We we're really excited to find out about this venue prior to arrive in Melbourne. The glass walls make for an exterior spectacle (see the photo from outside). Unfortunately it did not quite live up to expectations. The most significant problems this climbing facility faces is a lack of proper air-conditioning, ceiling exhaust fans, change rooms greater than room for 1 and lockers. The humidity and heat make the climbing that much harder because you slip off the crimpy little holds purely due to sweat. We had to use that much chalk it probably felt like it was snowing on those below belaying. The climbs themselves are actually pretty good. Some really challenging climbs that require some thought and decent balance. The climbs are also quite high and there are decent inclines on a few with a few cracks to boot. With a couple of automated climbs and lead climbs it has everything you need but ultimately the Nunadwading hardrock is much better read more

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I liked this place, although there are a few practicalities about it which are a bit annoying. But first the good stuff!: The walls are high and there is a lot of variety. Im impressed that there is a large staff presence - as there seem to be a lot of beginners and first time climbers around, so the staff presence is very reassuring. The city location makes it a nice sociable place - as do the couches. The baths accross the road also work well with it (after climbing, being submerged in water is good for your sore muscles). The place opens at noon - which is the major drawcard! I think that Cliffhanger at Altona is a better place to climb for numerous reasons, but the fact that this one is open from noon is a real plus! (Cliffhanger opens at 4pm). Now for the annoyances: Parking: this place is impossible for you want free parking. And its a tad annoying to have to go in on the train in your climbing/gym clothes. There are small change rooms, but its still annoying. Its a bit more expensive than Altona too. There are a lot of people in here and you have to wait for the ropes at times - but thats really a minor issue, not a major one. All in all, its a good place and Im looking forward to going back! read more

Without doubt there is a fear factor to get over with rock climbing (or in this case wall climbing) but this really can be an exercise for almost anybody. Way easier than it looks, wall climbing is actually a lot of fun, quite easy (it feels like the harness is pulling you up - it's not) and for $30 a really good way to hang out with your friends somewhere other than the pub. There are a few pros hanging around at Hard Rock but a lot of beginners too and the staff make you feel safe and secure before you start your ascent. Really enjoyable after work activity to burn a few carbs and the sort of buzz that you can't get from just going to the gym. read more

Wanna concur mountains without leaving the city? Hardrock Climbing is a really cool, and fun, way to get back into rock climbing, or experience it for the first time. It's also a great idea for birthdays and work functions. Sure it's scary at first, but once you realise that no one expects you to be climbing up the walls like spiderman on your first go, then you'd be more at easy. Just take your time and enjoy it. read more

Hardrock Climbing - Climbing Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

5pm on a Thursday = packed. It's full of avid rock climbers and clubs/groups. They have their own harnesses and what looked like a bum bag but is actually a chalk bag to get a better grip. It was amazing watching everyone, I'm not scared of heights but I'm scared of the fact I'm clutching at rocks high up! Haha I'm also short and not that limber enough to move from rock to rock. It was fun though. There's also a bit of waiting in line for a turn. The higher the number the more difficult it is. The beginner wall at the start is a 6. They need to have a better database searching system....only name is able to be searched. I had to sign another registration form. Otherwise, give it a go. You definitely need to bring a buddy to 'belay' for you. Your safety mechanism! read more

Pros: it's in the city, so it's convenient to get to. Cons: - it's always way too crowded. Most nights there won't be any wall free, so you need to get in line behind people who are already climbing. - there's one room for one person to get changed in. That's it, for the entire gym. - the hire gear is lousy. Most of the shoes are falling apart. - the toilets are filthy. - the lighting is terrible in some places. So bad that it's difficult to see which holds are on your route. Basically I go there because there's nothing else that's easy to get to in Melbourne. However, I think the owners have seriously underinvested in this place. If there was any competition, they'd really need to up their game. read more

It was my cousin's and my first time indoor rock climbing. We saw the rock climbing walls from outside and wanted to check it out. Our overall first time experience was good, save for being berated and treated like stupid tourists by one of the workers named "Jess," hence my two star review. (FYI all the other workers were very nice.) To begin, the whole check-in process was a little confusing due to the high traffic of people at the time. I have to preface this by explaining that I don't fault anyone for the check-in process, but just provide it as context for why there was some confusion on our part. When we first arrived, we were told to fill out a form and a waiver form so we did. Then we stood in line for about 20 mins at which point we got our climbing shoes while we were in line, but no harness. Then our forms were taken from us and we were pulled out of the waiting line to listen to a safety instructional, which was very hard to hear and see due to the large number of people crowding around the instructor. Then most of the group were directed to the practice wall while a few of us without harnesses were told to go get back in line to get them. We waited another 15 mins in line and paid and got our harnesses at which point we were told to go to the practice wall. I assumed we could and should start practicing at this point and someone would come by to check on us. As we began trying to practice, "Jess" came around and scolded us for going up the practice wall without getting a "check off." I politely told her that had not been explained to us, but she snapped at me and said it had been explained to us "very clearly." No, actually it was not "very clear," which was why we started climbing up the wall before we were supposedly allowed to. It was as though she was inferring that 1) we were stupid and couldn't follow directions, or 2) we were lying and purposefully being non compliant. It was an honest mistake and her comment was totally rude and unnecessary. As though that wasn't bad enough, "Jess" was EXTREMELY demeaning, impatient, and snappy towards us when she was going over the climbing and belaying steps even though she knew we were beginners. At one point she was talking to me like I was a child or as though I didn't understand English (FYI I'm Asian-American). When I noticed she was doing this, I found myself overcompensating by enunciating and pronouncing my words so she didn't think I was a foreigner and would possibly treat me a little more respectfully (on a side note: how sad that the expectation is for non-English speaking foreignors to be treated differently). At the end of the "check off" I walked away feeling humiliated. This is a for-profit company, not some free, public national park. We paid $25 (AUD) each for a positive experience, not to get scolded and demeaned. All in all, I really didn't appreciate how "Jess" treated us and unfortunately she put a damper on our first time indoor rock climbing experience. read more

Great place for beginners. We found this place right around the corner from our hotel. We were there on a cold, rainy day during school holidays, so it was packed. Even so, we never had to wait more than a few minutes to climb, and there were lots of other kids and a good range of abilities. Friendly and helpful staff. This was our first time outside of a few climbs at the YMCA, and it was fun to learn to belay and to be able to do it all ourselves. I was there with our 6-year-old, so I couldn't climb (belay partners need to be at least 11) but that made it a cheap way to spend the afternoon. If only they had hot drinks and better snacks, it would have been a perfect escape. read more

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If you really want to climb, don't go here! Holds are dirty, they don't get changed, lot's of kids or people climbing for the first time,...

I really enjoyed myself at Hardrock Climbing. There was a range of walls with different levels so it was good for beginners like me, but also for people who were more experienced then me. The staff explained how to climb, and how to belay properly, which was very good in becoming more confident in climbing. i really enjoyed this experience, and would like to go back in the near future! read more