• Custom start and finish times - If you need to finish early, or want to have a slow start after a late arrival (or a big night!), we’ll happily get up before sunrise or meet you after a good sleep in.
• Pick up from local accommodation - We can pick you up from anywhere between Wentworth Falls and Mt Victoria
• Meet on location - If you’re driving in from the the east or the west it might be more convenient for you to meet us at the trailhead. We’re happy to meet you on location, saving you time and minimising driving.
• Flexibility within your adventure - Want to ramp it up or ease it off? Want to spend more time in that waterhole or do that abseil again? No worries. On a private trip we’ve got much more flexibility to adjust the day to your group’s needs, abilities and interests.
• Greater choice of alternatives on the day - Sometimes the weather isn’t quite what you’d hoped for, or you arrive at the office and decide you’re not up for the adventure you’d planned. No stress. On a private trip you can choose an entirely different adventure on the day. We’ll make sure that you have a great experience no matter what gets thrown at us.
• Just you and your guide(s) for the day - Relax, set your own pace, and enjoy the flexibility to tailor your day the way you like it.

If you need to be at the airport by a particular time, here’s what you need to know:

• Full day adventures generally finish at our office by 5pm, but there are often exceptions. Exactly when you’ll finish depends on several factors; some we can anticipate and others we can’t. The size of your group, the fitness of the people in it and the number of other parties we come across can all affect your pace through the day. It's best not to organise a flight on the same day as your trip.
• If it’s important that you’re done by a certain time there are a couple of ways we can help. We can book you on a private trip, which controls the size of your group and allows you to arrange an earlier start time to avoid the crowds and give you room to move. We can also add an extra guide to your trip, which will help you move more efficiently throughout the day, but costs a little extra. And even then, there are no guarantees – it’s all part of the adventure.

Please be aware that our weather patterns can be unpredictable all year around and may change suddenly. However, below is a guide of what you can reasonably expect.

The climate of the upper Blue Mountains is somewhat cooler than the lower Sydney region. With Katoomba being 1030 metres (3380 feet) above sea level, temperatures are often up to 10°C lower than Sydney. 

During the Winter months the average temperature in the Upper Mountains is around 5°C (41°F), while in Summer the average daytime maximum temperature is around 23°C (73°F) but climbs in to the 30’s (90°F+) occasionally.

The Blue Mountains has similar rainfall to Sydney, with the Upper Blue Mountains receiving an average of around 1050mm (41inches) per year.

The summer months typically bring afternoon thunderstorms, and winter rainfall is more persistent drizzle. The upper Blue Mountains also occasionally experiences snowfall, but despite the cool temperatures there are rarely more than 5 snow days per year.

• Summer
  • Average Maximum Temperature: 22.7°C
  • Average Minimum Temperature: 12.4°C
  • Average Rainfall per week: 35mm
  • Average number of Rainy Days per month: 11
• Autumn
  • Average Maximum Temperature: 16.7°C
  • Average Minimum Temperature: 8.7°C
  • Average Rainfall per week: 29mm
  • Average number of Rainy Days per month: 9
• Winter
  • Average Maximum Temperature: 10.2°C
  • Average Minimum Temperature: 3.2°C
  • Average Rainfall per week: 21mm
  • Average number of Rainy Days per month: 7
• Spring
  • Average Maximum Temperature: 17.5°C
  • Average Minimum Temperature: 7.6°C
  • Average Rainfall per week: 20mm
  • Average number of Rainy Days per month: 8 

If you’re looking for the lowest price, you’ve come to the wrong place. We don’t match our competitors’ prices nor do we have a “lowest price guarantee”. 

Safety and quality are our main priorities and we’re striving to deliver high quality adventure experiences. You’ll only be fitted out with quality equipment in good condition. You’ll be provided with quality food that is worth stopping to appreciate. You’ll notice that we work hard to go above and beyond to deliver a service that exceeds your expectations. You’ll also rest assured that your guides are highly qualified and experienced – we attract and retain the best in the industry.

Not all canyons involve large amounts of swimming, and for those that do the swims are often short (it is rare for there to be a swim greater than 20m in length) and you can always swim to the side of the canyon, which is usually only a few metres wide at most. 

For all of our wet canyons you will be provided with a wetsuit, backpack and drybag – all of which add some buoyancy and make it very easy for weak swimmers. For non-swimmers we also have a number of personal floatation devices (PFDs, commonly known as Life Jackets) available. 

You should always inform us before your experience commences of any concerns that you have and your guide will outline a number of options for you to be able to participate safely on the day. Our guide to participant ratios for canyoning are very generous, typically about 1 guide to 4 or 5 participants (this can vary), meaning that we may be able to assist you through certain parts of the canyon. 

If you are especially concerned about swimming or water in canyons, please let us know and we will be happy to recommend an adventure that is best for you. We have a number of “dry” canyon options (where you only get wet up to your knees) and can always take you on a great abseiling or climbing adventure if you are still concerned.

