Bouldering is a fantastic activity for dates. Entry fees are cheaper than a meal and you don’t have to sit through the awkwardness of trying to talk and eat at the same time. Best of all, if the date isn’t going well, you can focus on climbing instead. Here is our pick of the top 5 beginner-friendly bouldering gyms to go for a date in Melbourne.
Oh, it's your first time? Not sure what to expect? Check out this article on What to expect when you go bouldering for the first time.
Urban Climb, Collingwood
Great for weekdays after work, Urban Climb is open until 10pm on Monday to Fridays and there are lots of dinner options around the area if your date goes well. We recommend grabbing a drink at Stomping Ground Brewery or a bite to eat at Ladro Pizza on Gertrude.
- Pros:
- Inner city, close to public transport
- Great variety of bouldering problems for all levels
- Close proximity to many bars and restaurants in Fitzroy
- How to get there:
- 29/41 Down St, Collingwood VIC 3066
- Collingwood train station or tram 86, 12 and 109
- Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 6am–10pm (winter hours open later)
- Entry fee:
- Standard casual admission: $25
- Student and concession: $21
- Shoe rental: $7
Boulder Lab, Ferntree Gully
If a weekend morning workout is your thing, Boulder Lab is your best bet. Located in the east of melbourne, it has ample parking spaces and an amazing plant-based cafe and grocer, Wholefood Merchants, just around the corner for lunch. The setting skews towards a dynamic bouldering style, which makes for great Instagram photos too.
- Pros:
- Spacious enough to give you and your date some alone time
- Great variety of bouldering problems for all levels
- How to get there:
- Unit 8/1821 Ferntree Gully Rd, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156
- Driving is your best option, or bus 693 from Ferntree Gully train station
- Hours:
- Monday and Wednesday to Friday, 9am–10pm
- Tuesday, 6am–10pm
- Saturday to Sunday, 10am–8pm
- Entry fee:
- Day pass: $20
- Concession: $16
- Shoe rental: $6
Climb West, Altona
The West finally has a dedicated bouldering gym! Climb West is a bouldering and yoga space owned by two female climbers. The gym feels inviting with its cute little coffee van affectionately named “Jimmy” and rainbow flags letting new customers know that all are welcome.
- Pros:
- Fun and accessible problems suitable for new climbers
- Altona beach is just 5 minutes drive away
- How to get there:
- 193 Maidstone St, Altona VIC 3018
- Driving or Westona train station
- Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 12–9pm
- Saturday to Sunday, 10am–7pm
- Entry fee:
- Day pass: $20
- Concession: $18
- Shoe rental: $5
The Crux, Coburg North
There’s something satisfying about reaching the last hold at The Crux to be greeted with a cupcake! (The last hold tag for every climb features a cupcake, best motivation ever). The gym has a decent seating area to relax and chat with your date over a coffee. They also stock a great selection of locally made Awesome Chalk Bags and other locally produced climbing goods.
- Pros:
- Friendly atmosphere with lots of seating space to relax and socialise
- Sparkling water on tap
- Meet the resident doggie Sierra the greyhound
- How to get there:
- 20 Louvain St, Coburg North VIC 3058
- Batman train station or tram 19 and 58
- Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 4pm–9pm
- Saturday to Sunday, 10am–4pm
- Entry fee:
- Day pass: $20
- Concession: $18
- Shoe rental: $5
Boulder Project, Prahran
Why not get a cheeky bouldering session in before kicking on to Chapel street? Boulder Project is just 3 minutes walk from Chapel Street. What more can you want for a date?
- Pros:
- Close proximity to Chapel street
- Intimate space to really get to know your date
- How to get there:
- 48 King St, Prahran VIC 3181
- Prahran train station, Windsor train station or tram 72, 78 and 6.
- Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 12pm–9pm
- Saturday to Sunday, 10am–5.30pm
- Entry fee:
- Weekday daytime (12pm-4:30PM): $15
- Weekends and weekday evening sessions (4:30pm-9pm): $20
- Shoe rental: $5
