Empress Canyon Abseiling and Canyoning Adventure - Blue Mountains

The first half of the day is abseiling, starting with a 5 metre high cliff and building up to 30 metre high cliffs during the morning.

After lunch, it's a scenic 20 minute walk to the start of the canyon. You wade into the creek that descends into the narrow slot-like canyon and within a few seconds you are jumping into a rock pool, the first of several jumps and swims. This canyon is an exciting affair with water jumps, exhilarating swims, waterslides and fantastic scenery.

The final abseil out of the canyon is one of the best waterfall abseils in the mountains. Clip into the rope, step back and follow the 30 metre waterfall down to the deep rock pool below. This is not just a brilliant waterfall abseil but also a fantastic photo opportunity.

Our summer canyons run between September and April. All you need to do is dress for the weather, bring running shoes you can get wet, swimwear, a litre of water and a camera. We provide everything else including lunch on all our full day trips. A courtesy waterproof camera is provided for most canyon trips (please ask at time of booking). 

Established in 1989 we have taken over 100,000 people on adventures ranging from a 3-hour abseil session to multi-day snow and ice climbing courses.

We are fully insured and licensed by National Parks and Blue Mountains City Council.

Please note that if you are travelling by train it is a beautiful scenic 2 hour ride from Sydney. The train normally leaves central between 6:13am and 6:25am (please check prior to the day)

From there its a 5 minute walk to our office.

Where do I meet?

At our office located inside the Blue Mountains YHA. 207 Katoomba Street, Katoomba 2780. A 5-minute walk from Katoomba Train Station. Free all day parking around the back of the hostel.

What do I bring?

Dress for the weather, wear running or hiking shoes and bring water and camera. For Canyoning bring running shoes to get wet, swimsuit and waterproof camera.  If you don’t have one we supply a waterproof camera free of charge. We also have helmets fitted with Go Pro mounts.

Do you have a left luggage area?

Yes! you can leave your luggage with us.

What’s included?

Our full day trips include all technical equipment (abseil gear, wetsuit, waterproof backpack, climbing shoes), lunch and transport from our office. We also include a waterproof camera for the group.

Is there an age limit?

We have had people from 6yo to 86yo participate in our adventures. Generally, we have a minimum age of 14yrs for the Summer Canyoning trips. If you have kids under this age please contact us to see if the canyon would be suitable.

Do I need to be fit?

You can get away with average fitness on most of our adventures apart from the Long Day Canyons. For these, you need better than average fitness.(if you're unsure please ask at the time of booking)

Is it weather dependant?

We still run Abseiling, Canyoning and Survival courses in light rain. We do need fine weather for Rock climbing.

Do you provide free car-parking?

Yes, free parking available.

Do you provide accommodation?

Yes, We are located inside the Blue Mountains YHA so we can provide accommodation at our doorstep. You can book under “Accommodation Packages” on our homepage.

Who are the guides?

Our guides are outdoor enthusiasts with a passion for taking others into our remote and beautiful environment. Minimum qualifications include Certificate 3 in Canyoning, First Aid and Bronze medallion.  Between them, they have hundreds of years experience.

Do you cater to Private Groups?

Yes. We specialise in Bucks and Hens groups, workmates, and social clubs.

What if the trip I want to do is not scheduled in the calendar?

Please contact us and we will try to organise for you.

Do you cater for vegetarians?

Yes we do, please ask at time of booking

Can non-swimmers participate in Canyoning?

Yes, we have had non-swimmers successfully complete canyoning in the past. The waterproof backpack and wetsuit that we supply acts as a buoyancy device. Always contact the office for advice prior to booking.