The Blue Mountains: slot canyons near Sydney

Two hours west of Sydney, the land rises into a maze of sandstone plateaus split by hundreds of narrow, fern-draped slots. The Blue Mountains are one of the world's great canyoning regions — and the place where the sport developed a character distinct from its European cousin.

A different kind of canyon

Where European canyoning is often loud, vertical and full of moving water, the classic Blue Mountains canyon is quieter and more atmospheric: cool, dark, fern-lined slots with relatively little flow, where the experience is as much about the otherworldly light and the sculpted sandstone as about the obstacles. Many are 'dry' enough to need only a couple of abseils and a lot of swimming and walking.

Classics for every level

• Twister and Rocky Creek — a friendly, fern-filled introduction.
• Empress Falls — a short, sporty route with a famous waterfall abseil.
• Claustral — a committing, atmospheric classic for experienced parties.

Season and style

The canyoning season runs through the warmer months, roughly November to March, though the water stays cold year-round and a wetsuit is essential. The local tradition leans toward small, self-reliant bushwalking-style parties who navigate to remote canyons on foot. It is a wonderful place to experience canyoning as quiet wilderness travel rather than adrenaline sport.