Best climbing destinations in Oceania
Best climbing destinations in Oceania
Mountain crags and coastal sea cliffs in Oceania
Oceania rarely comes up first in a conversation about climbing, which is exactly what makes it worth a second look. Between volcanic rock, coastal crags, and long stretches of untouched wilderness, the region has far more to offer than its quiet reputation might suggest.
The variety here is real. Climbers who love exposure can head for sea cliffs where the waves crash just below their feet, while others prefer alpine routes that demand a full day and a good head for altitude. Some areas suit complete beginners, while others challenge climbers who have been at it for years. Many spots stay wonderfully quiet, even in busier travel seasons.
The climbing destinations on our list for Oceania mix well known spots with places far fewer climbers ever visit. Bring extra chalk and a sense of adventure, since some of these routes are still refreshingly off the beaten path.
Lists by region
Island in Australia
Tasmania
Wilderness, Wildlife and Wild Coasts
Frenchmans Cap offers trad climbing on generally sound quartzite. A Toi La Gloire runs 1,247 feet over 13 pitches on the southeast face. Tierry Le Fronde adds 492 feet over six pitches. Serious climbing began in the 1960s. Mount Ossa, the island's tallest peak, reaches 5,305 feet.
National Park in Australia
Blue Mountains National Park
Majestic Views and Untamed Nature
Cliffs near Blackheath carry rock faces hundreds of feet tall. The park lies about 50 miles west of Sydney and covers roughly 1,035 square miles. Rock climbing, abseiling and canyoning are offered, often with tour companies. Katoomba is the nearest city. UNESCO listed the wider Greater Blue Mountains Area in 2000.
National Park in New Zealand
Mount Cook National Park
New Zealand’s alpine wonderland
Tom Fyfe, Jack Clarke and George Graham reached the summit of Aoraki on Christmas Day 1894. It stands 12,218 feet high. Glaciers cover about 40 percent of the park. Sir Edmund Hillary trained here, starting with Mount Ollivier in 1939. Freda Du Faur became the first woman to summit in 1910.
Region in Australia
Victoria
Diverse Landscapes and Cultural Richness
Grampians National Park, called Gariwerd, rises to Mount William at 3,829 feet. Its sandstone peaks formed in the Devonian period. Climbing routes were first established in the 1960s. Mount Arapiles near Horsham is another famed crag. Parks Victoria closed about 30 percent of climbing areas in March 2019 over cultural and ecological concerns.
Island in New Zealand
South Island
Majestic fjords and alpine peaks
The Southern Alps run about 310 miles northeast to southwest along much of the island. Aoraki Mount Cook reaches 12,218 feet. More than 3,000 glaciers larger than one hectare were recorded there. Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers descend on the West Coast. Glacier climbing is listed among its adventure activities.
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