Nothing’s better for your climbing than a few days camping out at the crag. If you’re in or around Brisbane, Saphira knows just the place where you can level up on some real rock routes with some…interesting names – Brooyar State Forest.

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on Gubbi Gubbi Nation, the traditional Country of the Gubbi Gubbi people who have occupied and cared for this land and water for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Brooyar State Forest

Brooyar State Forest is a 2.5 hour drive north of Brisbane, near Gympie. It features 10+ crags suitable for beginner to intermediate/advanced (13-25) lead climbers. Trad climbers may also find their fix here but as I don’t currently trad climb, I can’t advise on good crags or routes for this type of climbing. 


 

Brooyar features some stellar views, particularly from Point Pure, which is also a popular abseiling spot.

Note: This article is aimed at experienced climbers or those going with them. Rock climbing can be dangerous if done incorrectly so don’t head out without proper instruction and the skills required. New to rock climbing? Here’s how to get started.

Camping at Brooyar State Forest

Glastonbury Creek camping area is a large and pretty campground with toilets (how luxurious!) It’s around $6 a night through the Queensland National Parks Booking Service and fits up to 120 Explorers. Make sure you BYO firewood (and marshmallows) for the designated fire pits.

If you’re overcome with the sudden need to climb, Hungry Jacks, Home Of The Whopper, is just across the creek to satisfy you (grades 15-21). Make sure to think carefully about the safest way to belay from some of the routes here! To get to the crag you are crossing private property. Be respectful, pack out your rubbish, and say ‘Hi’ if the (friendly) owner comes by!

Read more: Word Beta // Rock Climbing Slang And How To Use It

 

A Climbing Mecca Near Brisbane // Brooyar State Forest (QLD), Saphira Schroers, fire, campfire, flames, dark, night

Parking

The most popular crags are Point Pure, Black Stump Buttresses, and Eagle’s Nest. Point Pure lookout is the main spot to park, and it puts you close to both the Point Pure crag and Eagle’s Nest crag (back a little towards the campground from where you parked).

Black Stump Buttresses are another 600m on the road, marked by the burnt black tree stump (grades 13-25). Park appropriately for this crag (i.e. don’t block the road).

Detailed info on approach and climbs from the South East Queensland Climbing Guidebook 2018 Edition.

 

A Climbing Mecca Near Brisbane // Brooyar State Forest (QLD), Saphira Schroers, stretch, climber, arms, rock wall

Point Pure Crag

Great practice here at some longer climbs, even at beginner grade levels. I would recommend Coco Pops (15, and 30m!), Cold Fusion (16, and 25m!), and The Great Devoid (22). Super easy access, central location.

 

A Climbing Mecca Near Brisbane // Brooyar State Forest (QLD), Saphira Schroers, rock face, forest, sunlight, overhang

Eagle’s Nest Crag

Eagle’s Nest is beautiful! It’s got some absolute classics but you’ll need to make sure you have enough quickdraws for some of these climbs! Beginners should try Miss Kandy Kane (15), Miss Manners (15), The Pioneer (16, 40m!), Free Range Heggs (17), Send me an Angel (17, 40m!) and 2,4,5 T (17, 42m!).

Intermediates climbers can go for Prima Diva (18), Celluloid Hero (21), Johnny Gun (22) and Blinky Bill’s American Breakfast (23) and Fatman Scoop (23).

Advanced climbers: try Central to Blackheath (24), The Great Knut (25) and The Time is Right (26). Eagle’s Nest is the site of my first and only ground fall lead climbing, so I’m obliged to advocate especially safe climbing here!

Read more: The Many Faces Of Rock Climbing

 

A Climbing Mecca Near Brisbane // Brooyar State Forest (QLD), Saphira Schroers, climber, rock face, leggings, smile, chalk

Black Stump Buttresses Crag

If you’re here, you’re probably going to want to climb My Brother’s Crack Whore Girlfriend (15) just to say you’ve done it. Sun Chaser (16), The Enticer (17), Annabelistic, (18), Beyond The Black Stump (19), Dreamcatcher (20) and Little Wednesday (25) are all popular climbs here and form a nice climbing progression in grades.

 

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Other Crags

Hammerhead Rock is an aesthetically pleasing crag which may be a bit quieter for you and your crew, though the climbs are only up to around 10m and only go up to a grade 20. Watch out for wasp nests in some of the holds!

I haven’t checked out the other crags personally, but you can do your own research using the guidebook or thecrag.com.

 

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Most of all, have fun and be safe!

Read more: Tips For The Tip Conscious // Hand & Skin Care When Rock Climbing