Melbourne has bouldering walls from the western suburbs to the south-east, and beginners are welcome. Here is where people climb across the city, plus the few things worth bringing on day one.
Shoes first, then a few simple things that make each session easier.
Close-fitting shoes that help you trust small footholds.
Stretchy leggings and tights that move with every reach.
Towels and bottles to keep you fresh between climbs.
Sports bags and backpacks that carry your whole session.
Kinesiology and support tapes for joints and muscles.
Harnesses for when you try the roped walls too.
A spread of gyms across the city, so there is one close to you.
A bouldering-only gym on Victoria Street, with sister gyms in Northcote and Abbotsford (The Lactic Factory). It also runs a beginners coaching class to build good movement habits early.
Good to knowShoe hire is available at all three locations. Younger climbers are welcome with supervision, and climbers 12 and under need one-on-one adult supervision.
A dedicated bouldering gym in Melbourne's western suburbs, on Maidstone Street. It describes itself as beginner friendly and has a page just for first timers.
Good to knowClimbing shoes are available to hire. For kids there is a school holiday program and a Youth Squad, and the gym takes school and scout group bookings.
A bouldering-only gym on Plummer Street, a short trip from the CBD. Classes and coaching are offered for all levels, and there is a dedicated first time section on its site.
Good to knowClimbing shoe hire is available. Its FamilyHaus sessions are made for kids and families to climb together.
A climbing gym on Franklin Street in the city, with bouldering alongside top roping, lead climbing and auto belays. Handy if you want to try ropes as well as boulders.
Good to knowFirst time climbers are welcomed. It also runs youth programs and school excursions.
Part of the Urban Climb group, this gym on Down Street has bouldering walls close to the inner north and east. The Urban Climb site also has an Intro to Climbing guide for people starting out.
Good to knowUrban Climb runs kids holiday climbing programs in Melbourne. Check the gym's own page for age rules before you bring younger climbers.
A climbing gym in Melbourne's south-east with bouldering, top rope climbing and auto belays for any level of experience. It also offers coaching and learn to lead courses.
Good to knowClimbing shoes, harnesses and chalk bags are available to hire. Youth classes and youth holiday sessions are on offer for younger climbers.
Climbing shoes should fit close so you can feel small footholds, but a first pair should not make your toes curl hard. A flatter, more relaxed shoe is kinder for long sessions while you learn. Try them on with bare feet, as most climbers wear them that way.
High steps and wide moves need clothing that moves with you. Leggings, stretchy shorts or soft training pants all work well. Skip anything with big zips or buttons that can catch on the wall.
Chalk keeps your fingers dry so you can hold on longer. Many gyms prefer liquid chalk or a chalk ball to keep dust down, so check the house rules before you bring loose chalk.
A simple gym bag or backpack holds your shoes, a towel and a water bottle in one place. A separate pocket for shoes keeps the rest of your kit fresh.
Spend a few minutes loosening your shoulders, wrists and fingers, then start on the easiest problems. Your body will thank you by the end of the session.
Climb down when you can, and when you do drop, land on both feet with soft knees and roll back onto the mat. Most gyms show you this in their safety briefing, so listen closely.
Look around before you start a problem so you do not climb into someone else's path. Brush off heavy chalk marks you leave behind and keep spilt chalk off the mats.
| Item | Why | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Climbing shoes | Grip and feel on small holds | Hire a pair first if you are unsure of fit |
| Stretchy clothing | Freedom for high steps and reaches | Avoid zips and buttons that snag |
| Chalk and chalk bag | Dry hands hold on longer | Check whether the gym asks for liquid chalk |
| Water bottle | Short bursts add up to a big effort | Sip between climbs, not only at the end |
| Small towel | Wipe sweat from hands and face | Keep it in your bag, off the mats |
| Gym bag | Keeps shoes and kit together | A separate shoe pocket helps with smells |
| Support tape | Extra support for sore spots | See a health professional for any injury that lingers |
No. Most Melbourne bouldering gyms hire climbing shoes, so you can try a few sessions before you buy. Once you are climbing every week, your own pair is worth it because you get a consistent fit and do not have to share. Look for a comfortable, flatter beginner shoe rather than an aggressive, downturned one.
Wear clothing you can stretch in, such as leggings, training shorts or soft pants, with a T-shirt or singlet that will not ride up when you reach. Avoid big zips, belts and jewellery, as they can catch on holds or scratch the wall. Most people climb in their climbing shoes with bare feet, so bring socks for the trip home.
Yes. You climb close to the ground over thick mats, without ropes or a partner, so it is easy to drop in and have a go. Gyms grade problems from very easy upwards, and many run intro classes or beginner coaching. It is also social, as people often work out the same problem together and swap ideas.
Gyms give you padded floors, set problems and grades, and staff on hand, which makes them the easiest place to learn. Outdoor bouldering, such as in the Grampians (Gariwerd), means real rock, portable crash pads you carry in and a lot more judgement about landings and conditions. Some areas there are closed to climbing to protect cultural heritage, so check current Parks Victoria access information first, and go with experienced climbers or a guide for your first trips.
Two or three sessions a week is plenty for most beginners, with a rest day in between. Fingers, tendons and skin adapt more slowly than muscles, so building up gradually helps you avoid sore joints. If something hurts in a sharp or lasting way, take a break and see a health professional.
Pick a gym close to home, hire shoes for your first visit, and come back to us when you are ready for your own kit.
Free delivery on orders over $150. Members get our lifetime warranty.
