Monkeyfest 2025

After our successful weekend event in 2023 we are headed back at the end of August to help keep the lantana at bay in Watagan National Park around the Monkeyface Climbing area. This crag bakes in summer but should provide perfect conditions as winter draws to a close. Our multiple events with the NPWS have seen a substantial reduction in lantana, helping the native rainforest to regrow but there's still much to do. 

The event is open to members of one of the following organisations: ACANSW and Sydney Rockclimbing club, Newcastle University Mountaineering Club and Pulse Gym members. It is $20 to join ACANSW and support sustainable climbing access in NSW and crag stewardship activity. If you are a NUMC member register through the university Rubric event page.

The programme will be: 

Saturday 30/8/25:

0900 Induction, safety briefing and gear (feel free to turn up a little earlier to set up your tent)

0915-1200 weeding lantana

1200-1300 BBQ (sponsored by Pulse climbing) and debrief. Vegan, GF and carnivores catered for)

1300 onwards: people free to climb

1830 talks and evening get together and lucky draw

Camping (families welcome to join)

Sunday: 

Free to climb

IMPORTANT: Climbing after weeding- This is not an instructional or guided activity. All climbing is done at your own risk and the NPWS and all organisations bear no liability for any accident or injury sustained. 

The weeding activity is covered for insurance purposes for volunteers and it is essential to register with the NPWS portal Myimpact before the event. There is no internet at the meeting place. Once you have entered the myimpact portal click on the "Newcastle University weeding Watagan weeder 30 August" event.

All registrants will be provided with a detailed information package about this event. 

If it rains and climbing is not an option after weeding, other activities nearby include Awaba mountain bike park, Walking to Gap Creek Falls, western Lake Macquarie towns- Toronto, Rathmines, Wangi Wangi, Lake Macquarie regional art gallery at Boolaroo and the Dobell House at Wangi.