A new project aiming to bring a dedicated indoor climbing and community space to the Bega Valley has officially launched a crowdfunding campaign.
Gravity House, founded by Bega locals Marc and Cyril, is set to become a community climbing hub in Kalaru, a space where kids, families, and outdoor lovers can move, play, and connect all year round.
The pair met after Cyril, who previously built climbing walls in France, moved to the region with his family. “He kept saying, ‘We need to build one here,’” Marc says. “At first, I thought climbing was too niche, but after visiting a climbing centre in France with my family, it clicked. The experience of sharing that with my kids was amazing. When we came back to Oz, I told Cyril, ‘Let’s do this.’”
A quick post on a local noticeboard soon confirmed there was plenty of interest, attracting hundreds of comments and likes overnight.
“Climbing fits perfectly here,” Marc says. “The Bega Valley is full of outdoor people, surfers, mountain bikers, hikers, fishermen, and climbing connects to that same spirit of movement, challenge, and respect for nature. It is about problem-solving, trust, and flow, not competition.”
For Marc, the idea of creating a space to come together is just as important as the climbing itself. “Coming from Sydney, I realised Bega is special. Community really means something here. But there are not many places that bring all those little pockets of people together.”
The proposed site in Kalaru will feature bouldering walls, training areas, a café, and space for workshops and wellness activities. Marc describes it as “a climbing gym at heart, but also a wellness and community hub.”
“We will have climbing, a small coffee area, space for workshops and mindfulness sessions, maybe even massage or recovery rooms. We are chatting with local partners like Gravity MTB in Eden, Good Sauna Australia in Bermagui, Grow the Future in Bega, and Sapphire Coast Acting Studio in Merimbula. We all share the same goal, to inspire people, help them grow, and make them feel good about themselves so they can make others feel good too.”
While the concept has been met with strong community support, funding remains the biggest hurdle. To prove demand and kickstart Stage 1, which includes bouldering walls, mats, and safety gear, the team has launched a crowdfunding campaign through Pozible, aiming to raise $50,000 in 20 days.
“This is not a charity,” Marc says. “It is a local business with a big community heart. Crowdfunding lets people pre-purchase passes, merch, and memberships. If we reach the goal, the project begins. If not, everyone gets a full refund. It is a fair and transparent way to show there is real demand.”
Early pledges will form the foundation for the next phase, unlocking further investment and getting construction underway once approvals are in place.
“It has been months of work to get here, and now it is in the hands of the community,” Marc says. “Seeing people rally around this dream is something special.”
If successful, Gravity House could become a valuable addition to the Valley’s growing outdoor culture, offering an all-weather activity that supports health, connection, and local tourism.
“I hope it becomes the heartbeat of the community,” Marc says. “A place where people come not just to climb, but to connect, learn, and grow.”
The Gravity House Crowdfunding Campaign is now live on Pozible.
Who: Gravity House
What: Crowdfunding Campaign
When: Less than two weeks left!
How: You can donate to the campaign here.