Autumn is a great time to get on the granite of Mt Alexander! Situated near Castlemaine, Mt Alex is a 75-minute drive up the Calder if you’re coming from Melbourne. We’ll be going to Dog Rocks for the day, where access is just a couple of hundred metres from the car park.

Mt Alex is known for its slab and crack climbing, so this trip is a good opportunity to try these styles if you’re new to them, or perfect your technique if you’re a seasoned climber (Braveheart, anyone?) There’s a wide range of predominantly shorter climbs beginning at around grade 7 (trad) all the way up to the mid 20s. There’s also some excellent bolted arêtes if you’re keen to mix it up.

Beginners are welcome; trip leaders Leigh Hopkinson and Nic Low are happy to put up a few top ropes so you can try slab and crack climbing with confidence.

Dog Rocks is Leigh and Nic’s local crag, so they’ll be able to suggest some options on the day, depending on what you’re up for. Top ropes are a great way to explore jam cracks and off-widths while you’re learning the  technique.

Throw in your bathers and if it’s a hot day, we’ll finish off with a cleansing dip at the local swimming hole (‘the Res’) and fish n chips and a beer at sunset.

It is essential to contact Leigh prior to the trip to secure your place and get more information.

Photos: Trip Leaders Leigh Hopkinson and Nic Low; and Neil Monteith leading Braveheart (18) [Courtesy of Chockstone.org]