Adventure in the Warrumbungles has a way of making you feel small in the best possible way. The 5 km walk into camp is steep and demanding, with every step reminding you that this isn’t your average climbing trip. But as the trees part and you get your first real look at Belougery Spire rising against the sky, the effort starts to feel like a fair trade. It’s an imposing sight, almost daring you to climb it. That’s what we do the next day—feeling the volcanic rock beneath our hands and shoes, lounging on the ledges, and eating on the summit. Every step on the walk in feels like a step closer to something big, something worth the effort.
Big Packs and Big Smiles.
These trips have a way of staying with you. I remember one early morning, gearing up for a climb while the stars were still out. Dawn starts are all the rage, don’t you know? We saw a line of satellites cutting across the sky, a harsh reminder of the world beyond our remote camp. It was the teenager in our group who pointed out that it was a Starlink, and his excitement was contagious. It’s those unexpected moments that make these expeditions more than just about climbing—they turn them into stories you carry with you.
A Pre-Dawn Start
Climbing in the Warrumbungles is unlike anywhere else. The rock can be less intuitive, the route finding more complex, and the exposure feels grand. On one particularly windy day, the gusts were so strong they seemed determined to knock us over. The wind rattled our clothes and flapped the straps on our packs. For hours, we climbed, leaning into the wind, being buffeted on every move. When we finally reached the summit, the wind calmed, the sun emerged, and it felt like we had stepped into another world—a place of warmth and peace. Moments like these, where the hardship melts into euphoria, are what make these climbs so memorable.
A Windy Morning!
There’s no doubt these adventures test your limits. The physical challenge of steep climbs, carrying heavy packs, and dealing with unpredictable weather can push anyone into their reserves. But that’s the draw—the sense of facing a challenge where success isn’t guaranteed. It’s about finding out what you’re made of and digging deep into reserves of strength you might not know you had. These are the kinds of experiences that stay with you long after you’ve left the mountains behind.
Nearing the 3rd Belay on Belougery Spire in the Warrumbungles
Back at camp, it’s all about enjoying the simple things. A good meal, a fire, and having the time to sit and listen to the bush. It’s those connections, those shared experiences that turn a group of climbers into a team. One client, after summiting Crater Bluff, made the phone call to buy her first house—right from the summit.
Relaxing back at Camp
The Warrumbungles are not just about the climb; they’re about the environment that makes each trip special. The park is a haven for wildlife, with brush-tailed rock wallabies, kangaroos, and (unfortunately) feral goats being easy to spot. Most days, we see a wedge-tailed eagle, Australia’s largest bird of prey, soaring in wide circles above the dramatic silhouettes of xanthorrhoea (grass trees) growing from the outcrops of jagged volcanic rock. It’s an escape to a place where nature feels raw and untamed, adding a layer of beauty to every moment.
By the time we hike out, there’s a real sense of accomplishment. The packs feel lighter, and there’s the promise of postcards and souvenirs at the NPWS HQ and a big breakfast at Feathers Café in Coonabarabran. It’s a fitting end to a trip that’s as much about the journey as it is about reaching the summit. The Warrumbungles have a way of drawing you back. It’s not just about climbing; it’s about finding out what you’re made of, sharing that experience with others, and carrying a piece of it with you when you go.
At Blue Mountains Climbing School, our guided trips are crafted for those who seek adventure and see the value of being shown the way. Our Warrumbungles Expeditions offer the perfect blend of challenge and reward, with expert guides leading you through some of Australia’s longest and most iconic multi-pitch climbs. If you’re comfortable on grade 16 routes (or aspire to be) and looking for an unforgettable adventure, this trip is for you. Ready to join us? Get in touch at climb@climbingschool.com.au or call 0491 223 133 to learn more.