Australia- Armidale Bouldering

An unnamed v4

Aside from the world renowned bouldering in the Grampians, there isn't much in the way of developed bouldering in Australia. There are some good small spots around Sydney and numerous other small areas spread throughout the bush surrounding the major cities in each state. One of the few large areas outside of the Grampians that is fairly well developed is Armidale. Set amidst the rolling hills of the New England tablelands in northern New South Wales, Armidale is home to several high quality bouldering areas. These pictures are from one of the most well known areas- Gara Gorge.

An unnamed v4

An unnamed v3

'Pseudoephedrine' (v3)

Hannah 'Flash' Gordon cruises an unnamed v0

An unnamed v4

Australia- New South Wales

The Opera House and Harbour Bridge

From the cosmopolitan city of Sydney to the rolling hills of New England and on to the rugged coastline, where surfing rules the scene, New South Wales continually amazes you with its seemingly limitless beauty. So much is packed into such a small area, perhaps more so than any other state. It's an interesting mix of tropical and temperate, urban and rural, ocean and outback. It's these dichotomies that give weight to the surroundings and make you appreciate how special this place is.

The Stockton Bight-the longest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere (35km!)

Stockton Bight

Dorrigo National Park

Lower Ebor Falls

New England National Park

Byron Bay

Looking down on North Avoca Beach from Hannah's beach house

Me heading out to surf at Avoca Beach

Checking out the waves

Downtown Sydney at night

Australia- The Sunshine Coast

A look back at Noosa's main beach

Gum tree at sunset

Queensland's Sunshine Coast, located just north of Brisbane, is home to some of the biggest surf and best beaches in Australia. The centerpiece of this area is Noosa. This picturesque spot boasts a vibrant downtown set only a hundred or so feet off the main beach surrounded by national parks and amazing surfing for all ability levels. It's a beach town through and through, the kind of place that could almost convince a mountain person like myself to trade the ski boots in for a pair of flip flops and a surfboard.

Granite Bay

Noosa National Park

Rocks at Boiling Point

A koala enjoying some eucalyptus leaves

Australia- The Whitsunday Islands

Whitehaven Beach

A chain of mountaintops long ago submerged by the Pacific Ocean, the Whitsunday Islands are truly one of the most spectacular places in Australia. A day or two spent sailing around the stunningly blue waters and exploring the area's many white sand beaches is an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your lifetime.

Whitsunday Island

South Molle Island

Low tide exposes the reef in Long Island's harbor

Whitsunday Island

A view towards the mainland

Sugarcane sunset

Australia- Far North Queensland

The Daintree River

Agincourt Reef

After a cold, windy and rainy winter at Hotham, I decided it was time to head for the sunshine. I found plenty of warmth and sunshine in Far North Queensland. This beautiful area is home to the Great Barrier Reef, dense stands of tropical rainforest, mangroves, crocodiles and miles of empty beaches. It is truly a rugged and beautiful place. Pictures can't really do justice to the Great Barrier Reef or the rainforests, so you'll have to see it for yourself someday.

More From Agincourt Reef

Tropical Rainforest

Cairns

The coastline on the drive to Cape Tribulation

Sugarcane field

Coastal mangroves

Cape Tribulation

Australia- More Grampians Bouldering

A v4 slab at the Andersens area

After finishing the ski season at Hotham, I was able to make it back to the Grampians. It was good to be on the rock again after two and a half months off from climbing. However, the time off definitely took it's toll as I felt weak! Nevertheless, I was still able to climb a number of fun problems.

'Sick Nutter' (v5) at the Trackside area

'Wiggly Boy' (v3)- Trackside

'Paranoiac Critical Town' (v3)- Trackside

An unnamed v5 at the Trackside area

Unnamed v4- Andersens

Unnamed v1- Andersens