Perth climbers dominate Australian Outdoor Climbing Championships

Perth's outdoor adventure climbing community celebrated a triumphant week as local athletes claimed multiple podium finishes at the Australian Outdoor Climbing Championships, held across three days at venues spanning from the Grampians to the Blue Mountains.

The standout performance came from Northbridge-based climber Maya Chen, who secured second place in the advanced sport climbing category with an impressive time of 14 minutes 32 seconds across the qualifier route—a feat that places her firmly in contention for international competition selection later this year. Chen trained extensively at the recently expanded climbing wall facilities at Perth Rock Climbing Centre on Hay Street, where membership fees have remained competitive at $25 per visit or $180 monthly.

In the speed climbing discipline, Perth-based athletes demonstrated remarkable consistency. The Under-23 male category saw three local competitors finish within the top six nationally, with Subiaco's James Morrison claiming fourth place overall. Meanwhile, the mixed team relay event—a newer format gaining traction among adventure sport enthusiasts—saw a predominantly Western Australian squad finish just outside the medals in fourth position.

The results underscore Perth's emergence as a serious contender in Australia's climbing hierarchy, a status strengthened by improved infrastructure and coaching accessibility. The city now hosts six dedicated climbing venues, up from three in 2023, with facilities ranging from budget-friendly gyms to high-end training centres catering to competitive athletes. Monthly participation in organised climbing activities across Perth has grown 34 per cent year-on-year, according to figures from the Western Australian Climbing Association.

Beyond formal competition, Perth's outdoor rock climbing sites continue to attract domestic and international enthusiasts. Popular destinations including the Dandalup River granite formations near Serpentine and the dramatic cliffs at Avon Valley remain consistently busy on weekends, with experienced guides available through local operators charging $150-$280 for full-day guided excursions.

Industry observers attribute Perth's climbing growth to a confluence of factors: the city's proximity to diverse natural rock formations, growing health consciousness among young professionals, and improved social media documentation of local climbing achievements. Investment in youth programs has also proven crucial, with schools across the metro area increasingly incorporating climbing into physical education curricula.

Next month, Perth will host regional qualifiers for the International Sport Climbing Federation circuit, expected to draw competitors from across the Indian Ocean region. Athletes and enthusiasts interested in participating can register through the WACA website, with competitor fees starting at $85.

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