Empress Canyon Abseiling and Canyoning Adventure – Blue Mountains

from A$345

8 hours

Katoomba

All Ages (14+)

Strict Cancellation

Spend the morning learning to abseil on Blue Mountains cliffs that build from 5 to 30 metres, then take your new skills into Empress Canyon near Wentworth Falls. Wade, jump and swim through a narrow slot canyon before the finale: a 30 metre abseil down Empress Falls into a deep rock pool. Lunch, wetsuits and all gear are included.

Quick read before you book.

A 30 metre abseil down Empress Falls into a deep rock pool
A morning abseil session building from 5 to 30 metre cliffs
Water jumps, swims and a natural water slide
A narrow slot canyon in Blue Mountains National Park
Small groups of no more than 10
A great first canyon for beginners and teens 14 and over

What people say about this operator.

Google Reviews

4.9 Stars|345 reviews

What they like?

Patient, upbeat guides who make first timers feel safe on the ropes, small groups so you get plenty of turns, and a Katoomba base that's dead easy to find.

What could be better?

Cancellation and voucher rules are firm, so be sure of your date before booking. Keen on extra drops? Ask how many your trip includes.

Summarised by AI, verify on Google Business Profile before booking

Included in this tour.

Guided abseiling and canyoning with qualified High and Wild guides
Wetsuit, waterproof backpack and all technical gear
Lunch, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options
Return transport from the High and Wild office in Katoomba
Waterproof camera for the group
Luggage storage at the office

Commonly asked questions.

You meet at the High and Wild office inside the Blue Mountains YHA, 207 Katoomba Street, Katoomba, about five minutes' walk from Katoomba station. The day runs from about 8.30am to 4pm, with transport to the cliffs and canyon included.

Yes. Trains from Central usually leave between 6.13am and 6.25am for the scenic two hour ride to Katoomba, so check the timetable before you travel, and drivers get free all day parking on Edwards Street beside the office. Making a long weekend of it? Browse our Sydney tours.

Trips run in light rain, and your guides make the final call on the morning because forecasts can change fast in the mountains. If High and Wild cancels for bad weather or bushfire risk, you can take a full refund or a free reschedule.

Cancel or change your date with at least 48 hours' notice and a $45 per person admin fee applies; with less notice, the full price is charged. For groups of three or more and private bookings the cutoff is 14 days, and there's no refund if you arrive late and the trip has already left.

The standard minimum age is 14, which makes Empress Canyon a brilliant family day with teens, and under 18s need a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Slightly younger kids can sometimes join a private tour, so call (02) 4782 6224 to ask, and our guide to Sydney with teens has more ideas.

Call High and Wild on (02) 4782 6224 before booking so the team can talk you through whether the day suits you.

It's graded moderate and needs reasonable fitness: several short, steep hills, three water jumps, short swims and a 30 minute uphill walk out. Your wetsuit and backpack keep you buoyant, but call the office before booking if you're not confident in the water.

Wear swimwear under comfortable sporty clothes and grippy running shoes that can get wet, with no open toed shoes. Bring a water bottle and any medication; our Australia packing list covers the rest of your trip.

Yes, lunch is included on every full day trip. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and coeliac options are available, and you choose yours when you book.

More about this tour.

Plenty of tours finish at a waterfall lookout. This one finishes on the rope, stepping backwards down the 30 metre face of Empress Falls while the water pours past you into the pool below. It's the reason people book this day, and High and Wild builds everything before it so you reach that ledge ready.The morning is abseiling, starting on a 5 metre cliff and working up to 30 metre drops by lunchtime. By the time you've eaten, the rope feels like an old friend.After lunch it's a scenic walk of about 20 minutes to the canyon in Blue Mountains National Park near Wentworth Falls. You wade into the creek and within seconds you're jumping into the first rock pool. From there it's three water jumps, short swims and a natural water slide through a narrow slot, with the waterfall abseil waiting at the end and an uphill walk of about 30 minutes back out.The trip runs from September to April, with groups capped at 10 and guides qualified in canyoning, first aid and lifesaving. It's a strong pick for confident beginners and families with teens 14 and over. Travelling with someone who would rather stay dry? Point them to the Blue Mountains Wildlife and Scenic World day tour, and read our guide to the best time to visit the Blue Mountains before you settle on dates.Explore the day, then check availability for your canyon date.

Additional info.

Season: September to April. The day runs from about 8.30am to 4pm, starting and finishing at the High and Wild office inside the Blue Mountains YHA, 207 Katoomba Street, Katoomba.Minimum age is 14, and anyone under 18 needs a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. The route includes several short, steep hills and an uphill walk of about 30 minutes at the end, and it is not wheelchair accessible.Wear swimwear under comfortable sporty clothes and sturdy running shoes with good grip that can get wet (no open toed shoes). Bring a water bottle and any personal medication.Trips run in light rain, and guides make the final weather call on the morning. If High and Wild cancels for bad weather or bushfire risk, you can take a full refund or reschedule for free.