Rock of Ages
Introduction
Less popular than Matto Grosso, but home to some sensational routes.
The first area developed of Hillwood. Despite only requiring an additional 5 minutes of walking, this area sees much less traffic than Matto Grosso. The routes on Rock of Ages are well worth checking out, while Twin Tree Face also has a couple of minor classics.
Approach: Updated March '24. Follow signs from the carpark to The Chessboard. From here - head uphill to the L end of the cliff to pick up a signposted + taped route across the paddocks to reach Rock of Ages. Twin Tree Face is located slightly uphill + R of the main ROA cliff.· From: theCrag
Topo: theCrag contributors, CC BY-NC-SA 3.0, theCrag
Topo: theCrag contributors, CC BY-NC-SA 3.0, theCrag
Topo: theCrag contributors, CC BY-NC-SA 3.0, theCrag
Topo: theCrag contributors, CC BY-NC-SA 3.0, theCrag
Topo: theCrag contributors, CC BY-NC-SA 3.0, theCrag
The Pearly Gates
Rock Of Ages
The prominent isolated pinnacle has a collection of excellent climbs NOTE: Many new link-up bolts have been added between the original lines - potentially making it tricky to locate your preferred climb. If you have additional details of routes please include them. Otherwise, all updates are included in Gerry’s new Hillwood paper guidebook.· From: theCrag
A huge girdle starting on the far left and following the obvious weakness all the way right.
From: theCrag
Gerry Narkowicz, 1999
Gerry Narkowicz, 1999
Fourth route from left. Layback thin seam then overhanging wall to finger crack. Excellent.
Gerry Narkowicz, 1999 · From: theCrag
Up the flake to the left of Copperhead. A surprisingly great and independent route.
P. Oxley, 2024 · From: theCrag
Line of bolts just L of arete. Originally done as a mixed route. Fully retro-bolted '24
Bob McMahon, 1999 · From: theCrag
Direct version of Songs of Innocence. Avoid the traverse on SOI by climbing straight up after the fourth bolt. Finish as for SOI.
From: theCrag
Same start as Songs of Innocence, but continue right where SoI moves left and follow the steep wall to the top.
John Fisher, 1999 · From: theCrag
New route squeezed between Throne of Judgement & Ancient of Days. Looks contrived at the top
From: theCrag
Superb overhanging corner to the right of arete. One of the best at Hillwood.
Gerry Narkowicz, 1998 · From: theCrag
A Linkup. Follow DOTEOT to the fourth bolt, then go left following bolts into the top of Ancient Days.
From: theCrag
The steep arete. Continue up and R at the final overlap. A new LHV finish links to the anchor of AOD.
Adam Donoghue, 1998 · From: theCrag
Thin face climbing up and through small roof on far right hand side. Note - a new route takes the LHV through the same roof
Gerry Narkowicz, 1999 · From: theCrag
Demoltion Crag
Far LH route through steep blocks. Fully Retro-bolted '24
From: theCrag
Up the arete L of Dad’s Verandah, and R of Demolition Crag. Pick your own adventure to the U-bolt, before stepping into main line at the second FH. Block on R is out for full grade value. DBB
Gerry Narkowicz · From: theCrag
Dad's Verandah
Twin Tree Face
On the face of the main hillside,behind Rock of Ages and 50m right with a large forked gum tree at the base· From: theCrag
L of Twin Trees Face main wall - up arete and face above. DBB
R. McMahon · From: theCrag
Technical and sustained face climb on the right
Gerry Narkowicz, 1998 · From: theCrag
Tricky thin crack then good steep face climbing on big holds.
Gerry Narkowicz & Bob McMahon, 1998 · From: theCrag