Our adventure prices are all inclusive; you’ll find no hidden charges or extras when you arrive. We’ll provide you with all the gear you need, pay any national parks entry fees, and on full day adventures we have a delicious lunch for you too. 

Generally all you need to bring is comfortable clothes appropriate to the weather and the activity and we’ll look after the rest. Of course, when you book in we’ll provide you with a comprehensive information sheet outlining all the details for the day including what to expect, how to find our office and some advice about what clothing would be best to have with you on the day, but if you have any specific questions then please don’t hesitate to ask. 

Finally, we thoroughly encourage people to bring and use their own cameras to capture their experience but recommend that you only bring waterproof cameras on any summer canyoning adventure.

All participants under the age of 18 must have a waiver form completed by their parent or guardian and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, except where prior arrangement has been made. Not all of our experiences are appropriate for young adventurers. Generally our policy is as follows:

• Our introductory trips are generally suitable for active young people aged 13 and over.
• Most intermediate adventures are accessible to fit, outdoorsy young adults aged 15 and over
• Our advanced experiences are for those who have a very high level of maturity and fitness and are aged 18 or over.

We are certainly happy and able to cater for younger participants, however to ensure that you get the most out of your day we recommend booking a private trip. Generally speaking, our introductory abseiling and rock climbing adventures can be delivered to ensure a great experience for children as young as 5, and we have a handful of canyon experiences that may be appropriate for participants under the age of 13. We have no definite cut off age but rather consider each group on a case by case basis to ensure the safety of the participants and the quality of experience for all our guests.

If you have children in your group who are under the minimum age for our activities then you are welcome to make a private booking. Our private experiences are recommended based on your abilities, interests, experience and needs. A private booking means we are able to make alterations to the itinerary if the younger adventurers run out of energy or find the day particularly challenging to make sure that your whole group has a fantastic day without impacting upon the experience of our other guests. We are also happy to be flexible with our start and finish times.

We are an inclusive travel company and like to encourage everyone regardless of physical weight or size. 

Equipment used for our adventures have high strength ratings of 2000–5000kgs, therefore we do not impose a participant weight limit. However, having a correctly fitting harness is important, so too is a level of fitness appropriate to the adventure you have chosen. Most of our harnesses are suitable for people with a waist diameter up to 115cm (measured above the iliac crest – in the “squidgy bits above your hips). 

Some of our other safety equipment, including wetsuits, are also limited by physical dimensions of participants. If you are over 2m (6’6”) tall, under 140cm (4’6”), or are particularly stout or slight of build for your height, then please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns or if you think you might require us to arrange alternative equipment.

Travelling to Katoomba from Sydney and surrounds is fairly straightforward. 

TRAIN: The train is one of the fastest and easiest ways to get to Katoomba from Sydney, and we would certainly recommend it as the most convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation. Most of our adventures are scheduled to start so that they roughly suit the train timetable. 

Direct trains to Katoomba depart Sydney Central station about once an hour (up to every 30minutes in peak hour), and run all day and most of the night. Trains that go to Katoomba may also be listed as terminating at Blackheath, Mt Victoria or Lithgow. 

Please note: The most common reason for people missing their adventure with us is because they missed their train at Central. Make sure you allow adequate time for any connecting services you may be using, plan to get to the station early and have time to find your way around this large public space. The total travel time is about 2 hours. There are toilets on the train, and we would recommend taking some snacks and your water bottle with you for the journey.

If you do catch the train, we recommend getting a seat upstairs, on the South side of the train (left hand side as you leave Central). The first hour of the journey is through the outskirts of the city and the suburbs of Western Sydney. After about 45minutes you will cross the Nepean River which will signal the start of the foothills of the Blue Mountains, and your ascent of about 1000m (3300feet) to Katoomba. Keep your eyes glued to the window as the train winds its way above the spectacular Glenbrook Gorge, and continue to soak up this unique landscape as the train provides you with vistas south across the Blue Labyrinth: south into the wilderness for over 100km. As you get higher in to the mountains you will start getting glimpses of the vast blue hazed eucalypt forests, and famous cliff walled valleys, before alighting in Katoomba and ambling across the road to our office.

To find out the latest timetable and fare information (including any service interruptions or planned maintenance), phone 13 15 00, or go to www.transportnsw.info 

TICKETING ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Transport If you are only staying for a short time in Sydney or won’t be utilising public transport very often then paper tickets are the best way to go. Most paper tickets can be purchased at the time of travel and some tickets can be purchased in advance (Prepay), from ticket outlets that include newsagencies, convenience stores, selected post offices, shops and kiosks. Some bus services require pre-purchase of tickets before boarding. If you are going to be in Sydney and surrounds for more than a few days and using public transport during your stay, then an Opal Card is definitely worth considering. Much like the “Oyster” card in London, Opal is an electronic ticketing system that is convenient for all transport modes – trains, buses, ferries and light rail – in Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Hunter, Illawarra and Southern Highlands. You can get an Opal card from Opal retailers, Opal kiosks, the Opal website or Opal Customer Care representatives – 13 67 25 (13 OPAL). To find out more about ticketing go to http://www.transportnsw.info/ 

DRIVING BY CAR: The directions to drive from Sydney City are not particularly complex: once you are out of the CBD, start following signs to Parramatta, Penrith or Katoomba and make your way on to the M4 motorway heading west. After about 50 minutes you will cross the Nepean River and the foothills of the Blue Mountains will be rising in front of you and you will begin your ascent to Katoomba at 1000m (330feet) above sea level. 

