Where to go rock climbing in Melbourne

Gravity Worx in Pascoe Vale opened in 2016 as a gym run by and made for climbers. The gym sets new and challenging routes every week to ensure that climbers are continuously challenged and aren't bored by the available climbs. It's the only gym in the country that provides walls for the lead, speed and boulder disciplines. To top it all off, this gym also aims to be eco-friendly and uses electronic waiver forms, floors made from recycled rubber tires, locally made walls and energy-saving lights.

Cost: Casual entry is $24. per person. Harnesses and shoes are available for rent. 

Classes: Yes! There are classes available for youth and adults across all difficulty levels.

Bayside Rock has something for every climber. Under 13s will love Climb Time, a child-friendly area that provides 25 fully automated climbing stations that don’t require parental supervision. Designed by an Australian national climbing champion, the top ropes section has 50 climbs that are 10 to 12 metres high. Entry includes access to both the top rope climbing area and the bouldering area. 

Cost: Casual entry is $20 for one hour and $30 for two hours. Prices include harness hire. 

Classes: Yes! Coaching is available for children and adults in either group or private classes.

Northside Boulders are at the forefront of the Melbourne bouldering scene, with locations in Brunswick, Northcote and  Abbotsford. The walls here are up to 4.5 metres high and are angled from inclined slabs to horizontal roofs. Northside also has food onsite to get climbers refuelled and refreshed to take on their next challenge. There's space to kick back and relax between climbs, plus some wicked tunes to boot.

Cost: Casual entry is $23, and memberships and equipment hire are also available. 

Classes: Yes! Book in through the website. 

It's hard to miss Hardrock's CBD location. Located above Swanston Street, this climbing venue offers floor-to-ceiling views of the street and its multiple intersections. For keen climbers, Hardrock offers 44 top rope walls, which are up to 16 metres high. The venue also has four auto-belay walls, so you don’t have to bring a spotter as the automated cable system will catch climbers if they fall. For experienced climbers, the venue's grade ranges from six to 30, so if you have one, bring your locking carabiner. The climbs are for punters 11 years and over, and younger climbers can engage in interactive rock climbing games. 

Cost: Casual entry is $22, and memberships and equipment hire are also available.

Classes: Yes! Beginners courses, lead courses and private instruction are available. 

BlocHaus is an expansive climbing space in Port Melbourne, catering to climbers of all skill levels. Their climbs range from absolute beginner friendly to expert difficulty, with shoes available for hire. Between climbs, grab a coffee and a sweet treat or have a hit of table tennis. Plus, there's an in-house shop to cater to all your climbing gear needs. 

Cost: Casual entry is $24. 

Classes: Yes! Group classes and one-on-one coaching are available. 

Go for a round of climbing on Latitude's top-notch rock climbing walls. There are 14 unique challenges, including a down-rush bungee platform and a six-section sky-high obstacle course. After you climb, go for a bounce on Latitude's 100 interconnected trampolines or spend some time in the performance area, giant airbag, dodgeball courts and basketball lanes. There’s fun for the littlest bouncers too with Latitude’s dedicated Kids Zone, designed for kids aged 18 months to five years.

Cost: Casual entry is $19.50, and cheaper rates are available for groups. 

Classes: Not available.