The Green Room in Claustral Canyon | Jake Anderson
Blog home / Active things to do in the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are special place visited by many, however very few of the visitors truly immerse themselves in the wilderness that makes this place so remarkable. As locals, we want to share with you the true magic of the Blue Mountains and the best places we know are along its walking trails, in its canyons or admiring the view while abseiling off one of the many gorgeous cliff faces.
While some of the images of canyoning or abseiling in the Blue Mountains may seem extreme, they are very safe. So safe, even younger children can participate on certain trips and many active families have organised private excursions to tailor an experience comfortable for their loved ones.
If you’re an active person, or just like to travel differently, there are many things to do in the Blue Mountains that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
CANYONING
While the Blue Mountains are a superb mixture of hills and deep valleys and gorges, while many come to admire her heights some of the real beauty can be found deep below. Canyoning allows you to experience the magic of the regions many unique canyons.
As our guide Dan Lewis puts it in his
quick history of the Blue Mountains, “To venture into the deep, dappled, cold, wet, narrow slot canyons like Serendipity, Whungee Wheengee, Butterbox, Claustral, Empress Falls or Rocky Creek is to not only experience an adrenaline-filled physical challenge full of breath-taking beauty and biodiversity but to travel in a time machine to a hidden and ancient world that helps you fully comprehend why UNESCO deemed this dissected plateau to possess universal values important for all of humanity when it granted it World Heritage status in 2000.”
ROCK CLIMBING
Rock climbing is about balance, concentration and self confidence. Age and fitness should not be seen as a barrier. Climbing is about controlled moves, planned in advance and purposefully applied.
Anyone can start at any age and rock climbing is a great focus for kids. When once asked when he started climbing, legendary Australian mountaineer and adventurer Jon Muir once quipped, “I never stopped!”
Even if you’re an experienced climber, an experienced Blue Mountains rock climbing provider should have guides that can help you find some ‘secret spots’ for an even more thrilling weekend on the wall.
Also known as rappelling in North America and much of Europe, abseiling is commonly practised the world over as a method of descending a rope in a safe and controlled manner. It’s a fun and safe activity when conducted with experienced professionals, and it’s also one of the most exciting ways to enjoy the Blue Mountains.
The Blue Mountains offers a myriad of abseiling experiences. Some are all about the abseiling and some are combined with a canyoning adventure.
Abseiling in the Blue Mountains can be enjoyed by people of all ages, with some abseiling trips known to have participants as young as 6 on them. There are many more than can be enjoyed participants under 13.
On organized abseiling trips in the Blue Mountains make sure that all the safety equipment is supplied and that they are checked regularly.
Bushwalking is basically walking in the bush, an Australian term for forest areas. Walking is something that everyone can do, and its definitely something everyone should do when visiting the Blue Mountains.
Walking offers a chance to slow down to really appreciate the natural landscapes you stroll past. It brings out like minded people, talking to your companions is often a highlight of a healthy day out.
The Blue Mountains is literally dotted with historical sites, unique wildlife and landforms that will leave you breathless. There are many walks that can take you to appreciate these things, graded from introductory to the more challenge, multi day hikes, like the Kunungra to Katoomba.
If the idea of using ropes isn’t for you, then make sure you at least enjoy a hike in the Blue Mountains.
Whatever you choose to do there is usually a chance to refresh in a beautiful water hole in the Blue Mountains that seems like its been reserved just for you. Always pack your swimmers, especially in summer when cooling is important.