We welcome first time climbers of all ages and abilities every day. If this is your first time climbing at Hardrock you need to have an online booking which includes a safety instruction and competency check.
First time climbers will be participating in top rope climbing; this requires a minimum of 2 participants in your group so one person can climb whilst the other belays.
Available at Hardrock CBD and Nunawading
The most common type of climbing that people do at our venues.
Top Roping requires both a climber and a belayer. Whilst the climber ascends the route, the belayer manages the rope to keep the climber safe. At Hardrock children must be 11 years or older to belay.
Our CBD venue has over 40 top rope "walls" (ranging from 5 to 16 metres high), whilst Nunawading has over 50 top rope walls (ranging from 5 to 14 metres high). Each wall has multiple different "routes", meaning each venue has over 100 routes to try, ranging from very easy to extremely hard.
Available at Hardrock Nunawading
Bouldering is performed on smaller climbing walls that do not require the use of ropes, harness or a belay buddy - If the climber falls off the route they land on a crash mat which protects them.
Due to the smaller size of the climbing routes in bouldering they are commonly referred to as "problems" and are often very technical in nature, requiring a specific set of climbing moves in order to complete them.
Typically Nunawading has around 40 different problems to try.
Available at Hardrock CBD
Auto-belays allow people to climb without the use of a belayer. Our CBD venue has 4 auto-belay walls which are 12 metres high.
Always call to check the auto-belays are available for use prior to arriving at the venue.
Climbing at Hardrock requires a minimum of 2 participants in a group. This is so one person can climb whilst the other is belaying. Belayers must be aged 11 years or older.
Currently, due to COVID restrictions, we are offering 2hr 45min pre-booked sessions. Most people visit for 2 - 2.5 hrs.
If you are visiting Hardrock for the first time, you will be required to undergo a Hardrock Safety Induction and Assessment process. This takes 15-30 minutes and upon successful completion, you are permitted to climb throughout the centre.
Loose / comfortable clothing e.g. shorts/leggings & t-shirt. Purpose-made climbing shoes are required and can be hired if you do not have your own.
An extra pair of socks - to wear with our climbing shoes and a drinks bottle (both our venues have a selection of cold drinks and snacks available).
