6 .4 .6

Climbing and Canyoning Some of the TWWHA’s many cliff and rock faces are established venues for rock climbing. They include Frenchmans Cap, which is the most popular destination, the Acropolis, Mt Geryon, Federation Peak and Mt Anne. Climbers also conduct occasional trips to more remote mountains. The sport is generally compatible with the area’s natural values when climbers minimise the use of fixed anchors, such as bolts, and practise minimal impact bushwalking and climbing techniques. In this regard, the climbing community has a history of self-regulation. For example, the Climbers Club of Tasmania recently developed a Code of Conduct. Traditional free climbing, with little or no use of permanent anchors, has been the predominant form of rock climbing in the TWWHA for five decades. Heavily bolted ‘sport’ routes – an increasingly popular style that relies on the placement of protection before a climb is attempted – have recently appeared in some remote parts of the TWWHA. They damage affected rock faces and are generally considered to have reduced aesthetic qualities. Maintaining permanent anchors at remote locations is not practical. Other potential management problems include damage to vegetation, and erosion of rock faces and access routes. In particular, there are concerns that access routes to crags may develop all of the problems that are associated with heavily used bushwalking tracks.

Canyoning, which also uses ropes, is an emerging activity. While its environmental impact is potentially similar to that caused by rock climbing, the current impact of canyoning is minimal because of low usage. Ice climbing is occasionally attempted on higher peaks, such as Mt Geryon and Cradle Mountain, but conditions are rarely suitable. The following prescriptions allow for climbing and other related activities to continue in the TWWHA, except where they cause unacceptable environmental damage or impact on the experience of other users

• The TWWHA will be predominantly maintained as a traditional climbing area. 

• The establishment or maintenance of routes that are protected primarily or exclusively using fixed anchors (i.e. ‘sport’ climbs) is generally prohibited. 

• Existing routes in the 2013 minor boundary extension that use fixed anchors may be maintained. New routes may be established in existing locations where fixed anchors are utilised subject to approval by PWS. 

• Based on historical precedence, the occasional limited installation (or replacement) of permanent anchors at Mt Geryon, The Acropolis, Frenchmans Cap and Mt Anne is permitted. 

• Written authority must be obtained from the PWS before using power-driven equipment to install or replace any permanent anchor in the TWWHA. 

• Limited use of permanent abseil anchors for canyoning activities may be approved by the PWS, subject to site-specific considerations. 

• Access tracks that are used by climbers and canyoners will be managed in a manner consistent with the PWS Track Classification Scheme.

 • Development of emergent activities, such as canyoning, and their associated impacts, will be monitored.