The Climbing Company

Dyurrite/Mt Arapiles

Where
Wimmera – Western Victoria
Indigenous Groups
Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Peoples (collectively Wotjobaluk)
Activities
External Page
https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/mount-arapiles-tooan-state-park
From Melbourne
350km or ~4hrs drive
Indigenous Name
Dyurrite
Meeting Point *

* unless we’ve told you different!

Indigenous Name

Dyurrite (“Joo-right”)

Indigenous groups

Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Peoples (collectively Wotjobaluk), represented by Barengi Gadjin Land Council (BGLC).

Geology

Dyurrite is largely made up of hard quartz-grained sandstone = Quartzite. Sedementation occurred around 420Ma, then a hot granite intrusion underneath around 400Ma baked it solid before the sea receded. The red-orange tinge is due to trace iron-oxide and other impurities.

Flora & Fauna

Dyurrite is a valuable nature conservation area, with 14% of the State’s flora species represented in the Mt Arapiles section alone.
While here you will see Kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, plenty of lizards including skinks, blue tongue and monitors. And if you don’t make too much noise when walking around, snakes. There are also a multitude of birds you can spot.

Climbing History

In 1963, Bob and Steve Craddock travelled to Mitre Rock after seeing it in a tourist guide, and saw that their destination was dwarfed by Mount Arapiles.
Now widely regarded as the top rock climbing area in Australia, and holds world renown. More than 4000 routes have been developed on the many cliffs, crags and pinnacles, presenting variety and challenge to climbers of all levels of experience.

Nearby attractions

Natimuk Climbing Museum
Arapiles Mountain Shop
Little Desert National Park

Walks

The Arapiles Ridge Walk: This is a moderate 4 km walk that takes in some of the most scenic views in the park, including the Arapiles Ridge, a series of rock formations that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The Tooan Creek Walk: This is an easy 2 km walk that follows Tooan Creek. The walk passes through woodland, grassland, and wetland vegetation.

Parks Victoria website

https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/mount-arapiles-tooan-state-park

Facilities

There are flush-toilets at the bottom of the campground, and while we are at the cliff the bush is your only option – please make sure you go before the trip.

Weather Information

Weather can be unpredictable, so make sure to bring a jacket even on warm days. Also the area is at risk of bushfires. In some cases Parks Victoria will cancel the activity on days of Total Fire Ban or if there is a threat from local wildfire.

Emergency Contact Information

For life-threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000)
Victoria Police non-emergency switchboard: (03) 9247 6666 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm)
Environment Protection Authority –

  • Melbourne: 9695 2755 
  • Regional: 1800 444 051