Feeling excited, curious, maybe a little nervous?

Perfect! You’re in the right place. We'll guide you through everything you need to know to have a fun, safe, and unforgettable first visit at The Nest.

You can absolutely do this.

One of the biggest myths about climbing is that you need a ton of upper-body strength to start. You don’t! Think of climbing as a fun puzzle for your body. It’s about balance, movement, and finding a path up the wall.

Our gym is designed for absolute beginners to discover the joy of climbing in a supportive environment. It's a fantastic full-body workout, a great mental challenge, and one of the most fun family activities in Nowra.

Your First Visit: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

We've made getting started as easy as possible. Here’s what your first adventure at The Nest will look like:

Step 1: Arrive & Check-In
Our friendly crew will greet you at the front desk. We’ll get you to fill out a quick digital waiver & health questionnaire and get you checked in for your visit.

Step 2: Get Your Gear
We'll fit you with professional climbing shoes and a harness. Gear hire is available for all ages & sizes, our friendly staff will guide you through the process so you don’t need to worry about a thing!

Step 3: The Safety Induction
This is the most important part! One of our expert staff will take you through a comprehensive safety briefing. You'll learn the basics of falling safely in the bouldering area and how our simple rope systems work for both climbing and belaying. You’ll feel confident and ready in no time.

Step 4: Start Climbing!
The gym is yours to explore! Start on our beginner-friendly walls, challenge yourself, laugh a lot, and don’t be afraid to ask our staff for tips. We're here to help!

First Timers - Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the difference between bouldering and rope climbing?
A: Great question!

• Bouldering is climbing on shorter walls without ropes. The floor is covered in thick, soft matting to cushion your falls. It's very social and great for problem-solving.

• Top-Rope Climbing is what most people picture when they think of climbing. You wear a harness and are attached to a rope to scale our beautiful walls. It’s an amazing feeling to get to the top!

Q: Is it safe?
A: Yes. Your safety is our number one priority. Our facility is built to the highest safety standards, our staff provide a thorough safety induction, and the gym is monitored at all times.

Q: Do I need to be strong or fit to start?
A: Absolutely not! Our beginner climbs are designed for people of all fitness levels. You’ll be surprised at what you can achieve on your very first day. Technique is much more important than strength, and we'll help you learn it.

Q: What should I wear?
A: Think comfy and athletic! Here’s a simple guide:

• Clothing: Wear comfortable sportswear that you can move and stretch in, just like you would for a yoga class or trip to the gym. We recommend avoiding anything too baggy.

• Shoes: For hygiene and performance, climbing shoes are required on our walls (no street shoes, please!). Don't worry if you don't have any—they are available for hire and make a huge difference to your climb.

• Jewellery: For your safety, please remove rings, watches, and any dangly jewellery before you start climbing.

Q: Can my kids climb?
A: Yes! Climbing is a natural instinct for kids and one of the best kids' activities in the Shoalhaven. It builds confidence, coordination, and problem-solving skills in a super fun way.