Rock climbing in NSW State forests
NSW State forest are ready for you
Forestry Corporation welcomes responsible rock climbers and abseilers in NSW State forests.
These activities may be undertaken in State forests without formal permission and in-line with the conditions on this page with some exceptions.
Areas excluded from rock climbing and abseiling
Some areas of State forests are excluded from rock climbing and abseiling due to their sensitivity in respect of significant cultural heritage and high environmental value or the incompatibility of these activities with other activities taking place in the forest.
Flora Reserves
Rock climbing and abseiling are not permitted in areas zoned Forest Management Zone (FMZ) 1. Flora Reserves (FMZ1) are shown in our online FMZ map.
Declared Aboriginal places
Rock climbing and abseiling are not permitted in declared Aboriginal places within NSW State forests.
- Biamanga in Mumbulla State Forest
- Mimiga Gaungan (St Mary's Waterhole) in Wedding Bells State Forest
- Chinaman's Creek in Malara State Forest
- Yabbra Spring in Yabbra State Forest
- Buladelah Mountain (Alum Mountain) in Buladelah State Forest
- Ten Pelicans in Bodalla State Forest
Other forests excluded from rock climbing
Rock climbing and abseiling are not permitted in the following NSW State forests.
- Bylong State Forest
General closures and exclusions
Check forest closures and notices for additional restrictions. There may also be areas of the forest which are closed due to timber harvesting or other forest operations. Forest users must obey all forest signs.
Updates
Areas excluded may change from time-to-time and rock climbers and abseilers should refer to this website regularly to check excluded areas.
Conditions for rock climbing in State forests
Rock climbing and abseiling are considered dangerous recreational activities under the Civil Liability Act 2002 and so are undertaken at the risk of the participant.
To protect the forest environment, the following conditions must be adhered to by those undertaking rock climbing and abseiling in State forests:
- Avoid sensitive plants especially rock faces covered with orchids (see picture above as an example)
- Avoid damage to potentially significant large cracks and crevices habitat for micro-bats and reptiles
- Avoid possible den caves for brush tailed rock wallabies
- Avoid disturbance of bush rock at tops of cliff for reptile habitat
- Climb a variety of areas and routes to minimise excess damage to rock face plants through regular use
- Minimise pathway creation to and from cliff areas when accessing rock faces
- Avoid sensitive areas at each site including rock faces covered with orchids
- Avoid damage to potentially significant large cracks and crevices habitat for micro-bats and reptiles
- Natural features are to be utilised as anchor points if required. Permanent steel pegs are not allowed, but climbing using nuts or chocks may be used.
Permits for commercial activities
If you wish to undertake commercial rock climbing or abseiling activities in State forests (such as tours and lessons) a formal forest permit is required.
Check out the permits page for more information.
Contact us for more information
Call or email
1300 655 687 or 02 9871 3377 Monday to Friday 9.30am – 4.30pm
Email: info@fcnsw.com.au
Visit the Forestry Corporation Visitor Centre
95 Castle Hill Road, West Pennant Hills NSW 2125
Staying Safe
- Important information when visiting state forests
- Call '000' in a bushfire emergency (www.rfs.nsw.gov.au)
- Total Fire Ban and Current Fire Danger Map (www.rfs.nsw.gov.au)
- Find out more about emergency services (www.nsw.gov.au)