The Margaret River area, 290km south of Perth, is a popular holiday spot due to it's proximity to fine surf and swimming beaches, some of Australia's best wineries and spectacular scenery. In the climbing world Margaret River is best known for it's spectacular sea cliffs (Willyabrup) and more recently for the development of sport
climbing on the steeper limestone crags of Wallcliffe and Bob's Hollow. Within a 40km radius of Margaret River there are more than 200 routes. For the many traditional routes in this area take a full rack of wires, RPs, friends etc.

ROCK: Granite and limestone

LOCATION: Margaret River is 3 to 3.5 hrs drive south of Perth. Take the Old Coast Road to Bunbury and then continue south on the Bussell Hwy, follow the signs to Margaret River. There are six climbing areas, so you will need the guide book.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Due to the proximity to the ocean, temperatures in summer rarely raise above 32 degrees and the winters are mild, so climbing is possible all year round.

CAMPING: There is a huge diversity of accommodation in this area. The Augusta-Margaret River tourist bureau are the best people to ask (Ph: (097) 572911). Unofficial camping is generally not tolerated in this area.

RECOMMENDED READING: Margaret River Rock, A topo guide to rock climbing in WA's south west. Stone Publications PO Box 1355 Subiaco WA 6008 Australia.

There are three climbing guide books to Western Australia. One covers the climbing north of Perth - Northern Rock , one covers the climbing around Perth - Perth Rock and the third covers the areas around Margaret River in the south west corner of WA - Margaret River Rock. These guides are all produced by Stone Productions. They are very nicely produced with great topos. For some unknown reason, some of the maps are drawn so that South is at the top of the page! Also the guides are not very well bound so they tend to fall apart.

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