Australia’s First Via Ferrata Just Got Longer, Steeper, and More Fun

RockWire at Mt Buller has just opened its second and more challenging route. We sent Explorer Elisha to join the first guided group to climb the new addition to the via ferrata circuit. Here’s what you need to know about tackling the newer, more hair-raising traverse.

Introducing Via Ferrata to the Aussie Alps

Via ferrata is still new to the Australian adventure scene. Literally meaning ‘iron path’ in Italian, the series of fixed metal rungs and wire cable combines hiking and rock climbing in a thrilling, yet safer environment.

While already wildly popular across Europe and North America, RockWire was the first to introduce via ferrata to Australia, with the first route on Mt Buller opening just over a year ago. We Are Explorers’ Content Editor, Jess, checked it out when it first opened!

Read more: Italy’s Iron Way Via Ferrata Routes Aren’t as Straightforward as Expected

Mt Buller views giving Italy a run for its money

Expanding RockWire: Introducing Route 2

Route 1 was designed for beginners, but still does enough to get your blood rushing, with two wire bridges and a wire ladder. However, the recently opened Route 2 adds an extra dimension, with near vertical climbs on the west face of Buller, plus a longer and more impressive suspension bridge.

Yep that’s looking preeetty vertical

RockWire’s routes are planned as optional extensions of each other. Route 1 is ideal for those wanting an introduction to via ferrata, while Route 2 adds a tougher and steeper circuit for those keen on a greater challenge. By completing most of Route 1 to get to Route 2, you’ll have time to get the hang of the system (and shake the nerves out of your legs).

James Webb’s Big Plans: There’s More to Come

He’s not stopping yet! James Webb, the founder and pioneer behind RockWire, already has Route 3 mapped out and ready to go, but he wants to take at least a year off from construction first. It’s a labour of love and passion, with countless hours spent building most of the routes himself.

James leading the way to Route 2

With Route 3 already in the works, climbers will eventually be able to complete a Grand Traverse in a full day on the mountain. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though.

For now, Route 2 provides a five-hour adventure around the west side of Mt Buller. This is what it’s like on the latest instalment.

What It’s Like on RockWire Route 2

Having visited Mt Buller several times for summer hikes, I was intrigued by the idea of exploring the mountain in a new way.

We suited up in a helmet and new harnesses, featuring traditional lanyards with double-gated carabiners and a shock absorber. James talked us through a quick explanation and practice of the French climbing system (yep, Italian name, French logistics).

All geared up

The idea is that you’re always clipped onto something, so even if you fall, the safety harness system will catch you. Despite having zero rock climbing experience, I was excited to hit the wire.

We drove from the Village Square up to the Buller Summit car park and began the steep hike up the mountain. It’s a rugged and rocky trail, but rewarding with panoramic views of the Victorian High Country.

Beautiful hike up to Route 2

Just a short way down the west side of Mt Buller, we were introduced to the start of the via ferrata. We each clipped our two carabiners onto the wire, a thick cable that literally becomes your guiding route from anchor point to anchor point.

Along the traverse, steel rungs known as stemples allow you to climb on the rock face with hands and feet, providing a stable alternative to natural holds in the rock. At first my legs were a bit wobbly and my fingers fumbled with the carabiners, but surprisingly, it didn’t take long to get into the swing of things.

It’s chill as long as you don’t look down 🙂

It becomes quite meditative, as you move your feet and hands from stemple to stemple, while clipping on and off the wire around each anchor (the aim is to unclip and reattach one carabiner at a time, so there’s always at least one attached to the wire).

‘Turn around and look at that view!’, James exclaimed. Concentrating so much on the task at hand, it was easy to ignore the unparalleled view of layers of mountains stretching out below.

Of course, this is also when you realise just how exposed you really are, with a steep 1000m drop below. It’s a fine balance between admiring the view and not allowing it to ignite any sense of panic.

*Gulps*

Repeating the same actions along the cable, we clipped on and off, on and off, as we made our way quite quickly around Route 1.

‘Welcome to Route 2! This is where the fun really begins’, James pointed out as we finally set foot on the brand new section.

James pointed out where we were about to climb. The rungs and cable blend in quite well to the rugged terrain of the mountain, but the steep U-shaped Route 2 traverse was just visible.

Looking down on the ominous Route 2

We quite literally started climbing vertically downwards, so it meant we were only allowed to have one person per section on the cable. As we got around the bottom and started to shift back up, there were a couple of spots where the gap between stemples was purposefully too great, forcing us to find natural rock holds to continue.

But James was very helpful, providing tips on how to navigate these trickier spots.

After the steep ascent back up the slope, we came to the highlight of Route 2: the suspension bridge. It’s without doubt the most thrilling part, with the incredible mountains stretching out behind providing a great backdrop for photos.

James walking across his pride and joy

‘I’m very proud of this bridge’, James explained with a beaming smile. It took him about a month to complete the difficult task of building this swing bridge on the face of the mountain.

The final steep climb after the bridge is perhaps one of the hardest sections of the entire route. It even throws in what James described as a ‘surprise ladder’ that he said he ‘didn’t tell anyone about’, with a cheeky grin.

The ladder swayed a bit under our body weight and with tired legs at this point of the traverse, each step up was quite an effort. Yet, with James’ reassuring voice and his years of experience, I never doubted the safety of the course.

Missing the bridge right about now

The very last push up and over the slope rejoined us to where we’d started a few hours earlier. From there, we still had to hike back up to the summit and down to the car park. Passing the summit hut, the fire lookout warned of a thunderstorm closing in from Mansfield, but we made it back to Village Square with enough time to spare.

Stay and Eat at Mt Buller

If you want to stay before or after your via ferrata experience, there are a couple of options during the summer season at Mt Buller. Mt Buller Chalet Hotel and Suites is ideally located a short walk from the Village Square, while Arlberg House is closer to Buller summit and is the main dining option open all year round.

What You Should Know Before Attempting RockWire Route 2

In order to climb, you need to be between 40kg and 120kg and over 120cm tall. As long as you meet these conditions, there’s no real age limit, with everyone from school groups to older Explorers able to complete the route…pending your fitness level.

It’s ideal to have a decent level of fitness. Completing Route 2 takes around five hours from start to finish, with a hike at the beginning and end of the climb. It also includes some bigger steps, requiring a bit more physical strength than Route 1.

It’s probably not ideal for those afraid of heights, as you’re quite exposed with a long drop to the valley below.

What you’ll see from the course

Even if you’re a little nervous, via ferrata lets you experience the adrenaline rush of climbing through challenging vertical terrain while always being securely attached to a safety line.

RockWire is open now! The via ferrata climbing season runs from the start of November until the end of April, as long as there’s no snow or thunderstorms on the forecast. Rockwire offers both a morning and afternoon tour, with group tours starting from $299 on weekdays and $344 on weekends.

Feature image by Mandy Lamont

Want More Adventures Around Mt Buller? Try These

• Buller Huts Trail – A Week-Long Hike Through the Best of Victoria’s High Country
• The Viking Circuit is a 40km Hike Across VIC’s High Country
• Summiting The Bluff is a Truly Unique High Country Adventure
• Conquer Mt Howitt and Tame the Crosscut Saw
• Summiting The Bluff is a Truly Unique High Country Adventure
• The Full List of Where to Ride and Hike at Mt Buller This Summer!