Bendigo's Thrill-Seekers Gear Up for Climbing Season Finals

Bendigo's climbing season is entering its final stretch, with the Bendigo Bank Climbing Competition set to take place on August 15 at the Bendigo Indoor Climbing Centre on Mundy Street.

This matters now because the sport has experienced a surge in popularity over the past year, with local organisations such as the Bendigo Rock Climbing Club and the Outdoor Education Group reporting increased membership and participation numbers. The city's unique landscape, which features a mix of granite outcrops and scenic bushland, makes it an ideal location for outdoor adventure climbing and extreme sports.

Locally, climbers can be found tackling the challenging routes at places like the Kangaroo Flat Climbing Reserve and the Castlemaine Cliff Face. The Bendigo YMCA also offers indoor climbing facilities and programs, including the popular 'Climb and Conquer' course, which costs $120 for a 6-week session. Meanwhile, the nearby town of Heathcote is home to the Heathcote Climbing Festival, which will take place on September 18-19 and feature a range of competitions, workshops, and demonstrations.

By the Numbers

According to data from the City of Greater Bendigo, the number of people participating in outdoor adventure activities such as rock climbing and abseiling has increased by 25% over the past 12 months. The same data shows that the local climbing industry is worth around $1.2 million annually, with the majority of this revenue coming from equipment sales and instruction services. As of June 30, the Bendigo Indoor Climbing Centre had reported a 30% increase in membership sales compared to the same time last year, with prices starting at $20 per visit or $50 per month for unlimited climbing.

As the season enters its final stages, climbers are gearing up for the big events. The Australian Climbing Championships will be held in Melbourne on October 2-3, and several Bendigo-based climbers are expected to compete. For those looking to get involved, the Bendigo Rock Climbing Club offers a range of programs and courses, including beginner sessions and advanced training workshops. With the climbing season finals just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get out and experience the thrill of outdoor adventure climbing in Bendigo.