The Future of an Iconic Australian Rock Climbing Is at Stake

Lucas Corroto has been climbing at Australia’s iconic Mount Arapiles (also known as Dyurrite) since he was 13 years old, when he went on a group trip there led by his woodworking teacher.

“It was my first experience climbing and it is a trip I will never forget,” Corroto remembers.

But soon, he may never be able to climb some of his favorite routes in Arapiles again. Parks Victoria, which manages public lands in the Australian state of Victoria, has threatened to close several climbing areas in the Arapiles, citing cultural preservation and ecological reasons. Over 1,000 routes are under threat. This news comes after widespread climbing area closures in Grampians National Park, where Arapiles is located, that occurred in 2019.

“They are shutting down the majority of a world-class climbing destination,” Carroto explains, “but they are also shutting down the heart of Australian climbing. Arapiles is to Australia what Yosemite is to the US.”

To help advocate against the closure of additional Arapiles climbing areas, Corroto just released a short film exploring the heritage of climbing in Arapiles. The film also showcases how climbers have served as stewards of the land and disputes claims from Parks Victoria about the role of climbers in damaging cultural sites.

Watch the Trailer for Corroto’s Save Arapiles Climbing film here:

We caught up with Corroto to learn more about his new film and what climbers around the world can do to support his effort.

Climbing: When did you decide to make this film?

Lucas Corroto: As soon as I heard about the proposed climbing bans in Arapiles, it sparked the idea of shooting a short documentary to cover this complex topic. Two weeks after the announcement, we put all the camera gear in the back of our van and we drove 12 hours to shoot the film.

Climbing: Did you have any supporters in producing this film or was it a passion project?

Corroto: This was a passion project as I didn’t want to compromise on the angle on which I told the story.

Climbing: How long have you been personally climbing at Arapiles? Do you live nearby?

Corroto: I live in the Blue Mountains, 12 hours from Arapiles, and I still drive there multiple times a year. Arapiles is a special place that every climber should experience.

Climbing: Are there any local Indigenous communities who have spoken out against the climbing ban (since it’s partially attributed to cultural preservation)? Did you try to interview any of them?

Corroto: This topic is quite complex and I’m not the correct person to speak about this. I tried but did not get a reply.

Climbing: When are these climbing areas expected to close if the ban can’t be reversed?

Corroto: It is not clear when this will happen. However, some areas like the Plaque Wall, the Bard, and most areas in the Grampians are already closed.

Climbing: The US is lucky enough to have Access Fund, a nonprofit that helps work on climbing access issues like this. Are there any organizations like this in Australia?

Corroto: Australia operates differently than the US. National parks and cultural heritage are managed by state government and/or registered aboriginal parties or land councils. Every state has their own cultural heritage legislation and equivalent parks legislation. We have a number of peak bodies for recreational climbing that are also specific to each state and in regards to Arapiles/Dyurrite we have Climbing Victoria.

Climbing: Is there anything else US-based climbers can do besides share your petition?

Corroto: Talk about Arapiles, share the video and your own personal stories in social media, and most importantly, keep visiting Arapiles and the Grampians!

You can sign the petition to preserve access to climbing in Arapiles here.

Watch Corroto’s full film, Save Arapiles Climbing:

The post The Future of an Iconic Australian Rock Climbing Is at Stake appeared first on Climbing.