As bouldering continues its rapid rise in popularity across Australia, the demand for climbing facilities is expanding beyond the boundaries of major cities. While urban centres such as Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane boast a wealth of bouldering gyms, there remains a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs to bring this sport to regional areas where climbing gyms are few and far between. At ICP, we’ve seen firsthand how regional gyms can foster vibrant communities, with three of our recent builds in regional or non-metropolitan areas—Gold Coast, Toowoomba, and Ballina—proving to be a huge success.

With 58% of bouldering gyms currently concentrated in the major cities alone, the potential for growth in regional locations is immense. For forward-thinking business owners, building a gym in these areas can be not only a profitable venture but also a way to strengthen local climbing cultures and provide a much-needed service to the community. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of building in rural areas and suggest several untapped regions in Australia that our research indicates could offer huge opportunities for growth.

Untapped Market Potential

As climbing continues to gain traction, so too does the need for accessible gyms in regional areas. With climbing participation increasing by 25% in recent years, the demand for climbing facilities outside major urban centres is poised for significant growth. This trend highlights a prime opportunity for new bouldering gyms to serve the expanding community of climbers, particularly as the sport’s popularity surges following its Olympic debut. Unfortunately, many climbers residing in regional locations are underserved, often having to travel over 50 kilometres to reach the nearest facility. By opening a bouldering gym in these areas, entrepreneurs can tap into a dedicated market of climbers who are eager for local options. The landscape is promising, with minimal competition and strong community interest.

Lower Operating Costs

Compared to urban centres, where rent, property prices, and operational expenses are significantly higher, regional areas present a more affordable business environment. In fact, commercial rent in regional areas can be up to 60% cheaper than in metropolitan centres, according to Australian real estate data. These lower costs enable gym owners to offer competitive membership rates or take a larger profit margin. The financial benefits of operating in a regional location provide more flexibility for growth and innovation, making it easier to build a sustainable business in the long term. The availability of spacious, structurally suitable buildings also reduces renovation expenses, further contributing to a cost-effective setup.

Building Community and Culture
Climbing is inherently community-driven, and in regional areas, climbing gyms can become vital social hubs. Many rural communities already have strong climbing enthusiasts but lack local facilities, creating a prime opportunity for new businesses to thrive. A notable example is our recent build in Toowoomba (Climb Toowoomba), which has quickly become a focal point for local climbers. With limited recreational options in many regional towns, bouldering gyms can provide a unique space for people to connect, train, and share their passion. A study from the Australian Sports Commission indicates that community sports facilities, including climbing gyms, can boost local physical activity participation by up to 15%. By fostering spaces where climbers feel connected, business owners can cultivate a close-knit, loyal community through events, competitions, and workshops that enhance the local climbing culture.

Potential Untapped Regions in Australia
As the demand for bouldering gyms continues to grow in regional areas across Australia, numerous locations present significant opportunities for new facilities. Below are a few key regions identified as prime candidates for establishing climbing gyms, each with unique demographics and community engagement potential.

1. New South Wales: Coffs Harbour
– Population: ~78,000 (2021)
– Why: Coffs Harbour is a vibrant regional hub with a growing population and a strong existing climbing scene. The lack of nearby climbing facilities makes it an attractive location for a bouldering gym.


2. Victoria: Warrnambool
– Population: ~35,000 (2021)
– Why: Warrnambool is a regional city along the Great Ocean Road with a solid tourist economy and a growing community. With no climbing facilities nearby, it offers a great opportunity to introduce bouldering to a new audience.


3. Queensland: Hervey Bay
– Population: ~58,000 (2021)
– Why: Hervey Bay is a fast-growing coastal city with a strong tourism industry and a population with a love for outdoor activities. It’s known for its water sports and whale watching but lacks climbing facilities, making it an ideal location for a bouldering gym.


4. South Australia: Gawler
– Population: ~34,000 (2021)
– Why: Located north of Adelaide, Gawler is experiencing rapid growth and has a vibrant community. With a focus on outdoor activities and a lack of climbing facilities, it represents a strong candidate for a new bouldering gym.


5. Western Australia: Bunbury
– Population: ~75,000 (2021)
– Why: Bunbury is a growing city just south of Perth with a strong young family demographic and an active outdoor culture. It’s a hub for water sports but lacks an indoor climbing gym, making it a promising location for a new facility.


6. Tasmania: Devonport
– Population: ~26,000 (2021)
– Why: Devonport serves as a major gateway to Tasmania from mainland Australia, attracting tourists year-round. The northern part of Tasmania is underserved in terms of climbing gyms, and Devonport’s local community enjoys outdoor sports, making it an attractive location.


7. Northern Territory: Palmerston
– Population: ~39,000 (2021)
– Why: Located just 20 kilometers from Darwin, Palmerston is the second-largest city in the Northern Territory and has been experiencing rapid growth. With a young, active population and no dedicated climbing gyms, it presents a great opportunity to introduce bouldering to a new market.


8. Australian Capital Territory: Queanbeyan
– Population: ~38,000 (2021)
– Why: Queanbeyan is a growing city on the outskirts of Canberra. While Canberra has several climbing gyms, Queanbeyan does not, and a new facility here could serve both the local population and overflow from Canberra.

The growth of bouldering gyms in regional Australia presents an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs to tap into underserved markets and foster vibrant climbing communities. Areas such as Coffs Harbour, Warrnambool, and Palmerston demonstrate significant potential for new facilities that can cater to local climbers eager for accessible climbing experiences. However, building in rural areas comes with its own unique set of challenges compared to metropolitan locations. With our experience in navigating these challenges, ICP is well-positioned to help mitigate the risks associated with regional gym builds and ensure a successful project. For those interested in exploring potential sites for a climbing gym build or seeking assistance in this venture, please contact ICP at [email protected].