Blog home / 8 reasons to go canyoning or abseiling in the Blue Mountains
There's a moment between slowly stepping backwards from a cliff edge and lowering yourself into a canyon where everything clicks. Your senses sharpen, you're gripping the rope a little tighter, and you're hyper-focused on your foot placement. Even while your heart feels like it's pounding harder against your chest, you're grinning widely.
And when you've finally made it to the bottom of the abseil, you notice the slight coolness and the way the moss glistens. Suddenly, you're not just visiting the Blue Mountains, you're in the depths of it.
If you’ve been flirting with the idea of canyoning or abseiling but haven’t quite taken the leap (literally), here’s why travellers say it’s one of the best decisions they've made.
1. The landscapes feel almost unreal
From hidden waterways to towering cliffs, and light filtering through narrow canyon slots, the views are breathtaking and something you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you adventure from heights or its depths, this is a unique way most people don’t see in the Blue Mountains.
2. You get the perfect mix of calm and adrenaline
One minute you could be floating through fern-lined canyons, the next you're yelling "Geronimo" and jumping into a rock pool. The contrast of activities is what makes it unforgettable. The best thing about trips at BMAC is that you don't have to make it heart-pounding; you can choose how intense you want your adventure to be. You can dial it up or keep it relaxed, depending on your vibe.
“I did the Empress Falls Canyoning and Abseiling. Felt always safe and still thrilled and excited. Thank you, Sophia and Gav, for guiding us! The tour starts with some practice abseiling in dry conditions to build up confidence, which is incredibly helpful for the latter tour. Then it continues into the canyon with incredibly beautiful sights of nature. The finale is the descent down the waterfall, which gives you goose bumps, a tickle in the belly and a little kick of adrenaline, but as said, you feel safe with the guidance of Sophia and Gav. Thank you for this great experience!”
— Tom Götze
When browsing our adventures, you can filter the grading of the trip under the 'activity' filter – from introductory, intermediate or advanced – so it’s easy to find something that fits. If you're unsure what trip is right for you, just drop our team a message, and they'll be more than happy to make suggestions.
3. It’s not just an activity; it could very well be the highlight of your Blue Mountains trip
It's not uncommon to find travellers going from "this sounds fun" to "that was the best part of our whole trip." And it isn't just the thrill factor for many of the adventures; it's also how immersive it feels. It's the mix of raw nature, the remoteness of the trails explored, the physical challenge and the shared camaraderie that turns a day out into an experience that stays with you long after the trip ends.
4. You’ll feel safe — even when your heart is racing
Heights. Water. Jumps. Ropes. It can feel intimidating, albeit scary at times, but that's all part of the adventure. Great guides don’t just keep you safe, they build your confidence step by step until you’re doing things you didn’t think you could.
Knowing you’re in the hands of experienced, qualified experts gives you the confidence to push your limits – all within an environment that feels safe, supportive, and completely in control.
“Guided by pro climber James, we practised some abseiling in the most amazing views. James did an amazing job instructing us through the techniques and always kept safety a first priority, which made us feel super comfortable to go on higher edges each time.”
— Nir Klinger
5. The guides make the experience
The difference between a good day and an unforgettable one? The people leading it. You could say our BMAC guides are equal parts instructor, cheer squad, storyteller, and safety net.
6. Adventures that are curated for real people
Never abseiled before? Bringing kids? Slightly nervous? No stress! You can speak to our team to help find a suitable experience for you and your group. Tours are well-paced, there are opportunities to join morning abseiling to learn the ropes, and our guides are there to ensure you adapt well to the environment you are in.
From school groups to young families, non-swimmers to hen's celebrations, our team have led groups of all kinds – from total first-timers to seasoned adventurers.
7. You’ll push your comfort zone (and love it)
Whether it's a hike that tests your legs, cold water that jolts you right up, or even just trying to wrap your head around the idea of walking backwards on a rock, that's all part of the fun. Because on the other side of those new or challenging moments is a feeling of accomplishment.
“We had the most beautiful and incredible day out with our teens! We got out of our comfort zone, immersed in the beautiful and mesmerising canyons, led by Dan, who deserves all the praise for keeping us safe ... We loved it even when the water was cold and the canyon challenging! We will be back!”
— Eszter
You’ll finish the day tired, maybe a little sore, but absolutely buzzing. And it also makes for a pretty incredible story to bring home.
8. You get the best value for a guided day out
When all the logistics, qualified guides, park fees and gear are sorted – including a hearty lunch – it leaves room for you to enjoy the adventure ahead.
BMAC adventures are all-inclusive and backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. It’s the kind of experience where you walk away thinking: 'Yeah, that was absolutely worth it.'
“The atmosphere was fun and relaxed from the very beginning, and the guides always made sure everyone felt comfortable and included. They adapted perfectly to each participant’s level and needs, explained everything clearly, and made safety their top priority — I felt secure at all times, especially during the abseiling sections. Even as a non-native English speaker, I felt very well-informed and supported throughout the tour. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience and I would 100% recommend it!”
— Lara Trefz
If you want a safe, guided way to experience the wild side of the Blue Mountains – not just look at it from a lookout – this is it.
Check out our upcoming confirmed departures for the season →