We just went bouldering on the Northern Beaches and it was AWESOME. If you’ve seen the pictures on Instagram or Facebook, you’ll know how much fun both kids had.

I was really unsure of the whole experience because my youngest isn’t the most agile. Our last experience like this was not a great success, she barely made it past my knee height.

But off we set this morning and it was a fantastic morning activity.

Don’t worry if you don’t know what bouldering is, I had no clue either, I’ll explain it first up.

UNCo is brand new, 6 days old but I know it’s going to be a hit. I know it will. So if you’re keen you had better get over there and go early in the morning before it gets busy.

Bouldering on the Northern Beaches

UNCo describes itself as ” Climbing Re-Imagined: Sydney’s Leading Family Bouldering Centre” and I tend to agree. I can’t wait for my husband to take the kids!

What is Bouldering

One of my friends asked me if the kids wanted to go bouldering. I asked her what bouldering was and she sent me this picture:

Bouldering on the Northern Beaches: UNCo at the Mall. This is one of the three great animal structures, the sliding penguin. — This is Bouldering on the Northern Beaches, UNCo at the Mall.

Well not exactly picture, that picture is mine. She sent me a picture of that “thing”. I assumed it was rock climbing, as one does and my son really enjoys that so I said yes.

Then she mentioned something about “no ropes”.

Turns out that is what bouldering is = rock climbing – ropes.

The actual definition I got off google was:

Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that is performed on small rock formations or artificial rock walls without the use of ropes or harnesses.

I wasn’t certain my kids were going to like it, they tend to be cautious, blame their accounting genes. (A father and a grandfather who are chartered accountant that’s 75% accountant, 75% risk averse).

Well, I’m glad to say the proved me wrong. Both loved loved it. And may be even more than rock climbing! I don’t know what it was about doing it without the ropes but it made them more focused, more attentive and fully into it.

Where is the Bouldering on the Northern Beaches place?

It’s called Umbrella Nine Co, UNCo for short. We had a few debates about the meaning of the name but forgot to ask. That’s what happens when you have too much fun.

Location

UNCo is in Brookvale, a suburb on Sydney’s Northern Beaches that is just north of Manly and West of Dee Why.

You may not believe it but it’s actually in Westfield Warringah Mall. I’ve been told to call it The Mall otherwise I’m just showing myself to be a foreigner.

So it’s at the mall, right at the top next to HCF, up above Myer. You go into HCF’s entrance on the dental side.

This location is great because it means plenty of parking right outside the entrance. Remember, the first three hours at the mall is free.

The actual street address

Shop 6010 Warringah Mall. The address for the mall is Corner Pittwater Road and Condamine Street, Brookvale NSW 2100.

Features of UNCo

This space is so great, it feels airy, super clean and well thought out. The main feature has to be the three big climbing structures around which the place is built.

This is the frog one of the three great feature structures of the new bouldering spot on the Northern Beaches. — This is the Frog, it looks easy but with the different angles it isn’t as easy as it looks.

The bouldering structures

This is really the whole magic of the spot. There are three big glorious structures, each one shaped like an animal with different angles and climbing spots.

The first one you see is the breaching whale and you can climb its tail or its head. Next up on the left is the frog and right at the back the sliding penguin.

On each structures there are different areas that each have a green, blue and purple path. The green is the easiest and the purple the hardest. There are also some black blocks hidden around and these are “wildcard” blocks that anyone on any path can use.

There really is something for each level of climber from the very skeptical, scared, uneasy to the adventurous or more experienced.

The interactive screen

This is such a cool function. I never thought a thing of this existed but of course it does.

It starts with a wall with bouldering blocks on it and a projection machine which projects different types of “games” onto the wall. One of the games is tapping bats another is reaching discs but the whole thing is centred on getting kids up on the wall.

It is really great, you just have to keep getting them to focus on the climbing SAFELY on the rocks.

Bouldering on the Northern Beaches: the very very cool new activity in Brookvale. Do you know what bouldering is...? — This is the interactive wall, it’s so cool. You can even have the video of the kids doing it sent directly to your email.

There are big safety mats under the climbing structures and the interactive wall.

Facilities

Aircon

Oh thank goodness there is air-conditioning! Probably the most important feature for a high activity area.

The cafe

There is a cafe on site so you can get your coffee fix. Barista made coffee. Thank goodness! There are also a few snacks on offer for the kiddos. And it’s in a contained space with high chairs so you can see the kids directly in front of you on the whale.

Much to my surprise my kids absolutely loved bouldering on the northern beaches at the new UNCo.

Important Information for before you go Bouldering at UNCo

You’ll need to sign a waiver before you visit. It’s really easy though and you can do it on your phone.

Make sure you fill out the details for yourself and then you’ll be given the chance to add the kids.

Anyone wanting to join in the bouldering must wear “sensible shoes” or you can hire proper bouldering shoes.

Important Information for as soon as you arrive you at UNCo

TOP TIP: it’s really advisable that you get the shoes. I know it’s an extra $5 but it’s really worth it. They help the kids climb and feel the rocks but also helps with grip.

If you're wanting to go Bouldering on the Northern Beaches you'll want to head to the Westfield Mall and go to level 5. Top Tip: get the shoes!!

It’s really really important for whoever is climbing to watch the safety video once you’ve arrived or get one of the owners to explain how to climb and how to come back down. There is a whole special protocol on:

when you can climb when other people are on the structure;
how to get down;
which structures to climb;
how to fall; and
where to watch around you.

Drop and Shop

I’ve just seen the coolest thing on their Facebook page. They’ve organised Drop ‘n Shop! Drop ‘n Shop!! What every parent needs during these long school holidays.

Kids have to be 5 years or older to be included in Drop & Shop.

There are conditions to the Drop & Shop’ sessions, these sessions do not run all day, they are for 1 hour and 30 minute sessions only.

All children MUST be booked in and spaces are strictly limited to 8 children and the group will have a climbing instructor. Bookings can be made for these sessions via their Booking page, just select the date and the session you want and book!

Opening Hours and Tickets

Opening hours and times

School Holidays (Weekdays)	9am – 5pm
Saturday	9am – 9pm
Sunday	9am – 4pm
After School	3pm – 7pm

Pricing

Casual Visit Pricing

Single Pass 1 Hour	$20
Shoe Hire	$5
Family of 3 Bouldering	$54*

* additional family $18 each

Pre-paid Passes

5 visits	$90
10 visits	$170

There are sometimes discounts on pricing. At the moment, if you visit before Christmas it is 25% off. I would check out the UNCo Facebook page to see if there are any deals at the moment.