Welcome to Paparazzi Cliff, a leading rock climbing destination located in Barney View, Queensland, Australia. Situated in the scenic backdrop of Mt Maroon, Paparazzi Cliff is a must-visit for climbing enthusiasts in the South East region.
This climbing area boasts three distinct cliffs below the famous Tiger Face, offering climbers a plethora of routes in a relatively small area. The routes at Paparazzi Cliff are predominantly sport climbing, with a total of 29 routes available, ranging in difficulty from grade 5 to grade 21.
The rock at Paparazzi Cliff is characterised by bubbly, sharp pockets of Rhyolite, providing an exhilarating face climbing experience. The routes are long single pitch climbs, averaging 53 metres in height. The area is well bolted for sport climbing purposes, but it is worth noting that four trad routes do exist here as well.
Access to Paparazzi Cliff is from the carpark at Cotswold Rd, where climbers can follow a well-defined path across gazetted private land. It is important for visitors to stay on the designated path or established tracks rather than creating new trails to minimise adverse impacts on the environment.
The approach to Paparazzi Cliff takes approximately 1–2 hours. Climbers will enter the National Park through the sluice gate and hike up roughly 400 metres until reaching the East Face – Maroon National Park boundary sign. From there, a fire track leads to the North West Columns, and further along, another fire track leads to the start of Paparazzi Cliff. The descent into the last gully and the ascent up to the Insignificant Cliff marks a significant point on the approach.
Climbers can then follow the cliff line to the Paparazzi & Graveyard Ridge turn-off.
When climbing at Paparazzi Cliff, it is significant to respect the ethics inherited from Mt Maroon. Sport bolting is strongly discouraged, and climbers should have a good reason before placing bolts. Any unauthorised bolts are likely to be removed.
The history of Paparazzi Cliff dates back to 2004 when it was first developed by Herb Brandmeier and John Du Bont. Over the years, various climbers have contributed to the growth of the crag, including the establishment of trad lines by Robert Staszewski, Terry Svingen, Mark Gamble, Terry, Albert Shaw, and Peter Beams.
Plan your trip to Paparazzi Cliff and enjoy a thrilling rock climbing experience surrounded by the captivating beauty of Mt Maroon. Be sure to check the weather conditions, find suitable accommodation, and consult guidebooks before your visit. Happy climbing!