Rock climbing in Sydney

Bloc Climbing Centre

North Parramatta

The Bloc Climbing Centre loves their bouldering. There are nine bouldering panels, the Bloc Bouldering League and on the first Wednesday of every month at 6pm, there's a new boulder problem released if you're the first to solve it and ascend, you score $50. If you're not the bouldering type, never fear there are six 7m-high top-rope climbing walls too.

The Edge Adventure Centre

Castle Hill

All 120 climbs at the Edge are 8.5m-plus, and it's home to the country's first indoor rapelling tower anyone up for 18.5 metre abseiling? Entry starts at $15 if you've got your own equipment, $20 for entry and a harness and $30 for entry and all your gear (harness, shoes and chalk).

The Climbing Centre

Penrith

The Climbing Centre in Penrith has over 100 climbs to challenge everyone from beginners to professionals. For the kids, there's a junior climbing club every Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon. Entry is $22 including equipment, $14 if you're already all harnessed up. If you're out of town, they also have a centre in Leura.

Evolution Indoor Rock Climbing

Wetherill Park

Evolution opened its doors in 1994 as 'The Pitch'. Their rail training system is flexible and expandable, which means it can change to match your training needs. The centre has a combination of top ropes, lead walls for the more experienced, and bouldering on 5m-high walls. It's $14 to get into the whole centre, $12 for just bouldering and $20 for full entry plus hire gear.

The Ledge Climbing Centre

Camperdown

If you're looking for an indoor climbing centre within a regular gym, look no further than the Ledge. There are new climbs every few weeks, a bouldering area and anyone can climb once they've done a ten minute safety induction session. If you're just in it for the bouldering, there's a reduced entry price of $10.

Northern Beaches Rockhouse

Brookvale

Rock climbing and bouldering aren't enough? The Rockhouse offers caving too – there are 40 metres of tunnels and chambers to explore, and head torches are provided. Along with the regular activies, mens and ladies nights (Wednesday and Tuesday, $19.50 including gear) are all up and running. Plus there's a Learn to Climb clinic if you're a bit overwhelmed.

Climb Fit

St Leonards

Up for a challenge? There are over 160 climbs at the Climb Fit gym. Along with steep overhangs, a neverending lead wall, the chimney, a vertical treadmill and a giant log ladder, there's a tamer wall for the kids (and the climb-wary). If bouldering's more your thing, there are over 90 problems to solve in the exclusive bouldering area.

Sydney Indoor Climbing Gym

St Peters

Established in 1993, the first indoor rock climbing venue in NSW is now the biggest in Australia, and has a smaller (by 700 square metres) sibling in Villawood. There's 2,900 square metres of climbing walls, 50 degree overhangs and 25km routes for the brave. There's also a 4.5m-high bouldering wall if you want to climb without the ropes. For the kids, the climbing gym also offers after school programs and school holiday camps.