“Ruby of India” is a rock climbing destination located in Barney View, Queensland, Australia. It offers an exciting and adventurous climbing experience for enthusiasts of all skill levels. This crag is known for its stunning views, challenging routes, and unique rock formations.
The climbing at “Ruby of India” is traditional, meaning climbers will need a full rack of gear including cams up to size 3-3. 5. The crag offers a variety of routes, ranging from easy to more challenging, with a maximum grade of 16. The total length of the climbs is 210 metres, spread across five pitches.
To access “Ruby of India,” climbers can start by hiking up the hiker's track for approximately 30 minutes. They will then reach the first orange triangles below “Echo Point. ” From there, they can scramble up the boulders to the lookout, which is a rocky outcrop above Viewpoint Buttress. From the lookout, climbers can walk up about 30–40 metres to another orange triangle on a rock, marking the start of the “Ruby of India” route.
The climbing begins with a short-cut into “Ruby of India,” where climbers turn right and follow the track for a couple of hundred metres past the “Jezebel” cracked pillar. They will then enter a gully and climb the rock face opposite Egg Rock. From there, climbers can bush-bash up left towards an arched cave in the main wall, where they can belay from a bent tree below the centre point on the arch.
The route continues with a zigzaggy pitch, featuring tough moves straight up, followed by a walk up the track and a left-leaning ramp. Climbers can then trend left, up the slope, to reach a prominent pillar and left-facing corner, where they can belay. The next pitch involves climbing up a face, passing a small cave, and following a line of weakness to a ledge. From there, climbers can step onto the face and arete, and continue upwards to another belay ledge.
The final pitches offer a variety of options for climbers to choose their own adventure, with the possibility of linking the last two pitches using a 70m rope. The exit route involves tracking right across the caldera to avoid a 20m cliff at the gully.
” Ruby of India” has a rich history, with the first ascent being completed in September 1971 by Rick White, Ron Collett, and Keith Nannery. The first free ascent took place the following month by Tony Kelly and Jon Oddie.
Climbers should note that the location of “Ruby of India” is at -28. 20521 latitude and 152. 73026 longitude. Safety precautions should always be taken when climbing, and climbers should be aware of the information provided by the Australian Climbing Association Queensland.
” Ruby of India” is a must-visit destination for rock climbing enthusiasts in Barney View. It offers a thrilling and rewarding climbing experience amidst the beautiful Australian landscape.