Climbers Association of Western Australia - CAWA

🎬 Now Streaming: Shadow of a Doubt

251 metres of climbing. Limited protection. Zero certainty of success.
We're stoked to share Shadow of a Doubt, documenting the ground-up first ascent of Purgatory (23 / 5.11c) on Bluff Knoll, the largest rock face in Western Australia.
Follow Jonas Hollingworth, Olly Morell and Trent Potts as they commit to the unknown, pushing through physical and mental limits to establish one of the boldest lines in the Stirlings.

🎬 Filmmaker: Jonas Hollingworth
🧗 Featuring: Jonas Hollingworth, Olly Morell, Trent Potts
📍 Location: Bluff Knoll, Stirling Range National Park
🧵 Route: Purgatory (23 / 5.11c), 251m
📅 First ascent September 2015

This was originally screened at the CAWA Film Night back in 2020, and now it's live for everyone to watch.

👉 Full film up now on our YouTube, link in bio.
Photo: Nicholas Phillips

🛠️ Update from the crag: dodgy bolts are sorted.

Following the safety report on the Perth Rock Climbers page on 21st June about 'iffy' carrot bolts at Spring Grove Farm Cutting (Pinjarra Blast Wall), the CAWA rebolting team has been hard at work, and the fix is already done.

✅ All carrot bolts at Spring Grove Farm Cutting replaced with fixed hangers
✅ New lower-offs added, servicing all sport routes
✅ Boomer Crag has also been given a facelift, with carrots swapped for fixed hangers, plus anchor and lower-off upgrades

This kind of quick turnaround only happens because we have a community that speaks up when something looks off, and volunteers who show up to sort it out fast. Huge thanks to everyone involved.

This work was made possible by the CAWA rebolting fund. If you'd like to support future rebolting projects, or if you ever spot dodgy bolts out there, you can donate or report through the link below.

👉 climberswa.au/cawa/bolting-fund/

See you out on the rock, safer than ever.

🍕 FREE PIZZA. GAMES. GOOD VIBES.

It's time for a CAWA Gym Crash at Oasis Climbing Gym!
Grab your crew and come climb, compete and connect with the WA climbing community for a night of friendly challenges, fun games and plenty of free pizza.

📅 When: Tuesday 14 July
🕠 Time: From 5.30 PM
📍 Where: Oasis Climbing Gym
💰 Cost: $16 entry (discounted member rate)

Whether you're chasing the podium in the challenges or just here for the free pizza and the vibes, this one is all about good company and good climbing.

See you on the wall!

BLAST FROM THE PAST - CLIMBING IN WA 50 YEARS AGO

1976 was an exciting year for CAWA, and we'd like to share a video slideshow created and narrated by two climbing pioneers of the era, which provides a detailed snapshot of the year. In the video, you'll learn how half a century ago - WA still used the old English grading system; Churchman’s Brook was discovered and the first new routes developed; multiple CAWA trips to the Stirling Range and benightments on Bluff Knoll; new routes at the Porongurup’s, Mountain Quarry and Statham’s Quarry; how Mob Job was climbed at Wilyabrup; CAWA social events; mountain rescue training prior to the SES; and many more climbing shenanigans. Just click on the link below.

Slideshow and photos: the late Dave James
Narrated by: Robin 'Mac' MacArthur
Link: https://youtu.be/CdSY_YGYqEc

🎬 Lights. Camera. Climb.

The CAWA Film Festival 2026 is back, and submissions are now open.

If you have footage from a trip, a project, a personal milestone, or a moment that captures the spirit of climbing in WA, this is your chance to get it on the big screen at Luna Leederville, on 12 November.

There are some great prizes up for grabs too, the $500 CAWA Film Award, People's Choice prizes of $300 and $150, plus a share of ticket sales if your film is selected for screening.

Submissions close 15 October, so plenty of time to pull something special together. Head to the link in bio for all the details and get those cameras rolling.

Need some inspo? Check out our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/

🪖 Which do you put on first when approaching a rock face, a helmet or a harness? Drop your answer in the comments 👇

Rockfall has occurred at Statham's Quarry on the "Striding Edge" route (No. 28, Central Slab Area). A large slab was pulled from the face during a climb and narrowly missed the belayer below.

Parks and Wildlife Service, Western Australia and a geotechnical engineer have assessed the area. Here's what you need to know before you visit:
🚫 Avoid the remaining slab on route 28 (marked with an arrow in the photo).
🚷 Belayers and bystanders, do not stand directly below the route. A pink flagging tape zone has been marked on-site.
✅ You can pass through the area, but don't linger within the flagged zone, especially during active climbing

Helmets are non-negotiable at the crag. Rockfall can happen anywhere, anytime. 🪨

🧗 Gym Crash at Portside Boulders, O'Connor!

Come climb, eat, and chat with your CAWA crew this June 9th at 6:00 PM!

Here's the plan: show up, send some boulders, then refuel on pizza before battling it out in a game and a physical challenge. Prizes on the line, good vibes guaranteed.

This is a great chance to meet fellow members, climb at an awesome gym, and have a proper community night out. All skill levels welcome, whether you're pulling hard or just here for the pizza (no judgement 🍕).

📍 Portside Boulders, O'Connor 📅 Tuesday 9 June 2026 ⏰ 6:00 PM

👉 Tag a climbing mate and lock in the date!

🥇 History made. Australia, we have a gold medallist!

A massive congratulations to Oceana Mackenzie on winning the Women's Boulder final at the World Climbing Series Bern 2026! Her first World Climbing Series gold, and the first ever for Australia.

Oceana topped three boulders in the final, including a brilliant beta break on the fourth to seal the win with 74.5 points, and what a moment it was to watch unfold. She described herself as "still a little in shock" after the result. We reckon that's fair enough! 🙌

From all of us at CAWA and the WA climbing community, we are so incredibly proud. This is the kind of moment that inspires every climber, from the gym to the crag.
Keep crushing it! 🧗‍♀️🇦🇺

📸 Photo credit: World Climbing / worldclimbing.com

The crag is calling. Are you ready to answer? 🧗

If you're confident on the wall indoors but haven't made the leap to real rock yet, this one's for you.

Transition to Outdoors at Mountain Quarry is a hands-on workshop designed specifically for experienced indoor lead climbers ready to take their skills outside. You'll cover weather assessment, bolts and anchors, outdoor belaying, anchor cleaning, and more, with plenty of time on the wall to put it all into practice.

📅 Saturday 6 June, 8 AM to 2 PM 📍 Mountain Quarry, Boya 💰 $37 for CAWA members
This is a great stepping stone into the wider world of outdoor climbing and future CAWA trips.

👉 Spots are limited and registrations close 2 June. Head to the link in bio to book your place and complete the participant form. Both are required to secure your spot.

CAWA members only.