The best bouldering spots across Melbourne's eastern suburbs
Chalk up your hands, strap up your climbing shoes and make sure to stretch before hitting these bouldering gyms in your local area.
Matthew Sims
December 04, 2024
If you lived through the Covid lockdowns in Melbourne, you likely picked up a new hobby.
Maybe it was golf or gardening, or maybe it was reading or running.
For me, it was bouldering, the craze that captured the city.
There are plenty of things to love about bouldering, from the social aspect of tackling a new “problem” together to just expanding your body’s comfort zone.
Luckily, with the growth of popularity of bouldering, there are also plenty of places to develop your skills and tackle harder and harder climbs.
So, what is bouldering?
Bouldering is a form of rock climbing without harnesses or ropes. Bouldering gyms feature a range of climbs or “problems” catering to beginners and professionals alike. Climbers must either bring their own climbing shoes or hire them from the gym, and usually use chalk to help their hands stick to the rocks.
Bouldering has seen an explosion in popularity across Melbourne and worldwide, even being featured in the last two Summer Olympics.
So, where is the best bouldering gym in the eastern suburbs? This is an impossible question to answer, as each location features a different approach, whether it is larger holds, more dynamic “problems” or special programs or classes.
So, without picking favourites, here are the bouldering gyms in the eastern suburbs. If you’ve been considering starting to boulder, get on down to one of these and give it a try!
Boulder Lab - Ferntree Gully or Clayton
8/1821 Ferntree Gully Road, Ferntree Gully or 1418a Centre Road, Clayton
What makes Boulder Lab Ferntree Gully so special is it is the most eastern of Melbourne’s bouldering gyms. Add to that its spacious site and varied climbs, including an upside-down section.
For younger children, the Clayton location also features Kinder Lab where kids aged between five and 12 can build up their confidence.
Adult day pass + shoe hire: $29
Urban Climb - Blackburn
Unit 5/15 - 33 Alfred Street, Blackburn
Newcomers can start a two-week unlimited access trial here for free. This location also includes speed climbing, a yoga studio, communal work space and a sauna.
In addition to their bouldering walls, they also have rock climbing with ropes and a belay, with partners needed to help you make it to the top.
Adult day pass + shoe hire: $31
On Sight Climbing - Glen Waverley
1/12 Aristoc Road, Glen Waverley
On Sight prides itself on its close-knit family. A smaller gym with more condensed holds than other locations, there is always heaps of activity and excitement.
Visitors can also enjoy some free tea, or grab a refreshing drink from On Sight’s unique Japanese vending machine, snack on an energy bar, and head outside with some mates for a chat in chalk-free air.
Adult day pass + shoe hire: $30
La Roca Boulders - Oakleigh South
2 Natalia Avenue, Oakleigh South
La Roca is the only 24/7 bouldering gym in all of Melbourne, so that helps it stand out from the rest.
La Roca’s in-house physio can also assess, treat and guide you back to your optimal performance.
Adult day pass + shoe hire: $29
Flow Climbing - Cheltenham
89 Argus Street, Cheltenham
Another smaller gym, Flow Climbing focuses on very technical problems which can be very rewarding when pulled off.
The small team also aims to create a very supportive environment for newcomers and pros alike.
Adult day pass + shoe hire: $29