Hillwood

The basalt cliff at Hillwood has recently been developed as Tasmania's newest, and arguably best, sport crag. There are now more than 140 excellent routes, the majority of which are fully equipped with fixed hangers and lower offs. The rock is pretty steep, and so makes a change from the vertical dolerite around Launceston. With great climbing and very easy access this cliff is becoming fairly popular. The cliff is on private land and access is delicate. Call Bob McMahon on 63944225 or Gerry Narkowicz on 63301435 to arrange access.

Access

Please contact Bob McMahon or Gerry Narkowicz before making your first trip to Hillwood. From Launceston drive down the East Tamar highway for about half an hour. Turn left towards the Batman Bridge. Before you get to the bridge turn left on to Craigburn Road. Follow the gravel road down the hill for 2.5km until you see some boulders on the left hand side of the road. Park at the gate on the left. Jump the fence and walk up the vehicle track for less than 50m to find a cairn on the left of the track. From the cairn follow the rough worn track up the hill for 3-4 minutes. This will lead you to the amazing amphitheatre of cliffs that is known as Matto Grosso. This is the main area with around 50 sport routes. The guidebook resides in a tin under a boulder at the end of the walking track. Use the guide to find your way to the other areas, which include Cave Rock, the Rock of Ages, and Falcon Crag.

Rock

Basalt face climbing between 10-30m. The unimproved rock is extremely chossy and lichenous, but lots of cleaning has been done to produce some quality face climbing on cool jugs, incuts and sidepulls. The majority of the routes are equipped with fixed hangers and chains, but a small minority of routes require various amounts of gear. The angle varies from slightly under vertical to very overhanging.

Guide

• Climb Northern Tasmania by Bob McMahon and Gerry Narkowicz.
• Climb Tasmania Selected Best has photo topos of the best routes

Season

The cliffs face all directions at Hillwood, so if in winter you follow the sun and in summer follow the shade it is climbable most of the year.

Camping

Do not camp at the cliff- it is private land. Stay at either Launceston or Georgetown.

Rest Days

There is a strawberry farm in Hillwood where you can pick your own fruit. There are lots of good wineries around the Tamar Valley.For swimming and surfing head to Low Head or further along the North Coast.

Classics

Long Kiss Goodnight 22, Dr Pepper 23, Ancient of Days 23, Sacred Stone 24, Throne of Judgement 27

Gallery