The Hold Bendigo

First Timers & FAQs

Never climbed before? Most of our first-timers haven't either. No ropes, no harness - just short walls, padded floors and good problems. Our team will show you everything.

Complete your waiver
Easy as

Your first visit

From walking in to your first send - here's how it goes.

1

Fill in the waiver online

Do it before you arrive to skip the queue. Under 18? A parent or guardian signs it for you.

2

Check in & gear up

Say hi at the desk. Hire climbing shoes ($6, kids $3) and chalk ($3) if you need them - just bring socks.

3

Safety induction

Our team runs you through how to fall safely and the basics, then you'll sign the induction form. We'll show you the 2 auto-belays too (free with entry).

4

Start climbing

Jump on the Yellow circuit and climb whatever looks fun - don't worry about grades on day one.

5

Rest, refuel, repeat

Take a breather, grab a coffee or a bite from the cafe, then get back on the wall.

Good to know

Before you come

What to bring

  • Comfy, breathable gym clothes
  • Socks (if you're hiring shoes)
  • A water bottle
  • A towel if you'll use the training area or shower
  • Shoes & chalk are here to hire

What to expect

  • Bouldering only - no ropes or harness needed
  • Walls 3-4m high over deep padded floors
  • 2 free auto-belays if you want to go higher
  • Falling is normal - we'll show you how
  • A relaxed, welcoming community + a cafe

Ages & supervision

Climbing starts at5 years
5-12 years - close adult supervision at all times5-12
With supervision, or Hold Academy accreditation13-15
Can climb unsupervised16-18

Supervising adults who aren't climbing don't pay entry. A guardian must sign under-18 waivers.

The colours

How grading works

Every problem has a coloured hold-set, easiest to hardest. You don't need to memorise it - it's just a guide.

YellowV0-1
GreenV2-3
BlueV4-5
RedV6-7
BlackV8-9
PurpleJoker

Each colour maps to a V-grade range (the international bouldering scale) - handy if you already climb. New to it? Start on Yellow and just climb what looks fun.

Got a question?

FAQs

I've never climbed before - is that ok?
Absolutely! We welcome and encourage climbers of all experience and fitness levels.
Do I need a lesson to start?
Nope! Just come on in - our team will run through the safety rules, how to fall safely, and help you get comfortable bouldering. If you'd like to try climbing with a rope, our team will show you how to fit a harness and use the auto-belay safely.
How do I prepare for my first visit?
Here's your simple checklist: Waiver - mandatory for everyone, fill it out online before you arrive to save time. Under 18 - make sure your waiver is signed by a guardian and you've sorted supervision. What to wear - gym gear, breathable and comfy. Footwear - hire climbing shoes (bring socks) or bring your own. Facilities - bring a towel if you're using the training area or shower. And have a read of our Code of Conduct.
Do I need to book?
Climbing solo or with a few friends or family? Just walk in - no booking required. For schools, clubs, special events or groups of 10+, book in advance by email.
How safe is bouldering?
Our walls are 3-4m high over deep padded flooring. We'll show you how to land safely when you visit, and our staff are always on hand to help.
What are the age guidelines?
Kids can start climbing at The Hold from 5 years and older, as long as they meet all waiver, safety and supervision requirements (see Ages & supervision above). There's no upper age limit - everyone's welcome.
Can I bring my baby, young child or pram?
Yes, with conditions. If a child is disruptive (noise, or finding it hard to stay off the mats) you may be asked to step outside, to avoid dangerous distractions to climbers and keep everyone safe.
Can I hire equipment?
Yes - we have climbing shoes, harnesses in multiple sizes, and chalk bags. Just bring socks if you're hiring shoes.
What's your chalk policy?
Chalk balls in chalk bags, and liquid chalk, are all good. All we ask: keep it tidy and avoid excess spillage.
What are your prices? Do you offer passes or memberships?
There's casual entry, multi-visit 10-passes, and recurring memberships. Browse all the options on our pricing page.
Do you have student, concession or family discounts?
Yes we do - see the pricing page. These can be obtained in-store.
Do you host groups & events?
We do - schools, clubs, parties and special events. Groups of 10+ need to book in advance by email. See group rates on the pricing page, or get in touch via the contact page.
What if I'm climbing solo?
No problem at all. Our community is super welcoming and you'll never struggle to find someone to climb with.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome on a leash, supervised at all times, kept off all padded matting, with guardians attending promptly to any mess. If a dog is disruptive you may be asked to step outside, to avoid distracting climbers on the wall.
No matches - try another word, or ask us directly.
No experience needed

Your first send is closer than you think

Pop in any time we're open - our team will have you climbing in minutes.

Still stuck?

Still have questions?

Can't find it here? Our team is happy to help - we don't bite (we boulder).

Contact us
80 Hattam Street, Golden Gully VIC 3555 · Mon-Fri 7am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-9pm
The Hold Bendigo Pty Ltd (ABN 62 656 244 683), trading as The Hold Bendigo - 80 Hattam Street, Golden Gully VIC 3555