Canyoning is the ultimate in outdoor adventure, combining hiking, swimming, rafting, abseiling and rockclimbing. And the good news is that you can do all this in the Blue Mountains, just two hours from Sydney.
The adventure begins with a scenic walk down into the canyon. Don't worry if you're a first timer - your guides explain all the equipment and safety procedures thoroughly before venturing into the water. The water depth will vary depending on whether it has rained recently. Remember, this is not where you go for a Sunday stroll - be prepared to fight through scratchy shrubs, overhanging ferns and logs in the water. Hang towards the back of the group - walking behind someone else gives you a good indication of where the rocks and holes are - and provides plenty of laughs along the way.
The first waterfall jump is an adrenalin rush. It's usually not very high - maybe two metres, but looking down it may as well be 20 metres, especially when you're about to jump. It is also the first time you get completely wet and the mountains creeks are cold - even in the middle of summer!
The good thing about canyoning is that the scenery changes dramatically along the way. One minute you're scrambling over boulders or squeezing through dark caves and the next you are floating serenely on your back, gazing at the sky through a narrow chasm. The watertight backpack comes in handy - providing buoyancy in the river and temporary relief for your legs.
Apart from canyoners - people are rare in these nooks and crannies of the National Park. You find lots of yabbies hiding in the still ponds and water dragons sunbaking on rocks.
The second waterfall jump is usually higher than the first, but you'll find the fear element is less now that you've already done it once before - take a running leap and let out a good hearty scream!
The next part of the adventure is abseiling. The hard bit is going over the edge as it defies all logic to be voluntarily climbing over a cliff edge. Even though it is a 30-metre drop, just keep reminding yourself that there is water below. Once you have a firm grip on the base rope guide yourself down at a steady pace. The first part of the drop is sheer so it is difficult to touch the rock with your feet and it feels strange dangling mid air. There is usually one instructor above and one in the water below holding the guide rope steady so while it may not feel it, you are fairly secure.
All this action demands fuel, so after the abseil there is a short scramble and walk through the canyon to the designated picnic spot. By this stage everyone is starving - it's a good thing that lunch is usually a fairly big spread!
You can't go into a canyon without coming out, and the only way is up. The hike out depends on the canyon and its degree of difficulty. If you choose an easy-intermediate canyon it may be about a 45-60 minute uphill climb, if it is an advanced canyon you will need to have a higher level of fitness. Getting back to town in the late afternoon there is plenty of time to unwind and recount the days exploits over a well-deserved beer.
Most operators provide all the gear you need - wetsuit (squeezing into this in front of a group of strangers is entertaining to say the least - and a reminder that this is not a fashion parade!), helmet, backpack with special dry-seal bag and hooks for the abseil. Wear an old pair of sandshoes or gym shoes so that it doesn't matter how trashed they get. Take some socks - they'll help stop your wet feet from blistering.
NSW National Parks can be closed at times of bushfire and bushfire danger. It is advisable to check with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service before you set off. Either phone 1300 361 967 (within NSW) or (02) 9253 4600 or visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.
When going canyoning, wear old shoes and socks, because chances are you won't be able to wear them again for some time afterwards. Ray, Leura.
4WD
