Varied trad climbing (predominantly crack/corner) on rhyolite columns. Climbs range in height from 16m to 52m and in difficulty from grade 12 to 21. Routes are listed left to right.
"The rock is well weathered rhyolite. The occasional loose flake makes a helmet a good idea. We have found slings useful on a lot of routes." The track down is very steep and route finding would be difficult in 2023, but well worth the trip.
"Westringia rupicola" is listed as vulnerable under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006 (Qld). It is known to grow nearby at the closed Poondahra cliffs on the orange rhyolite rock however Dr Olsen (botanist) has now confirmed that it is not present at either WW or WS. None the less there may be several other rare and vulnerable species as well so please keep to the established bush track and avoid disturbing the flora.
This land is National Park, "Leave no trace" ethics must be applied.
This is NOT a restricted access area and rock climbing IS permitted as stated by A43 (page 17) of the QPWS Management Plan. Strategically placed RAA signs have been installed in the area including the start of the WW approach however this only applies to the nearby Poondahra area which is closed and all climbers must respect that closure. Do not venture further south of WW as this is restricted. Pictogram signs suggesting no access and no abseiling have also been installed however these have no legal standing in court. The Nature Conservation Act does apply and does have legal standing. If you're approached at WW by any QPWS employee please take their name, video the interaction on your phone and report it to ACAQ (president@climb.org.au), or if they are harassing you then call the police. Remind them that they are only land managers and are accountable to their own management plan and operational policy and that climbers are a valid user group and you do have the right to access and use this National Park. Decline all invitations or requests to leave or go with them as you have a right to be there. Remind them QPWS has a legislative obligation to support recreational climbing in this area as per s17(1)(d) of the NCA. They will suggest that you need a permit to climb however this is not true and is stated in their own management plan that climbing is permitted. Remember to be nice and respectful as your words/actions represent the entire community.
Whitinbah Wafers - Approach Map.jpg
An alternative and safer access can be achieved via the Wildside approach.
Binna Burra has accommodation as well as many Airbnb options on Beechmont mountain.
Whitinbah Wafers is an historic crag and must remain trad only. Sport climbing is located at the nearby Wildside crag. Do not remove or damage any flora here, as this may be endemic to the area. As little impact as possible when climbing or walking here: pack it in, and pack it out. Leave nothing but your footprints.
Discovered by Rhys Davies & Trevor Gynther whilst in the vicinity of the prison farm in the Numinbah Valley in November 1973.
Did you know that you can create an account to record, track and share your climbing ascents? Thousands of climbers are already doing this.
Author(s): Jimmy Blackhall & David Jefferson
Date: 2021
ISBN: 9377779499658
Hidden within the ordinary people of Queensland there exists a tight-knit community of scabby knuckles, grazed knees, massive forearms and iron-clad wills. This guidebooks seeks to shed light on this community and blocks of choice with all the information, skills and knowledge to open the door for you to explore all the bouldering that Queensland has to offer.
Author(s): Simon Carter
Date: 2018
ISBN: 9780958079068
A few years ago there was basically Frog Buttress and Coolum. Since then there has been more development than Barangaroo and South East Queensland should be on any climbers radar no matter what your style. Except ice climbing, definitely no ice climbing. But over 1250 routes with hard sport, multipitches and quality trad to make a great trip.
Whitinbah Wafers - Access topo
Whitinbah Wafers - Westringia Rupicola
Whitinbah Wafers - Location topo
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