Blue Mountains: Empress Canyon Canyoning & 30m Waterfall Abseil

Abseil cliffs and swim through Empress Canyon’s wild waters

You’ll abseil sandstone cliffs in the Blue Mountains, share lunch under tall trees, then plunge into Empress Canyon for jumps and swims through cold pools. With all gear provided and a local guide leading every step (and laugh), you’ll finish by abseiling beside a roaring 30-meter waterfall: an experience that lingers long after you dry off.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day Empress Canyon adventure

• Start abseiling on 5m cliff
• Progress to 30m cliff abseils
• Enjoy gourmet lunch
• Walk 20 minutes to canyon start
• Wade into creek and jump into rock pools
• Swim and slide through canyon
• Complete 30m waterfall abseil

The experience

We were already halfway down the first cliff before I remembered to breathe, you know that weird feeling when your legs are shaking but you’re grinning anyway? Our guide, Jamie, just laughed and said everyone does it. The Blue Mountains air was sharp and smelled like eucalyptus (or maybe nerves). Starting with a five-meter drop sounded small until I was actually leaning backwards over the edge. There’s something about hearing your own boots scrape on sandstone that makes everything suddenly real.

Lunch was this unexpected picnic spread: proper bread, not the supermarket kind, and salad that tasted like someone actually cared. We sat in a patch of sun swapping stories with two sisters from Melbourne who’d also never tried canyoning before. After eating, we hiked twenty minutes or so to the creek entrance. I kept stopping to watch light flicker through tree ferns. Wriggling into a wetsuit is always awkward (I definitely did it backwards at first), but once we hit the water I forgot all about looking silly.

The first jump into a rock pool woke me up better than coffee ever could. Cold water shot up my nose and Jamie yelled “welcome to Empress!” The canyon walls pressed close and every sound echoed: splashes, laughter, even my heart thumping. There were slides worn smooth by years of water, places where you just had to trust your feet and go for it. Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so safe clipped into those ropes: maybe because Jamie double-checked every harness and didn’t mind my million questions about knots.

The last bit is what sticks with me: standing at the top of that thirty-meter waterfall, rope in hand, knees knocking together while mist drifted up from below. It was loud, like standing next to a train, but somehow peaceful too. Abseiling down beside all that whitewater felt unreal. I still think about how small I felt at the bottom looking back up through the spray. My hands were shaking but I couldn’t stop smiling for ages after.

What’s included

Your day includes private vehicle transport from Katoomba or nearby meeting points, all technical equipment like wetsuits and helmets for both canyoning and abseiling (so you don’t have to worry about bringing anything special), use of a waterproof camera for photos along the way, plus a gourmet lunch shared outdoors with your group before heading into Empress Canyon itself.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDepartures at 07:30 and 08:30Last departure this season: 30 Apr 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Child (14 to 17 years) · Under 14: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “We are based inside the Blue Mountains YHA. 207 Katoomba St, Katoomba NSW 2780 Australia”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by High and Wild Pty Ltd

Traveler reviews

4.98★★★★★★★★★★

98 verified traveler reviews

5 ★96

4 ★2

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (14 to 17 years). Under 14: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How long does the Empress Canyon tour last?

The tour is a full-day experience including morning abseiling, lunch, canyoning activities, and return transport.

Do I need previous canyoning or abseiling experience?

No experience is necessary. Guides teach you everything on the day.

Is lunch included in the Empress Canyon adventure?

Yes, a gourmet lunch is included during the day trip.

What equipment do I need to bring?

All technical equipment including wetsuits, helmets, harnesses, and ropes are provided.

Is there hotel pickup for this tour?

The tour includes transport by private vehicle. Check if pickup from your accommodation is available when booking.

Are dietary requirements catered for during lunch?

Yes. Vegan options are provided if no preference is stated and all dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

How high is the final waterfall abseil in Empress Canyon?

The final descent involves a 30-metre-high waterfall abseil into a deep rock pool.