Urbenville has seen a recent resurgence among predominately Queensland sport climbers given it's a skip and hop over the border. The area consists of a number of individual crags, each with their own nuances from steep, thuggy moves to delicate slabs. Lee Cujes led the development in the 1990's followed by fellow pioneers, Duncan Steele and Tom Reid who established test pieces at Spot X and Crossroads. More recently Anthony Alexander has primarily developed the volcanic trachyte crag Buckingham Hill which at today's count offers 81 routes with something to suit all levels!
Access
Urbenville is approximately 150km from Brisbane City. Allow approximately 2.5 hours to get there. From Brisbane head towards Beaudesert, at Beaudesert head right towards Rathdowney. Follow Summerland Road which merges into, Mount Lindsay Road to the town of Woodenbong, continue South West along Clarence Way until you come to Urbenville the township.There are 2 options
1. Park here and walk in if you don’t have a robust 4wd.
2. Otherwise, continue along and park here if you have a 4x4, or conditions are not wet and muddy.
*Please avoid camping on the hilltop site to the right halfway down to the crag, it has been built and is maintained by the dirt bike community and they’ve asked we use other options, of which there are many.
Facilities & Ethics
No facilities on site. Make sure you close the gate on your way up to the treatment plant. There are cattle roaming the field. Dogs are allowed.
Protection
Helmets are strongly recommended at Urbenville! If you go to the effort of walking your helmet, why not go to the effort of justifying this essential piece of kit. Bits and pieces do come off the cliff and it's better to be prepared.
Photography by: Scott Hailstone
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