New Arapiles plan means 98 per cent of climbs will stay open

Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park climbing plan approved In short: The Victorian government has released a new access plan for the Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park. It does away with the blanket bans proposed in 2024 and will keep 98 per cent of climbing routes open. What's next? Those heading to the park can access the full list of guidelines, closures and re-routes on the Parks Victoria website. The Victorian government has finalised a new management plan for access and rock climbing at the Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park, near Horsham in Victoria's west. About 80 climbs are now closed off to climbers, effective immediately, while 46 others have been rerouted. Some of the main closures are at Islamabad, Pharos and Brain Death Boulder. The park is home to many culturally significant sites, including scar trees, ancient rock art, quarries and artefacts significant to the Wotjobaluk Traditional Owners, whose connection to the land spans tens of thousands of years. It is also known as a world-class rock climbing centre, with more than 3,300 climbs. Ninety-eight per cent of them will remain open under the new plan, with the full list of restricted routes available on the Parks Victoria website. The Barengi Gadjin Land Council, First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria and Parks Victoria has been contacted for comment. Plan bins blanket bans The new plan allows climbers access to all but three of more than 150 climbing areas at the park. Climbing Victoria chair Mike Rockell said he was "delighted" with the outcome. "Importantly, the significant Aboriginal cultural heritage at Dyurrite will remain protected, but with only a small percentage of climbs having to be closed," Mr Rockell said. "This contrasts with the original draft plan released in November 2024 which would have seen over 60 per cent of the climbing closed. "These new arrangements secure the future of climbing at Mount Arapiles, a world-class climbing destination, and also the future of the nearby township of Natimuk." Mr Rockell said he appreciated the consultation and engagement led by Parks Victoria with representatives of the climbing community, the local community and Traditional Owners who worked together on the new arrangements. "Climbing Victoria sees this as a very sensible outcome that can be replicated elsewhere, and one that is supported by the vast majority of climbers," Mr Rockell said. "Climbing Victoria wishes to thank the Traditional Owners of Dyurrite for their support and efforts that have helped achieve this outcome." 'Significantly increasing access' Public consultation on the draft plan ran from July 23 to August 19, 2026, and received more than 400 surveys and submissions. The new access rules are effective immediately, now that the Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park Dyurrite Cultural Landscape Access Changes Summary document has been released. Minister for Environment Jaclyn Symes said she was pleased to announce the new climbing arrangements. "These changes are now in effect, significantly increasing access for climbers," Ms Symes said. "Mount Arapiles Dyurrite is one of Australia's great climbing destinations and these changes mean climbers can continue to enjoy it for years to come."