Climbing and Abseiling in the Blue Mountains

Adrenaline junkies don’t want to miss the chance to climb and abseil in Australia’s Blue Mountains. Nestled in New South Wales and just a short drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains are not only home to world class climbing and canyoning features, but they also boast some of the most pristine and scenic tropical landscapes in the world.

What does climbing and abseiling involve? Climbing refers to rock climbing, as one might suspect, and abseiling is essentially rappelling down a rock face in a controlled manner. Climbers and abseilers wear a rock climbing harness that is fastened to a rope and secured through a rappel device that is operated by a partner climber. Once all of the safety precautions are taken care of, the abseiler simply positions his or herself off of the cliff with the body perpendicular to the rock so that the feet are firmly placed on the side of the cliff face. Climbing and abseiling is truly an exhilarating and memorable way to see all that the Blue Mountains have to offer!

For starters, Blue Mountain National Park is the heart and soul of the region with a rich history extending far back to its earlier Aboriginal inhabitants. Encompassing approximately 247,000 hectares, this conservation preserve is widely esteemed for its culture, breathtaking panoramas and abundant wildlife. However, the real draw for adventure tourists is the opportunity to climb and abseil on seemingly endless rock features, all set on a backdrop of an unspoiled, rugged landscape. The park is truly a natural maze of steep canyons and ravines with jagged rock faces that were shaped by millions of years of exposure to the elements.

The Empress Canyon is arguably the most famous climbing and abseiling area in Blue Mountain National Park. Adventurers who dare to climb to its top are rewarded with an even more exhilarating cliff jump into the Wentworth Falls. Another winning option is to drop into the formidable, Dragon’s Tooth, a concave cliff that overlooks the impressive Megalong Valley. The Grand Canyon is another hot spot, famed for its plunging walls. Abseilers drop into its dark and cavernous walls that are so steep, sunlight only peeks into it from slight angles, making it truly a unique and magical experience.

The fun and beauty does not conform to the Park’s borders. Katoomba is one of the larger (although still small) villages in the Blue Mountains, and makes a good launch pad for those looking to climb and abseil in the area, both in and outside of the Park. The centerpiece of the town is Three Sisters, a 910 meter sandstone rock feature. Many climbers and abseilers use Katoomba as their base.

Anyone with a reasonable fitness level can do it with the proper equipment, training and safety. For those that are not experienced climbers, the best way to enjoy the Blue Mountains while climbing and abseiling is to hire a guide. Not only will this ensure you learn the proper techniques and be 100% safe, but it will enable you to see nooks and crannies of the Blue Mountains that most visitors pass by. Guides offer courses for all skills and abilities and for varying lengths. For instance, if you’re just looking to get your feet wet with climbing and abseiling, an hour or half-day course in Katoomba might be a good option. Alternatively, there are multi-day guides for those looking to really get off the beaten path and explore the area.