Rock Climbing at Onkaparinga - Stages 1, 2 or 3 Vertical – Saturday 21 November 2026

Activity - Rock Climbing at Onkaparinga Gorge

Date - Saturday 21, November (Bookings Close Wednesday 18 Nov).

Meeting Time – 9.00am – 3.00pm

Section – Scouts (11 years old +), Venturers and Rovers

Cost - $45

Numbers - 24 Spaces Available.

Activities - Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Abseil

• Try multiple different Rock Climbs

• Have Vertical Knots assessed

  • Please practice these knot prior - Link to Knots

• This activity can contribute towards OAS Vertical Stage progressions, depending on participants participation, previous experience and requirements:

  • Vertical - Stage 1 *

    *Can be completed on the day, or previously through the participant’s Unit, provided they have completed one prior Vertical activity. Examples include bouldering or visiting a rock playground.

  • Vertical - Stage 2 **

    **Requires two additional Vertical activities after Stage 1. At least one must be an outdoor activity, and one must include an abseil. Examples include indoor climbing, tree climbing, high ropes courses or an abseil tower at a Jamboree.

  • Vertical - Stage 3 ***

    ***Requires two additional Vertical activities after Stage 2. Both activities must be outdoors and conducted by a Scouts Abseiling, Canyoning, Caving or Climbing Team, a commercial provider, or a school outdoor education program.

  • Note on OAS Verification - The climbing team will have a checklist of relevant OAS statements and will verify requirements that participants actively demonstrate during the activity.

    Verified i-statements will be recorded in Terrain for Terrain users. For non-Terrain users, a follow-up email will be sent approximately one week after the event outlining the statements verified by the Scouts SA Climbing Team.

• Receive a Terrain Milestone Challenge Area Participate

• Receive a Terrain Logbook Entry

Venue – River Walk - Onkaparinga Gorge, Onkaparinga National Park, Chapel Hill Road, Onkaparinga Hills SA 5163.

Directions to River Walk - Onkaparinga Gorge

Venue Information – Please arrive by 9:00am and meet at the main car park. Parents/guardians are asked to remain with youth until a member of the Scouts SA Climbing Team returns from set up site to sign them in. The activity will commence once sign-in is complete.

The Onkaparinga Climbing Area is suitable for non-climbers and spectators, and Leaders are welcome to stay and watch the activity.

There are tables available at the climbing area, but no shade, so please come prepared with sun protection, including a hat, sunscreen and suitable clothing.

Forms required – Manual Y4/A4 Permission forms will be emailed to the ticket purchaser once bookings have closed. Please ensure these are completed as required before attending.

Further Information –

• Please bring a small daypack to carry all your personal equipment, food, water and any medications.

• Wear suitable casual clothing for climbing, tight but not restrictive allowing a full range of movement, durable and quick drying. Layering up recommended and bring a Jumper too for when you are not climbing.

• Rain Jacket.

• Wear suitable walking shoes to walk to climbing site and if you wish to bring an addition pair of enclosed tight fitting shoes for climbing (ie Climbing Shoe, Volleys or sneakers are all great for climbing). Closed-toe shoes are a must, you will not be permitted to attend with open toe footwear like thongs, sandals, Tevas, etc.

• Bring at least 1.5L of drinking water.

• Pack lunch and snacks for the day.

• Sunscreen.

• Sun Hat.

• All long hair must be tied back.

• Please leave all jewellery at home, particularly items that could become caught in climbing or abseiling equipment or that are valuable or precious. For safety reasons, participants may be required to remove jewellery before taking part.

Refund policy

Safety Cancellations - Scout Climbing Group events generally run rain or shine but occasionally may be cancelled in the case of extreme weather, unsafe conditions, or if one of our volunteer guides is injured or ill and no replacement is available.

Weather forecasting is complex, and a simple 7-day outlook does not always reflect actual conditions. In the days leading up to an event, our team continually monitors the forecast. A final decision is usually made 72–48 hours before the event, and we will provide as much notice as possible (usually Thursday prior to the event).

If an event is cancelled, an email will be sent typically by the Thursday prior, where possible. Our Rock-Climbing Guides also reserve the right to make a judgment call on the day to ensure participant safety if conditions are deemed unsafe.

Refunds - We do our best to facilitate climbing days, adjust locations, and have backup plans. However, in some cases, conditions may force a cancellation.

• If the Scout Climbing Group cancels (e.g., due to weather or guide decision): You will receive a full refund.

• If a participant cancels:

  • More than 14 days before the event → Full refund

  • 14–7 days before the event → 50% Refund

  • Within 7 days of the event → No refund

• If a cancelled spot is filled by another participant, a refund may be issued at the discretion of the Scouts SA Rock Climbing Team.

• Ticket transfers are not automatic. If you are unable to attend and wish to have another Scout Member take your place, you must notify the organisers before bookings close.