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Christmas Crag

  • Grade context: AU
  • Ascents: 9
10

Seasonality

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Summary

Compact crag close to camping and Birthday Waterhole in stunning setting.

Description

On the way out to Birthday Waterhole about 8-10kms down the 4WD track. A small but fun crag with a camping spot directly opposite and a number of trad routes also able to be top-roped if you're experienced setting up natural anchors. Plenty of loose rock in places still.

Access issues

This crag is within the Macdonnell Ranges National Park but is only 30 metres from the main 4WD track out to Birthday Waterhole about 8-10km's in and 3kms short of Birthday Waterhole. 4WD required.

Approach

Drive out as if heading out to Glen Helen but turn right 10km's after turning onto Namatjira Drive. 1km after a steep descent to cross the Hugh River you'll see a camping spot on your left directly adjacent to the Hugh River and then to your right is the crag almost directly opposite.

Where to stay

There is a great camping spot directly opposite the crag but it is also possible to bush camp anywhere along the track/Hugh River in this part of the Park, including at Birthday Waterhole if you wish.

Ethic

Strictly no bolting. Please leave it how you found it

History

History timeline chart

It is likely this crag has been climbed on before but no ascents or information recorded. The name of the crag was given after a camping trip just before Christmas 2016 where it was explored and enjoyed by a few locals.

Routes

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Grade Route

A 45 degree traverse from the right hand bottom corner on the face, over the small tree and finishing through the roof on the upper left. Really enjoyable overall and will leave you with no regrets for having ascended it

FA: Simon Duke, 21 Dec 2016

FFA: Simon Duke, 25 Feb 2017

Straight up from beneath the tree cave/ledge, up over the shallow roof and just keep on going.

FA: Nicola Jelinek, 21 Dec 2016

Starting right of HC with a small and balancy start, go straight up to easier climbing for the rest.

FA: Ben Deacon, 21 Dec 2016

Starting and then remaining about 2 metres from the arete on the right but not touching it. A gift of an enjoyable route from Santa for all the good kids.

FA: Ben Deacon, 21 Dec 2016

The obvious crack in the right facing corner that is screaming 'climb me'...just a few metres right of FTGK....that also had a major spider population going on!

FFA: Jahan Renegs, 25 Feb 2017

Directly up the slab to the left of ITST. Enjoyable climbing

FA: Eleanor S, 25 Feb 2017

Up the blank right facing corner up to small roof, slightly right and continuing up the slab/corner. Just the right amount of small but solid wire placements that will leave you thankful for the small things in life

FFA: Simon Duke, 25 Feb 2017

FA: Simon Duke, 25 Feb 2017

A nice corner that might leave you thinking 'what's next', on the day though seemed like an obvious place to start climbing

FA: cailray, 21 Dec 2016

Up the blank looking corner to gain the platform under the prominent roof. After some mid climb contemplation... up, over and onto the slab above the roof with a flexy right foothold and straight up....impossible to protect though!

FA: Simon Duke, 21 Dec 2016

FFA: Simon Duke, 25 Feb 2017

Enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing slab starting 1-2 metres right of MLC with specky views of the Hugh River

FA: cailray, 21 Dec 2016

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Sun 28 May
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