ClimbingAustraliaPoint Perpendicular

Point Perpendicular

Also known as: Point Perp

spectacular ocean cliffs; lighthouse; Jervis Bay; whales/dolphins offshore

Sandstone sea-cliff
TradMulti-pitch
Grade range
4-32 Australian (Ewbank)
A person climbs a rugged, sunlit cliff face, illustrating adventure and nature's challenge.

The climbing

What there is to climb at Point Perpendicular, and whether a mixed-ability group can split up here.

Manta comparison band
Grades 2 to 52-5
Routes & sectors

778 routes (theCrag)

Local testpieces

classics Grey Mist 17, Hello Dolly 18, Icebird 19, Northern Exposure 22, Dirty Dancing 24, The Whip 25; bulk grade 15-24

Splitting the group

Bayside/Lighthouse/Seaside main sectors; range of grades; abseil access unsuitable for beginners

Accessibility & group fit

abseil-access sea-cliff; committing; experienced trad parties; 2-5 min walk to clifftops

Rock & setting

Rock type & quality

sandstone sea-cliff; generally solid; some soft/loose sections

Style, angle & exposure

sea-cliff trad; abseil-in single-pitch (14-38m); vertical/steep; huge ocean exposure

Aspect & shade

coastal headland; varied aspects around point

Crowds

moderate; busy weekends/holidays; limited parking within range

Season & conditions

Dry / climbable window

year-round when range open; sea-spray/swell can wet lower ledges

Best season

Mar-May; Sep-Nov; avoid large-swell days

ocean swell/spray floods base ledges; wind; seepage

Approach & gear

inside Beecroft Weapons Range (Navy/Defence); closed most weekdays for live fire; generally open weekends plus NSW school holidays; ring rangers 02 4448 3411 before going; gates may close for hours when full-Town Cliffs (Currarong) are the fallback. Confirm.

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Approach

10 km dirt road from Currarong to lighthouse then 2-5 min walk; abseil to climbs

Transport

~3 hr S of Sydney via Currarong; car essential

Rack & gear

full trad rack; carrot bolts-bring up to a dozen keyhole hangers; abseil/static ropes; minimal phone signal

Accommodation

Honeymoon Bay car camping inside range (toilets, no water, Fri/Sat plus holidays, book well ahead); Currarong/Callala caravan parks

Facilities

toilets at Honeymoon Bay; none at crag; services in Currarong

Bolting & safety

Bolting & anchors

predominantly trad; recent bolting contentious; many traditional Aussie carrots. Confirm.

Hazards

unexploded ordnance-stay on tracks; sectors CLOSED (Devil's Gully, Mussel Beach, Paradise Cove) for UXO; abseil access; swell/tides flood ledges; live-fire closures. Confirm.

Guiding

not required; abseil and trad competence essential

Emergency & rescue

000; range rangers 02 4448 3411; Shoalhaven Hospital Nowra; remote/tidal self-rescue difficult

This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand crag report. Coordinates are approximate.

Also in Australia

Climb Point Perpendicular with your crew
Manta plans the crag days, the rest days and what everyone else does so a mixed group all get a great trip.
Plan a climbing trip