Einträge in Gibb River Rd - East End

The eastern end of the Gibb River Rd - east of the Pentecost - which generally overlaps the El Questro lease. You don't necessarily need 4WD if you're coming from Kununurra and not crossing the Pentecost River (whether on the GRR, or to get into the El Questro station proper).

At present there's "only" a bit of DWS possible here, of the wet-DWS style, swim over and pull on, then jump back in.

Some very interesting walls up and down the gorge however.

The following climbs are at Mac Minking Pool (El-Questro). Lovely walk to a DWS surprise right at the top pool. Avoid busy times, if that is possible. NB: No other DWS at other gorges: eg Amalia or Chamberlain.

Tricky (wet) boulder problem R from the water fall leads to easier climbing straight up... then it get's a bit dirty and blanks out at about 10m, but there might be a way through if you can brave it. Super fun considering the location.

Wet-DWS problem starting in the water up the juggy arete a few metres R of the waterfall.

The shallow corner just R of juggy arete. Nice mantle press then it fizzles out so in you go.

The best of the 3 short ones. Obvious flake on R wall as you face the waterfall. Quite powerful, really fun and pretty tricky barefoot dripping wet.

Not known to author whether climbing is permitted. Don’t climb without confirming. However the local (Kununurra) tour company offers an abseiling and rock climbing tour here so it’s probably worth investigating. The north (shady) side has a(n excellent) art site a few hundred metres downstream from the swimming hole which precludes anything else down there. It seems likely that the commercial activities may occur on the walls above the waterhole itself and that perhaps recreational climbers could do the same; please update this site if you know more.

The hot springs themselves are fine for a soak but there's no DWS and it'll probably be packed full of grumpy grey nomads. The 50m high amphitheatre directly above is very eye catching to a climber's eye however. An unlikely location for climbing unfortunately as any dislodged object would bounce down the slabs and wipe out the GGNs ( ... not that that would necessarily be a bad thing ).

The Cockburn Range must rank as one of the finest prospects a climber could lay eyes on.

Measuring 30-40km across in every direction, and convoluted by deep valleys and gorges, the length of escarpment must be of the order of a thousand kilometres, entirely made up of continuous 60-100m high cliffs of bullet hard quartzite/sandstone. Even after one discounts the (prohibitively hot) north-facing sections and the (admittedly rather common) loose blocky sections, the remaining compact shady sections of cliff are nevertheless absolutely mind boggling.

This map (https://researchlibrary.agric.wa.gov.au/gis_maps/6/) indicates that the Cockburn Ranges are WA Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions Estate. Their website (https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/) states "The Commission works to protect WA’s biodiversity and conservation estate. It acts as an independent and trusted community steward and government advisor. Its purpose is to: conserve the State's biological diversity; ensure management of the conservation estate is ecologically sustainable; foster the appreciation and sustainable use of these areas."

The last point suggests it may be fruitful for the climbing community to work with the Commission to find a path towards sustainable, respectful and appreciative climbing in this incredible area. Particularly given that it can be reached in as little as 45 minutes drive from Kununurra airport.

The Cockburn ranges is home to a very impressive cliffline, approx 100m high that runs for hundreds of km's around the whole range. Looks very impressive and 'clean' from a distance, but despite good looking lines, closer inspection reveals huge amounts of loose blocks and very little in the way of natural protection!

However, this small area was found that has some potential for a dozen or so cleaner climbs. If this remote area has you excited to do some climbing, this cliff is well worth a visit. Could definitely do with some bolts, and a rap anchor or two, but it wasn't going to be up to me if there should, or should not be bolts on this cliff-line. It's possible to do them without.

Attractive LH crack just inside cave, good gear, getting a little thinner when the crack runs out. Block at 2/3 height is more solid than it looks.

A nice clean face, with some very good sustained climbing, although could do with a bolt at the first bulge, technically only 21. Take wires, and small to med cams. Up stepped R facing corner (3m R of main corner) up this to ledge. Climb straight over bulge and into the line (a 'hidden' #1 wire was pre-placed for the FA). Great climbing up the line with adequate protection, right up until a left facing corner ends at a roof. Traverse left to good belay ledge (although it may be possible to climb the increasingly loose face above to the top of the cliff).

When coming from Kununurra the east facing escarpment of the South Cockburn Range is the first good look you get at these walls.

At present there's "only" a bit of DWS possible here, of the wet-DWS style, swim over and pull on so you can jump back in.

Jaw-dropping 60m+ walls all around however. As usual, loose on slabbier/vert territory and towards the top ... but the overhung walls are gob smacking.

The easiest line up the vertical wall a few metres left of the waterfall. Wet in a typical June but still pretty easy. Done to an obvious jump spot at 5m but you could go higher.

As the backdrop to countless photos of 4WDs crossing the Pentecost, this is one of the most publicised unclimbed cliffs anywhere.