Adamsfield, Rock climbing

Map

Seasonality

Summary

Adamsfield offers a wide range of steep quality sport climbing especially at middle to higher end grades and there is still vast rock to be discovered and developed.

Description

The Adamsfield cliffs are situated at Grid Reference 715430 on the Wedge 1:100 000 map at the northern end of the Ragged Range, about 35 km past Maydena.

Access issues

The gate on Clear Hill Road is open most of the time but isn't always open - it depends on forestry operations, bushfires and burn offs. Check with Forestry before driving all the way out there - it could save a lot of angst. Alternatively, drop by Forestry Tasmania at 79 Melville St, Hobart, during business hours, and ask to borrow the key to Clear Hill Road (they'll know what you are talking about). They'll get you to fill out a form and leave a $100 deposit.

Approach

Once you have driven past Maydena, continue into the National Park along the Gordon River road, driving past the Scotts peak dam turn off (Frodshams Pass). About 5 km on from here, the road will be heading downhill. After passing several minor offshoots, a sign indicates "Clear Hill Road", follow this. Turn right down the road and drive for 15 km until a large boulder sticks out on the right, nearly overhanging the road (this is the climb Roadkill!). If you haven't been here before look out for this boulder as it is easy to miss and is the best way to locate the area. A top-rope problem also exists on this boulder and is about grade 17. Only 50 metres on from this it is possible to park on the left, opposite a slimy looking bank with pink tape on the right. Walk up this bank with a little difficulty, then head up to the right through bracken and bushes for about 100 metres to the large boulder. This boulder is known as The High Wire.

Where to stay

Also of note is the great swimming hole about 3 km past the High Wire. It lies about 50m downhill of the bridge. There is a good flat camping area at the base of the hill about 2km past the car park.

Ethic inherited from West

Crag Stewards

Rock climbers please contact the Crag Steward (southwest@climbersclubtas.org.au) if you have any queries or concerns regarding social or environmental impacts of rock climbing at this crag.

Do not email regarding general travel, seasonal advice, or lost property - this is not the Steward’s role. If you have important safety information to communicate (e.g. risks due to recent and large rock falls) please also consider updates on thesarvo forum, Facebook group and/or online guidebooks as appropriate. Please copy in cct@climbersclubtas.org.au if you feel you have a high-level concern which may imminently impact the crag or climbing community.

Non-climbers, other users, land managers: please also contact cct@climbersclubtas.org.au if you have important climbing related queries at this location.

Statewide Ethics

• The operation and use of drones by park visitors on reserved land including national parks is not permitted

• Peregrine Falcons nest from July - December each year. It’s important that climbers don’t climb near active nests during this period. Known sites (non exhaustive) are: Sand River (Far East, The Panopticon), Bare Rock (R of the Boneyard, L of Bisso of Orange), Rocky Cape, Pubic Wall/Duck Reach, Hillwood, Gunners Quoin, Lowdina.

• Please note that Tasmania has notoriously patchy phone reception for particular service providers. Telstra is the most reliable. An emergency Personal Locator Beacon or similar is recommended kit when climbing in remote locations.

• For more information - follow the link below for some local tips + tricks on how to better reduce your impact during your next Tassie climbing holiday https://www.cragcaretasmania.org.au/learn