A Beginner’s Guide to Rock climbing in the Grampians of Australia - By: Sidney Morgan

Horsham Victoria, population approximately 14,500, is the regional center and largest town in Victoria's Wimmera region. The town was originally settled as the main transport center for the produce and grains that grow in the Wimmera Plains. While it is still an important center for that reason, it is also known as the jumping off point for rock climbers who come to the area for the world famous Grampian and Mount Arapiles rock climbing spots.

You can't miss Mount Arapiles when you are traveling along the Wimmera Highway. It juts proudly from the surrounding landscape almost as dramatically as Australia's most famous "rock" - Uluru. You can easily go through the small town of Natimuk, the closest town to Arapiles, though. With the exception of a few local businesses, Natimuk locals make their livelihoods by catering to the hordes of rockclimbers who are drawn to Arapiles all year 'round, every year. .

There is a large campground just at the base of Mt Arapiles. While the campground lacks some of the amenities of others, it makes up for this lack in atmosphere. Because rock climbers come here from all around the world, it must be the most multinational camping ground in all of Australia. After spending a good day testing their skills on the rock faces of Arapiles, they come back to their campsites in the evening and gather together to chat about their day and discuss plans for the following day of climbing.

Rock climbing is usually such an all-consuming passion, many climbers fail to take a break and notice amazing natural scenery all around them. The region around the rock comes alive in Springtime when the wildflowers are in bloom and an enormous variety of bird species can be seen. Arapiles is a bird lover's paradise as well as a rockclimber's and the Spring season attracts them from all over the country.

Because of Horsham's close proximity to Mt. Arapiles, it is where the campers and climbers go to stock up on supplies and take a rest day from climbing. After enjoying a hearty meal, many of them decide to stay overnight. Others make it their rest stop before moving on to the next stage of their climbing trip.

Horsham is only 46 miles (75 km) from the magnificent Grampians National Park. The Grampians are peppered with excellent campgrounds, but a lot of of the climbers opt to rough it instead. The bolder and more veteran climbers hike into difficult to access areas and take on steep, long "multi-pitch" climbs on awe-inspiring red sandstone ciffs. Sometimes, they are forced or decide to spend the night in tiny caves high on the cliff face. While it might not make for a good night's sleep, it's well worth it when they return to the more comfortable camping area near Mt. Syapylton and brag about their adventures.

It is unfortunate that Horsham has been overlooked in favor of its most glamorous and magnificent neighbors. As a place to visit, the town has plenty to offer. Horsham is a haven for quite a lot of wonderful artists and artisans, whose works can be seen and purchased at the delightful galleries and gift shops in the city. There are wonderful restaurants in the city and a Horsham accommodation is decidedly more comfortable than you will find anywhere in the Grampians or Mt. Arapiles campgrounds. Whether you are within the area for adventure or just passing through, make it a point to at least stay a night or two in Horsham.

About the Author

Planning a vacation with the family, find horsham accommodation victoria, things to do and other travel related information about the area on http://www.bookitnow.com.au. Or visit our travel blog for more Australian holiday ideas.

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