In WA, national parks and reserves are managed by the Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW). Each park has a management plan, and many of those plans require every climber to follow the CAWA Code of Bolting and New Route Development and the CAWA Code of Conduct.
DPaW treats these codes as applying to all climbers everywhere in WA, whether you're a CAWA member or not. It's worth getting to know them, along with the management plan for wherever you're heading. CAWA has no power to enforce any of this. Rangers do.
Rangers are friendly and easy to talk to. They have far bigger issues than climbing to deal with, and they see climbers as responsible outdoors people. Please help keep that relationship strong, and keep a low profile around the public.
Below are the no-bolting zones - also called Adventure Climbing Zones, or ACZs - and the other restrictions that affect climbers. No new fixed protection may be placed in an ACZ.
Albany Adventure Climbing Zone
The zone covers The Gap, Natural Bridge and the Blowholes, plus everything within or between them. It also covers the Stony Hill boulders and anywhere inside Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve.
These areas are either very sensitive environmentally or busy with tourists.
Stirling Ranges Adventure Climbing Zone
The zone covers Bluff Knoll Main Face and everything in the Stirling Ranges east of it.
These areas hold intricate traditional lines that weave between natural protection, and they have a rich history of bold climbing.
The Gap and Natural Bridge, Albany
You can't climb here on public holidays or long weekends. DEC set this rule about 20 years ago, and it is being enforced.
It applies to the areas that draw big tourist crowds - between Orca and Seawolf walls, as listed in the 1998 South Coast Rock guide. Please climb there at other times.
The reason: seeing climbers can encourage people who are neither properly equipped nor experienced to show off and take risks.
Bob's Hollow
No camping is allowed at Bob's Hollow. Going on past experience, your chances of being moved on and fined are excellent.
Mountain and Stathams Quarries, Perth
You must book before you climb. Phone DPaW Monday to Friday.
Please don't share gate codes with climbers who haven't booked.
Cape Le Grand National Park, Esperance
You can climb at Cape Le Grand, as long as you follow these conditions:
1. Don't climb at Frenchman's Peak.
2. Don't place any new fixed protection without DPaW permission.
3. Tell the ranger you're planning to climb. That's DPaW, not the shire, on (08) 9083 2100.
4. Avoid climbing when the soil is wet, so you don't spread dieback.
5. Don't build new trails to climbing areas, and keep trampling of plants to a minimum.
6. Make sure anything you publish, like a climbing guide, matches the current park use guidelines. Check with DPaW for the latest.
Other restrictions
There are other restrictions and regulations too. Check the relevant guidebooks and mini guides before you go. Sticking to sensible agreed rules is clearly good for everyone.