The Most Welcoming, Beginner-Friendly Bouldering Gyms in Sydney

If you’re a rookie hoping to send your first climb, we’ve got good news: Sydney’s bouldering scene is on the up and up. 

While wrestling with real rocks requires gear and know-how, indoor bouldering is surprisingly accessible – no helmet, harness or experience necessary. And with more than ten climbing gyms and counting dotted around town, getting vertical has never been easier. 

Whether you’re showing up solo or planning a weekend sesh with mates, these beginner-friendly bouldering gyms in Sydney will welcome you with open arms. Chalk at the ready. 

9Degrees, Alexandria 

A hop, skip and jump from Mascot station, Sydney’s OG bouldering gym is home to one of the city’s friendliest climbing communities. Since opening in 2015, the 9Degrees crew has cultivated an inclusive and welcoming vibe that attracts all kinds of athletes – from fresh-faced newbies to calloused climbers. True to their spirit of hospitality, they’ll shout you a week of free access for the price of a single visit: $25. They’ll also waive the shoe hire fee for your first sesh. Win! 

Sitchu tip: When your forearms are screaming out for a break, order a post-workout pizza from the cafe to help those tired muscles recover faster. Buon appetito.

BlocHaus Bouldering, Marrickville

A fave among Sydney’s bouldering community, BlocHaus’ 850 square metres of climbing space caters to every level. After renting some shoes and knocking back a pre-climb brew, head to the wall in search of the blue holds. Easy to grip and evenly spaced, these beginner-friendly routes make for a (relatively) quick trip to the top. After giving your fingers a workout, test your balance on the slackline, play a round of table tennis, or watch the regulars go full monkey mode on advanced routes.  

Sitchu tip: Every Wednesday from 5pm, BlocHaus hosts community climbing nights for gender-diverse folk and women. Get 20% off your entry, free shoe hire and a handful of new mates to hang out with on your next visit.

NOMAD Bouldering, Annandale

The Goliath of bouldering gyms, NOMAD’s climbing walls span a whopping 1000 square metres. Routes are set by a team of world-class climbers – including former pro, Emma Horan – meaning plenty of creative problems at every level. Their mission is to create “a space for all to challenge themselves and learn” – and this shows up in and out of the gym. Expect easy-going community competitions, social climbs for women and gender-diverse folk, crag clean-ups and climbing-inspired pottery nights. 

Sitchu tip: Get bendy with resident yoga teacher Nikki at one of NOMAD’s vinyasa or yin yoga classes. Tailored to climbers, they’re designed to improve your mobility and strength on and off the wall. 

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1UP Bouldering, Chullora

One of the more recent additions to Sydney’s bouldering scene, 1UP’s chill vibe and friendly staff will make your first visit feel like your 50th. From small, finger-busting holds to huge overhangs, the routes in this Western Sydney hub vary significantly, so you’ll always find something to suit your style. Stuck on a problem you can’t seem to solve? Hit up the team for some technical tips. Whether it’s a pumping Thursday night or quiet Sunday arvo, they always have time for a chat.

Stichu tip: Well-behaved doggos are welcome at 1UP, so feel free to bring your fluffy friend. (Who wouldn’t want an extra pair of paws cheering them on?)

Bouldering for beginners: How to find your footing

Now that you’ve found a friendly gym to call home, these beginner-friendly tips will help you navigate your first sesh with confidence.

1. Hire a pair of shoes
   Wear any old pair of sneakers and you’ll quickly realise why climbing shoes exist. Bouldering is about precision; you need specialised shoes to help you hook into holds, grip the wall and stay there – something your trusty HOKAs can’t do. If you’re ready to commit after a few sessions, consider buying your own kicks to save on hire fees.
   
2. But choose the right size
   Forget what you know about sizing – bouldering shoes hit different. As a beginner, opt for a snug fit that’s just a little uncomfortable. Your toes shouldn’t have room to move, but they shouldn’t curl up either. As you progress, you can opt for a more aggressive model. Until then, give your feet a smidgen of freedom.
   
3. Baby steps, baby
   It’s easy to feel frustrated when you’re starting out. Experienced climbers seem to shoot up complex routes in seconds – meanwhile, you’re frozen a few centimetres above the ground with nowhere to go. As with any sport, progress takes time. (And unless you’re hoping to join the Australian Olympic Team, enjoyment is the aim of the game.) 
   
4. Problem solve together
   If you’re hoping to make some new bouldering buddies, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation. Chatting with climbers who are working on the same route is a surefire way to connect.

Looking for off-the-wall exercises to boost your bouldering fitness? Tighten your core at Sydney’s best reformer Pilates studios or hit the mat at these blissful yoga and wellness centres.