Gravity House co-founder Marc D says the venue’s goal is to create a “healthy mind and healthy body within a healthy community”. Photo: Nathan Cima/Unsplash.
It was an outing with his kids to burn off some energy that gave Marc D the idea for his business.
“I’d done some climbing when I lived in Sydney, and I liked it … It’s very popular, when you live in Sydney, to do it as a team-building activity,” he says.
“I took my family and had a bit of an ah-ha moment. … There are not many activities that are as inclusive as rock climbing.”
For the past few months, he and co-founder Cyril have been working on building the foundations for Gravity House, which they say is the Bega Valley’s first indoor climbing gym.
A crowdfunding campaign was launched to help bring their dream to life, with a goal of raising $50,000.
Within 10 days, they hit (and passed) their target, so they introduced a stretch goal of $75,000.
For Marc, the support was undeniable proof of the community’s appetite for the business.
“I knew there was interest from people, because I had a newsletter with 500 people subscribed to it and Facebook posts I put on the local noticeboard got a fair bit of traction … I didn’t think we would reach the goal that quickly, because asking for money is always a bit harder.”
While the design is being finalised, Gravity House is expected to feature a bouldering wall (with distinct areas for people with different experience levels), a gym area to help people build their strength, and a cafe.
“In the end, what we want to build is not a climbing gym – it’s a community hub around health, fitness and empowering youth and adults to become a better version of themselves,” he says.
People can contribute to the campaign by pre-purchasing passes for individuals, families and businesses, ranging from $49 to $2,500.
Marc says some of the overall cost (estimated to be $600,000) will be covered by private loans, while the crowdfunding campaign covers some of the remainder.
The stretch goal will cover a dedicated kids’ area and give them increased flexibility in the design process.
“When I say kids, I mean kids under eight. Depending on the kids, it can be dangerous to have kids [climbing].
“We want to have, as soon as possible, a place for the younger kids to express themselves and have fun. It makes sure that when a parent wants to climb, he can turn but also keep an eye on his kids.”
People who contribute before the campaign closes later this month will also receive a 20 per cent discount on passes bought over the next two years.
Marc says there is often strong demand in regional areas for similar businesses, but they’re often scattered around the state.
He pointed to climbing gyms in Jindabyne, Albury and Canberra – much-appreciated options, but too far away for regular use by coastal residents.
“Climbing is very inclusive by nature – you have your own progression.
“There’s a big pool of families that have kids and youth that need an outlet – a healthy outlet – that can probably disconnect them a bit more from screens or just let their energy come out in a healthy way.”
Marc says Gravity House is planning for a September 2026 opening in Kalaru (a locality about 10 minutes from Bega), depending on council approvals.
“The money from the campaign will not be touched until we 100 per cent know that the DA [Development Application] is approved and the location is secure … This is only when we’re going to start using this money to invest into the design planning of the facility.”
People can contribute to the crowdfunding campaign until 16 November through their Pozible page, and follow updates through Substack.
