The Victorian government has unveiled a revised access plan for the Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park, effectively replacing the comprehensive restrictions initially proposed for 2024. This new framework ensures that 98 percent of the climbing routes within the park will remain accessible.
Visitors to the park can find detailed information regarding guidelines, closures, and rerouted paths on the Parks Victoria website.
This finalized management strategy addresses both access and rock climbing activities at Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park, located near Horsham in western Victoria. As part of the new plan, around 80 climbing routes are now closed, while 46 others have been modified.
Significant closures include areas such as Islamabad, Pharos, and Brain Death Boulder. The park is not only renowned for its climbing opportunities, boasting over 3,300 routes, but it also hosts numerous culturally important sites, including scar trees, ancient rock art, quarries, and artifacts that hold great significance for the Wotjobaluk Traditional Owners, who have a deep-rooted connection to the land that spans millennia.
Under the new guidelines, climbers will have access to nearly all but three of the more than 150 climbing zones within the park. Mike Rockell, chair of Climbing Victoria, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating that he was “delighted” with the new arrangements.
Mr. Rockell emphasized that the protection of the significant Aboriginal cultural heritage at Dyurrite remains a priority, with only a minor percentage of climbs being closed. He noted that this approach stands in stark contrast to the initial draft plan released in November 2024, which had proposed closing over 60 percent of the climbing routes.
“These new arrangements secure the future of climbing at Mount Arapiles, a premier climbing destination, as well as the future of the nearby town of Natimuk,” Mr. Rockell added. He commended the efforts of Parks Victoria in engaging with the climbing community, local residents, and Traditional Owners to collaboratively develop the new access guidelines.
“Climbing Victoria views this as a sensible solution that can serve as a model for similar situations elsewhere, and it is backed by a large majority of climbers,” he remarked. “We extend our gratitude to the Traditional Owners of Dyurrite for their support and contributions that facilitated this outcome.”
Public feedback on the draft plan was collected from July 23 to August 19, 2026, yielding over 400 surveys and submissions. The updated access regulations are now in effect, following the release of the Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park Dyurrite Cultural Landscape Access Changes Summary document.
Environment Minister Jaclyn Symes expressed her pleasure in announcing the new climbing regulations, stating, “These changes are now in effect, significantly increasing access for climbers. Mount Arapiles Dyurrite is one of Australia’s premier climbing locations, and these adjustments ensure that climbers can continue to enjoy this remarkable site for years to come.”
