1 / 3UP Climbing
📍 Balaclava, VIC
Family-run bouldering gym in Balaclava with routes for all levels, weekly youth squad programs, beginner classes, and an on-site cafe. Right beside Balaclava train station with on-site parking.
UP Climbing is a fantastic gym. It has a good vibe that isn’t seen in other gyms. The routes are tough though. On a scale of 1-10, they begin getting difficult for an average climber at 3. The walls are tidy, the routes change often, and seem to be added to rather than removed and reset. You will be challenged at UP. They have a great sized warm up room, with free weights and a cycle. A couple of treadmills would be a fantastic addition! The things that make UP even better are fantastic coffee, and sparkling water on tap. Sadly, no dogs permitted.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with children aged 5+ who want proper bouldering in a welcoming, community-oriented gym. The friendly staff and easy train access make it practical for after-school visits. Expect grades to feel harder than other gyms — a V2 here climbs like a V3 elsewhere, so adjust expectations for newer climbers.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →97 Google reviews
Nathan Marchwicki
11 months ago
“UP Climbing is a fantastic gym. It has a good vibe that isn’t seen in other gyms. The routes are tough though. On a scale of 1-10, they begin getting difficult for an average climber at 3. The walls are tidy, the routes change often, and seem to be added to rather than removed and reset. You will be challenged at UP. They have a great sized warm up room, with free weights and a cycle. A couple of treadmills would be a fantastic addition! The things that make UP even better are fantastic coffee, and sparkling water on tap. Sadly, no dogs permitted.”
Ginge
3 months ago
“Last time I was in Melbourne around 3 years ago the closest centre was Blochaus... now this has opened up I am happy. The prices are reasonable, the merch is cool, and the climbs are well set with a good range of easy, medium, and hard climbs. Even did a christmas tree themed climb which was cool. Overall, ripper!”
Nathan Croft
10 months ago
“Excellent bouldering gym in Balaclava, right next to the train station. It now features a lot of variety in the problems, a very good density of setting, and overall is just an excellent vibe. Super friendly staff. This has become my regular climbing gym.”
Millie Sw
2 months ago
“Love this gym, Great sets and the staff are always so lovely. Facilities are always clean and the stretching area is amazing. But the last time I was there they were playing a Chris Brown medley and there were some people without shirts on, every other gym I’ve been at has had a pretty strict policy with shirts, just a bit jarring.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
UP Climbing is a family-run bouldering gym with routes that challenge beginners through advanced climbers — notably, grades here tend to run harder than typical gym grading. The facility includes a well-equipped stretching and warm-up zone, free weights, climbing shoe hire, and a retail shop. The on-site cafe is a consistent highlight. Youth squad programs and beginner introductory packages run weekly.
