Totem Pole, Climbing area in Fortescue Bay, Tasmania
Totem Pole is a vertical dolerite stack that rises about 65 meters from the sea near Fortescue Bay on Tasmania's coast. The isolated column stands as a natural rock formation accessed only from the water, surrounded by exposed ocean.
The first ascent was completed in 1968 by John Ewbank and Allan Keller, establishing it as a major climbing destination. The site gained wider attention after a significant climbing accident in 1998 that was widely documented.
The formation has gained international recognition through documentaries, books, and media coverage, particularly following Paul Pritchard's accident in 1998. For climbers worldwide, this rock column represents a destination that appears regularly in climbing publications and inspires aspiring mountaineers.
Reaching the formation requires boat access or strong paddling skills since it stands isolated in open ocean off the coast. Weather and tides are critical factors that can quickly make conditions unsafe, so planning around forecasts is essential.
To descend from the rock, climbers use a Tyrolean traverse, a pulley system that carries them on a rope across the ocean back to the mainland. This unusual exit method is a key part of the climbing experience and requires confident rope skills.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
