Inspire Series: Andrew Lock, Another Step on the Ladder
Tuesday 28 April from 6pm to 9pm
Andrew Lock is the first, and still the only, Australian to have successfully ascended all of the world’s 8000 metre peaks. But as Australia’s least-known high-altitude mountaineer, his broader quest for adventure is even less well known.
From sled-hauling expeditions in the frozen darkness of the Arctic winter, sailing to Antarctica to climb virgin peaks, motorbiking through the Wakhan corridor, exploring the most remote regions of outback Australia, packrafting Tassie’s wildest rivers, living in a water tank on Heard Island for 5 months, seeing bats at 8500 metres and pulling beers at the pub in Betoota (population 0). For Andrew, the completion of one challenge has always just been the starting point for the next one – another step on the ladder.
Bios:
Andrew Lock OAM started out reasonably normal. He grew up in the Sydney ‘burbs, played school sports (poorly) and went to the beach. But his first multi day bushwalk was transformational. He had found his niche and from then on spent every minute he could in the bush - walking, caving, white water canoeing and abseiling. The longer, more remote and difficult a trip was, the more he liked it. In his early 20s he discovered mountaineering, in particular Everest, this was in the days before you could be guided up that mountain, so he learned to climb. Rock climbing in Australia, alpine climbing in New Zealand and onwards. He reached the summit after 15 years of focus and effort but by then he was an altitude addict. So he decided to climb all the 8000ers, when that was done, he looked further afield. Polar regions, deserts, oceans, mountains. Whatever offered new and higher adventures. Along the way, he worked in National Security for the Australian Government, led ANARE expeditions to Antarctica, picked up an OAM and a bravery commendation, was appointed Chief Scout of Scouts ACT and spent one month in remote Nepal as a first responder delivering aid, immediately following the devastating 2015 earthquake.
About The Inspire Adventure Series
The Inspire Adventure Series is a regular monthly event aiming to get you inspired by presenters who will be sharing their outdoor adventures through multimedia slide show. Besides watching the presentation and Q&A, there will be a time to connect, chat, exchange ideas, motivate each other – and maybe even to find a partner for your next adventure.
If you have a chance, please bring children and teenagers, we'd love showing them too!
Paddy Pallin is planning to deliver nine sessions in 2026:
Paddy Pallin will provide some snacks and drinks for the evening, please bring your own food if you have any dietary requirements. You are also welcome to BYO drinks including liquor.