There are several on-going access issues in the Blue Mountains. Don’t let your actions stuff it up for everyone else! When climbing in our wonderful Bluies, please adhere to the following to ensure you’re not having a negative impact on our access.

No Dogs

• Dogs are prohibited in all National Parks. This includes Bell, Bowens and Pierces Pass crags.
• Visit Blue Mountains City Council crags if you want to take your dog (Shipley, Boronia etc)

Car Parking

• A full carpark means a full crag – go somewhere else, social distancing still applies.
• Be courteous to the local residents and think about where you are parking.
• Car-pool – even if it is from nearby towns.
• Logan Brae – Limited car parking – don’t park on sides of narrow road. Continued access to this area hinges on our compliance.
• Medlow Bath – Park at Train Line end of road not at the trail head.
• Shipley, Celebrity – Do not park in-front of driveways or anywhere that may annoy residents.
• Gateway, Fort Rock – access across school land has been closed. See thecrag for new access.

Camping

• All Blue Mountains City Council and major Blue Mountains National Park campgrounds are still CLOSED due to Coid-19 restrictions and bushfire damage.
• Don’t vanlife at crag carparks or suburban streets.

Fires

• It may be cold but it is illegal to light fires outside of approved fireplaces. Do not light fires at crags.
• Cigarette smoking is banned in all NSW National Parks.

Closed Crags

• Mt York – All climbing and camping areas are closed due to bushfire damage apart from Barden’s Lookout & Historic Wells.
• Zap Crag (private property) – closed
• Narrow Neck – All burnt climbing areas closed
• Further info about crag closures can be found on this spreadsheet

Toileting

• Toilet paper still plagues our most popular crags. Use best practices for toileting at the crag.
• Burying waste is not sustainable at busy crags, use toilet facilities away from the climbing area.
• In less busy areas, ensure all waste is buried and if possible, carry out your toilet paper.

Rescues

• Reduce the likelihood of needing emergency assistance by thoroughly planning and preparing your day.
• Research approach, route, descent and retreat information before departing.
• Bunny Bucket Buttress is not the place to learn how to abseil or prussik.
• In winter, daylight hours are short and nights can be below zero degrees. Start climbing early but still be prepared for climbing/walking in the dark and cold.
• Have a self-rescue plan and tell someone else where you are going and when you will return.

Remember access is no accident. Take ownership, if you see someone else doing the wrong thing, speak up. We must all work together to ensure access remains in place. Lastly, make sure you check the latest Onsight Blue Mountains climbing print guide, www.onsight.com.au/bluemtns and thecrag.com for up-to-date information.