After crossing the Nepean River the M4 soon changes its name to the Great Western Highway and ambles its way past many of the villages of the Blue Mountains. Travel time from Sydney to Katoomba is approximately 2 hours, but can be much longer if there are road works, or if you travel on public holidays or during peak times. If you leave the city before 7am (arriving Katoomba before 9am), your travel time may be a little less. 

PARKING: There is free all day parking at Katoomba Train Station, which is accessed from the Great Western Highway via Goldsmith Place and is well signposted. To get to our office from this car park, take the pedestrian walkway underneath the railway line and up the stairs which will bring you out on Bathurst Road, directly opposite our office. 

BLUE MOUNTAINS TRANSFERS: There are a number of transport providers who do transfers from Sydney to the Blue Mountains. Some of the experiences are quite unique and depending on your interests and your budget you can travel by coach, smaller buses, limousine, motorbikes, or even helicopter. Ensure that whichever option you choose can get you to your adventure experience with us on time!

A canyon is a deep ravine between pairs of escarpments or cliffs and is most often carved from the landscape by the erosive activity of a river or creek over millions of years. 

The Blue Mountains in Australia has the world’s greatest concentration of vegetated slot canyons. A slot canyon is a narrow canyon, with steep near vertical walls that are often carved out smoothly by water. A slot canyon is significantly deeper than it is wide. Some slot canyons can measure less than 1 metre across at the top but drop more than 30 metres to the floor of the canyon. 

In Australia most slot canyons are formed in sandstone and in the Blue Mountains the canyons are full of rainforest plant species. They are often lined with ferns and thick moss, some of the oldest plant species on earth. The majority of the canyons in the Blue Mountains World Heritage area are found in the Wollemi Wilderness, and are difficult to access. However a reasonable number are closer to towns and are regularly visited by canyoners on weekends in summer. Some canyons have less water and can even be visited in winter.

We generally run our experiences in all but the most extreme weather conditions. Moderate wind, drizzle, rain and mist do not impact on the safety of our operations and your adventure will depart as normal. 

Of course if we have concerns about the weather we’ll try to let you know in advance, and if you’re concerned then please feel free to give the office a call; we are always happy to chat. 

On the rare occasions that the weather surprises us we sometimes find ourselves making safety decisions on the day of your adventure. In the event that we are unable to run the adventure that you had booked in for, we endeavour to provide you with 3 options:

1. We may be able to offer a lesser impacted adventure more suited to the conditions
2. If we are unable to provide you with an alternative adventure on the same day as your affected booking, then we will work with you to reschedule your originally booked adventure; or
3. If neither of these options are possible, we'll offer you a credit voucher towards a future adventure. These vouchers will have an expiry date, however we will provide you ample time to re-book your adventure at a time that suits you.
   
   
   
   
   

Firstly, congratulations! We have taken several women abseiling, climbing and canyoning in their first trimester of pregnancy. On the rare occasion that we have taken women out after the three month mark, they’ve generally had extensive experience with these activities before pregnancy. 

When it comes to adventuring in your second trimester we don’t have any fixed rules, but we advise caution. Please do not join us for an adventure if you are in your third trimester. 

There are many complications with the activities we conduct, not least of which being in remote locations far from comprehensive medical assistance. Before you book on an adventure while pregnant, please be aware: 

• All of our climbing, canyoning and abseiling activities involve wearing a harness. When you wear a harness, your core muscles are required. Working these muscles too hard poses a low (but real) risk of early onset of labour. 
• In general, pregnant women often tire much more quickly and are more susceptible to extremes of temperature. Many of our adventures involve long walks and time in cold environments. 
• In addition, pregnancy can involve many complications that are well outside the scope of our training, knowledge and experience. 

Please take this information into consideration before making a booking.

There are a number of transport options whilst in Katoomba and surrounds.

• The train is a convenient way to travel between the villages of the Blue Mountains. To find out the latest timetable and fare information, phone 13 15 00, or go to www.transportnsw.info
• Hertz is the only car hire company in the upper Blue Mountains and is reasonably close to Katoomba and Leura Train Stations. A hire car is a great option if you have made your way to the Blue Mountains by train.
• Taxis are common in Leura and Katoomba but are a little harder to come by in some of the other villages.
• The Blue Mountains Explorer Bus is a hop on/hop off service that services the villages of Leura and Katoomba, including all the major tourist attractions, most of the major accommodation providers and some fantastic lookouts and walks. The tickets are valid for a full week so if you are staying for a few days they are excellent value.
• Trolley Tours have a daily service to Jenolan Caves that must be booked in advance. You may also wish to consider their hop on/hop off service if only visiting the Mountains for one day.