Hardrock Climbing

5pm on a Thursday = packed.
It’s full of avid rock climbers and clubs/​groups. They have their own harnesses and what looked like a bum bag but is actually a chalk bag to get a better grip. It was amazing watching everyone, I’m not scared of heights but I’m scared of the fact I’m clutching at rocks high up! Haha I’m also short and not that limber enough to move from rock to rock. It was fun though.
There’s also a bit of waiting in line for a turn. The higher the number the more difficult it is. The beginner wall at the start is a 6.
They need to have a better database searching system… only name is able to be searched. I had to sign another registration form.
Otherwise, give it a go. You definitely need to bring a buddy to ‘belay’ for you. Your safety mechanism!

I liked this place, although there are a few practicalities about it which are a bit annoying. But first the good stuff!:
The walls are high and there is a lot of variety.
Im impressed that there is a large staff presence — as there seem to be a lot of beginners and first time climbers around, so the staff presence is very reassuring.
The city location makes it a nice sociable place — as do the couches.
The baths accross the road also work well with it (after climbing, being submerged in water is good for your sore muscles).
The place opens at noon — which is the major drawcard! I think that Cliffhanger at Altona is a better place to climb for numerous reasons, but the fact that this one is open from noon is a real plus! (Cliffhanger opens at 4pm).
Now for the annoyances:
Parking: this place is impossible for you want free parking. And its a tad annoying to have to go in on the train in your climbing/​gym clothes. There are small change rooms, but its still annoying.
Its a bit more expensive than Altona too.
There are a lot of people in here and you have to wait for the ropes at times — but thats really a minor issue, not a major one.
All in all, its a good place and Im looking forward to going back!

If you really want to climb, don’t go here! Holds are dirty, they don’t get changed, lot’s of kids or people climbing for the first time,…

Wanna concur mountains without leaving the city? Hardrock Climbing is a really cool, and fun, way to get back into rock climbing, or experience it for the first time. It’s also a great idea for birthdays and work functions. Sure it’s scary at first, but once you realise that no one expects you to be climbing up the walls like spiderman on your first go, then you’d be more at easy. Just take your time and enjoy it.

Without doubt there is a fear factor to get over with rock climbing (or in this case wall climbing) but this really can be an exercise for almost anybody.
Way easier than it looks, wall climbing is actually a lot of fun, quite easy (it feels like the harness is pulling you up — it’s not) and for $ 30 a really good way to hang out with your friends somewhere other than the pub.
There are a few pros hanging around at Hard Rock but a lot of beginners too and the staff make you feel safe and secure before you start your ascent.
Really enjoyable after work activity to burn a few carbs and the sort of buzz that you can’t get from just going to the gym.