Recently, the bolts were removed from the climb The Far Side at the Acropolis in Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park.


In World Heritage areas it is illegal to place new bolts using a power drill or to establish sport climbs. The Far Side was originally established as a sport route using a power drill, and a number of years ago Parks issued a request to the first ascensionist for the bolts to be removed. That request was not acted on at the time.


Over recent discussions within the climbing community, there was broad agreement that leaving the route bolted continued to create tension with Parks, as the climb was frequently raised in meetings as an example of climbers not complying with park regulations. With this in mind, and after consultation with various climbers, I contacted the first ascensionist to discuss options. He gave his consent for the bolts to be removed.


The climb is accessed from the top (rap in, climb out), so it remains possible to top rope the climb.


The hope is that by taking responsibility for past mistakes or changes ourselves, the climbing community can avoid Parks needing to contract professional bolt removal, and in doing so maintain a stronger, more cooperative relationship with land managers going forward.


—

Adam Donoghue

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