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Summary
Limestone
Steep Limestone next to the ocean. Spectacular views and probably the best limestone currently available in WA.
Description
Overhung
Afternoon sun
Wet in rain
West
A sports crag on steep to overhung limestone, with mostly solid stalactites and stalagmites 100m from the Indian Ocean. The rock is fantastic although there are some sandy sections and the upper parts of some climbs are quite sharp.
Access issues
Tolerated
The crag is in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Whilst park rangers seem to be quite unsure if climbing is allowed without a permit, it may be wise to contact the DPAW office in Busselton. This is a national park so the rules are no fires, no camping and no dogs. The climbing of this crag is tolerated but not sanctioned so it’s vital that all climbers do the right thing: take out what you take in; stick to the paths (most are marked with rocks) and don’t make new paths (this helps the plants to survive and they give the crag some shade too). There are no toilets so if you need to go and want to do the right thing... 1) go at least 25m from common areas; 2) dig a hole and bury your deposit and toilet paper.
The current Management Plan states that in view of the fragile nature of the local limestone environments, climbing is permitted but not encouraged at the southern end of Bob's Hollow. However climbing is not permitted on other limestone cliffs in the park. This includes the Northern Section of Bob's Hollow (Lay No Waste, Tiger in the Cave) and Golgotha.
Approach
30-45 min
2WD (RECOMMENED): 1st option: On Contos Rd park at the Cape to Cape walking track. Take this track northwards for roughly 45 minutes. It will follow the ridge line until it descends to the junction at the base of the cliffs previously mentioned. Turn left when you reach the track junction just below the clifftop and walk south along a track for a one minute.
2nd Option: Follow Caves Rd south and turn onto Contos Rd. Follow this till you reach Contos Spring. Park here and walk northwards along the beach for around 45 minutes. Once you reach the second rocky outcrops entering the ocean, take the track that heads inland towards a large cave. Once at the cave/ cliff face turn right and follow this to a junction. Take the right option which remains at the base of the cliffs and walk for under 5 minutes. When you reach the bolts in the cliff you are there! Try to use existing tracks to save the vegetation being taken over by the dunes. This is the 2nd option because people very often can't find the track from the beach to the crag. This is creating lots of makeshift paths and damaging the vegetation.
3rd Option: Park at Redgate beach and follow the Cape to Cape Track southwards. It's about the same walk in as above but offers shade and the start is far closer to Margaret Riverr than the Contos Rd option (about 20kms less driving). Starting at Redgate carpark, head south to cross the beach and follow the Cape to Cape Track.
4WD (REALLY REALLY NOT RECOMMENDED): Travel south on Caves Rd for 2.5 km from the Caves Rd/ Redgate Rd junction. Take the 4WD track on your right. The track has a national park sign next to it (the other track south of this one is much rougher). Travel along the track taking your 2nd left. Prepare for scratchy bushes until you get to a t-junction. Turn right then immediately left and then prepare for more rocks. The crag awaits at the end of this rocky track. From the carpark, follow the walking track to the base of the cliffs, take a left and keep following the track southwards until you reach the crag. THE TRACK IS VERY SCRATCHY; SAY GOODBYE TO YOUR SHINY PAINT JOB. IT’S ALSO VERY ROCKY AND GETS ROCKIER THE FURTHER YOU GO. EVEN A RAISED 4WD WILL STRUGGLE NOT TO CLIP SOME OF THE LARGE PROTRUDING ROCKS ON THE ROAD. LINE CHOICE IS CRITICAL IN PLACES. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
Where to stay
Contos Campground is the closest legitimate choice and links up to the access track - the Cape to Cape Track. Some people camp in the cave to the north of Bob's Hollow although this is strictly prohibited. Contos Campground Bookings: https://tinyurl.com/y8y29vb3 The is also plenty of other accommodation in the region with Margaret River close by. A new camp ground has opened up nearby (Jarrahdene), just off Caves Road at an old saw mill. https://tinyurl.com/yathv65v
Ethic
Bob's Hollow is a sports crag with only a handful of routes requiring trad gear. Some routes were rebolted between 2010 - 2013. Chalk seems to be widely used.
History
Earliest climb seems to be from 1994.
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Photos Browse all photos
jimmi stafford on ★★★ Hollow Promise 25 - DSC08749.JPG
Bob's Hollow - 20150228_094545-picsay.jpg
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