challenge themselves, and to grow. These kids are the future stewards of our parks and our relationship with Traditional Owners. They deserve the chance to develop that connection thoughtfully and respectfully.
We also teach recreational climbers how to perform safety skills in their own right, independent of guiding services. Those learners then need to be able to safely re-visit the same places they were taught on, to practice and gain experience and to continue to connect with their environment. It is imperative that not only Licensed Tour Operators must have access to all of the landscape, but recreational users as well.
I’m proud that this perspective has helped inform the conversations that led to the pause and the formation of the working group.
The Importance of Collaboration
The work happening through the DCWG is not easy. It requires patience, humility, and a genuine commitment to finding common ground. It requires Traditional Owners to share their knowledge and concerns with people they may not fully trust yet. It requires climbers and outdoor educators to listen carefully, to recognise that our way of seeing Dyurrite is not the only way, and to be willing to adjust our expectations and behaviour.
But this is the only way forward that works.
Dyurrite is a place of profound cultural significance. It’s also a place that has been central to climbing and outdoor education for decades. These two truths can coexist. They must coexist if we’re going to create a sustainable future for this landscape.
I’ve seen what happens when collaboration works. One example is the de-bolting project I undertook at Millennium Cave in the Grampians. That project was controversial within the climbing community, but it was the right thing to do. It demonstrated that climbers can act in partnership with land managers and Traditional Owners to protect cultural values. It showed that restoration is possible, and that our community is willing to make hard choices when they’re the right ones.
I believe we can bring that same spirit to Dyurrite.
What’s the Likely Future Status of Climbing Access?
While I can’t speak for the working group or predict exactly what the final management plan will look like, I can share what I believe is a reasonable expectation based on the collaborative process underway.
The focus is shifting from broad exclusion zones to targeted protection of specific cultural heritage sites. This is a fundamentally different approach from what was proposed in the draft plan that was paused in September.
What this likely means in practice:
- Continued access to the majority of climbing areas, including most of the popular routes that climbers and guides rely on. Some routes that travel near cultural heritage sites will necessarily need to be rerouted or closed, and this will be done in an open, collaborative way that looks at each individual climb.
- Education and engagement programs to help all park users understand the cultural significance of Dyurrite and how to recreate respectfully.
- Plans will not be a surprise anymore. By the time a draft plan comes out, it should already be clear what has been considered and why reasonable restrictions need to be put in place. Climbers should have no cause to look at a closed area and say “why is this or that route closed?” with no ability to find out why.
- Ongoing collaboration between Traditional Owners, Parks Victoria, and the climbing community to manage access in a way that protects both cultural heritage and recreational opportunities.
This approach recognises that cultural heritage protection and responsible recreational access can coexist. It’s about being precise and evidence-based in our protections, rather than applying blanket restrictions across large areas.
The working group is committed to finding solutions that work for everyone. That means Traditional Owners feel confident that cultural heritage is being properly protected, Parks Victoria can manage the landscape effectively, and climbers, educators, and local communities maintain reasonable access to the areas they depend on. Finally – everyone, from any walk of life will feel empowered to walk on Country and enjoy this very special place whilst holding the utmost respect for the others also using the area.
What I’m Asking of Our Community
If you’re reading this and you climb at Dyurrite, or you bring students there, or you simply care about this place, I’m asking you to commit to a few things:
First, stay informed. Climbing Victoria (climbingvictoria.com) is doing excellent work representing the climbing community’s interests in this process. They’re at the DCWG table alongside us, and they’re advocating thoughtfully for balanced solutions that protect cultural heritage while maintaining reasonable access. Trust their process. Read their updates. Understand what’s being discussed and why.
Second, be patient. This process will take time. Real collaboration doesn’t happen quickly. Building trust after years of tension requires sustained, good-faith effort from everyone involved. There will be difficult conversations, compromises, and moments of frustration. That’s normal. Stay committed to the outcome, not just to getting what you want immediately.
Third, respect the current requests. Parks Victoria and the Barengi Gadjin Land Council have asked climbers not to enter certain areas due to the presence of cultural heritage. These requests have been in place since 2020, and while signage and communication could have been better, the climbing community has largely respected them. Continue to do so. When you’re at Dyurrite, check Parks Victoria’s website for up-to-date information about which areas to avoid. If you’re unsure, ask. Err on the side of respect.
Fourth, support collaborative solutions. When the working group produces recommendations – whether it’s about access, about education, about voluntary closures, or about other management approaches – give them a fair hearing. Understand that these solutions will be the product of many perspectives, not just ours. They’ll represent compromises, and they’ll be designed to work for the long term.
Finally, model the behaviour we want to see. When you’re at Dyurrite, treat the landscape with care. Be mindful of your impact. Be friendly and respectful to other users of the park. If you see problematic behaviour, address it constructively. We need to demonstrate, consistently, that climbers can be trusted partners in protecting this place.
Looking Ahead
I’m optimistic about where we’re headed. Not because I think it will be easy, but because I’ve seen the commitment that people are bringing to this process. Traditional Owners are showing up to work with us. Parks Victoria is genuinely trying to do better. Climbing Victoria and local community groups are contributing thoughtfully and constructively.
We have an opportunity here to create something that models respectful coexistence and shared stewardship – not just for Dyurrite, but for other places in Victoria and beyond that are grappling with similar challenges.
The Climbing Company is committed to being part of that solution. We’ll continue to show up at working group meetings, to contribute our expertise on outdoor education and guiding, to advocate for the needs of the students and families we serve, and to work in partnership with everyone else who cares about Dyurrite’s future.
I hope you’ll join us in that commitment.
If you have questions about this process or want to understand more about what’s happening with the DCWG, I encourage you to reach out to Climbing Victoria through their website at climbingvictoria.com. They’re doing excellent work, and they can provide more context on the formal advocacy efforts happening on behalf of the climbing community.
As always, I’m open to conversations. You can reach me through The Climbing Company if you want to discuss any of this directly. I don’t have all the answers, but I’m committed to being honest about where things stand and working collaboratively to find solutions that work for everyone.
Let’s move forward together – with respect, with patience, and with a shared commitment to protecting what makes Dyurrite special for generations to come.
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