RockWire's first summer wrap

RockWire Mt Buller has scaled amazing heights in its debut season, redefining alpine climbing in Australia it launched in February. The first via ferrata in Australia, this new climbing adventure has ignited excitement and captured the hearts of climbers aged 9 all the way to 78, led by a dedicated team of 8 guides.

If you’ve not made it up for a climb yet, there are just a couple of short weeks available to experience the autumn magic and the best views in Victoria from route 1, beyond the edge of the Mt Buller summit. The climb will close for the snow season from 3 May 2024 and reopen in early November 2024.

There is plenty to look forward to next climbing season when founder, James Webb, will reveal the second and more challenging route on the granite cliffs 1000m above the Delatite Valley. Route 2 is scheduled to be ready by Christmas 2024.

James said: “RockWire’s first season has been a total blast. The enthusiasm and passion displayed by our participants has been nothing short of inspiring, fueling our commitment to deliver an even bigger experience next season. The second route will offer bigger challenges and a new level of adventure. We’re looking forward to welcome back guests who are keen to try the extra challenge on Route 2.”

Keen to dive into the stats and lingo for Rockwire Mt Buller?

Here’s a snapshot of what’s up on the summit:

• 480 stemples (metal foot and hand holds)
• 65 gas pedals (metal foot steps)
• 60 lollipops (metal foot or hand holds shaped like…a lollipop)
• 120 anchors (holding the cables and bridges in place)
• 2 wire bridges and 2 wire ladders
• 50 harnesses, lanyards and helmets
• 430 climbers… so far

Schools have eagerly embraced the safe yet thrilling climb, encouraging students to push their boundaries and explore their limits. Templestowe Secondary College led the charge as the first school group to complete the climb, and Bialik College rallied an amazing 100 students who fearlessly clipped on and conquered the challenging 380 metre rocky traverse.

As the first Australian via ferrata, RockWire offers thrill-seekers an unmatched adventure and also plays an important part in expanding the resort's activities in the growing ‘green season’ making the alpine resort a truly year-round destination for visitors. Mt Buller is committed to investing in more diverse and new experiences to encourage more visitors to discover the appeal of the alpine resort outside the traditionally popular snow season.

Via ferratas have proven popular with outdoor adventure seekers across Europe and North America for decades, with many guided experiences now entrenched as ‘must-do’ activities in alpine areas. Originally developed for Italian soldiers to cross the Dolomites in World War 1, the cabled routes with manmade hand and foot holds have been embraced as a safe and accessible way for less experienced climbers to explore and enjoy terrain that would otherwise be impossible for anyone but the most experienced climbers.