Empress Canyon packs two very different Blue Mountains adventures into one day: cliffside abseils above the Megalong Valley, then a wet, narrow canyon of rock pools, slides and waterfalls. I like the contrast between those open mountain views and the close-up rainforest scenery, and the gradual progression from a short 5-metre abseil to a 30-metre descent gives you time to get comfortable with the rope. The final waterfall abseil is the day’s big finish.
I also like that the guide is with you throughout, and that lunch, transfers and the necessary equipment are included. The main consideration is the physical and mental challenge: expect a full day on your feet, water activity, and several moments when you are above the ground or moving through a pool. You’ll need intermediate fitness and a reasonable tolerance for heights.
- Empress Canyon at a glance
- From Katoomba to the canyon
- Three abseils above the Megalong Valley
- Lunch, wetsuits and the walk to Empress Canyon
- Water jumps, slides and swims
- The 30-metre waterfall finale
- What the price includes, and what it is worth
- Who should book this day
- Should you book Empress Canyon?
- FAQ
- How long does the Empress Canyon experience last?
- Where is the meeting point?
- When does the canyoning season run?
- What abseils are included?
- Is lunch included?
- What equipment is provided?
- What should I bring and wear?
- What is the minimum age?
- How fit do I need to be?
- What happens if the tour is cancelled due to extreme weather?
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Empress Canyon at a glance
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9 / 9- Three cliff abseils build your confidence: Start at 5 metres, then progress to 15 and 30 metres, with Blue Mountains and Megalong Valley views.
- A proper lunch divides the day: After the morning’s rope work, eat before walking about 20 minutes to the canyon.
- The canyon is an active, wet outing: Expect to change into a wetsuit, wade through the creek, and tackle water jumps, slides and swims.
- The final descent is a 30-metre waterfall abseil: You descend out of the canyon into a deep rock pool, a dramatic close to the route.
- It is a seasonal, guided day trip: Tours run September through April, from 08:45 to about 16:00, with round-trip transfers from Katoomba.
- It suits active teens and adults: Participants must be at least 14, and those aged 14 to 17 need a paying adult with them.
👉 See our pick of the 14 Best Tours In Blue Mountains
From Katoomba to the canyon
The meeting point is High and Wild at 207 Katoomba Street in Katoomba. Arrive at 08:35 for the 08:45 start. The day is scheduled to finish at 16:00, making this a substantial outing rather than a quick add-on to a Blue Mountains sightseeing day.
Round-trip transfers from the meeting point are included. That helps keep the outing simple: you do not need to arrange transport to each activity stop yourself. Bus routes 685, 686, 697 and 695 stop at Waratah Street near Parke Street, which is the listed public transport option for reaching the meeting area.
The schedule can shift with traffic and weather. I’d keep the rest of your day flexible, especially if you have a train or another timed activity to catch afterward. The operator requires at least two participants; if that minimum is not met, you can choose a different date or request a full refund.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Blue Mountains.
Three abseils above the Megalong Valley
The morning starts with cliffside abseiling, with views over the Blue Mountains and Megalong Valley. The first descent is 5 metres, followed by 15 and 30 metres. That stepped approach matters: you get an introduction before taking on the taller drops, rather than being asked to face the biggest challenge straight away.
Abseiling asks you to trust your equipment and follow the guide’s directions as you lower yourself down the rock face. If you are new to it, the first descent is a chance to learn the basic feel of the rope before the height increases. The later drops offer the stronger view and bigger rush, but they also ask more of anyone uneasy with heights.
The morning’s open cliffs make a striking counterpoint to what follows. You begin with wide views and exposed rock, then move into a shaded, enclosed creek setting. If you enjoy variety, that change is a major part of the appeal.
A participant should not mistake the word moderate for effortless. The activity recommends intermediate fitness, and one useful test is whether you are comfortable staying active for much of a seven-hour day. A past participant’s practical caution was to have above-average stamina and no fear of heights. That is not a formal fitness standard, but it is sensible advice to take seriously.
Lunch, wetsuits and the walk to Empress Canyon
A gourmet lunch is included, with your preferred option selected at checkout. It gives you a proper pause between the dry morning abseils and the wetter afternoon, so you are not heading into the canyon straight after the rope work without a meal.
After lunch, the group walks about 20 minutes to the canyon. This short approach is part of the outing, not a transfer by vehicle, so be ready to walk in your activity clothes and shoes. At the canyon, you change into wetsuits before entering the creek.
The scenery shifts from cliff edge to rainforest and rock. You’ll wade through water and move among pools and natural rock formations, with the guide helping the group through the route. The setting is one reason this outing feels different from a straightforward abseiling session: the canyon is not just a backdrop, but the terrain you travel through.
There is no need to bring specialist canyoning equipment. Necessary equipment is provided, and a waterproof camera is available on most canyoning tours. Confirm camera availability with the operator when booking, and bring your own camera if capturing the day is important to you.
Water jumps, slides and swims
The canyon section brings a sequence of water jumps, slides and swims. The exact route and schedule can change with conditions, but the core idea is clear: this is an active creek journey, not a dry walk to a viewpoint. You’ll spend time in the water, so the wetsuit is a practical part of the kit, especially when the creek feels cool against the summer heat.
The water features add fun, but they also call for confidence and attention. You need to listen to your guide, follow instructions and be comfortable moving through water. The tour is not recommended for people with impaired mobility or certain medical conditions, including high blood pressure and epilepsy. If you have a health concern, check with the operator before booking rather than trying to judge suitability on the day.
Summer canyoning trips run from September to April, Monday through Sunday. The season is useful to know when planning a Blue Mountains visit: this is not a year-round option. Weather can also affect the day’s schedule, and the operator may cancel in extreme conditions, offering a rescheduled date or full refund.
The 30-metre waterfall finale
The route ends with a 30-metre abseil down a waterfall and into a deep rock pool. It is the day’s largest single descent and a memorable way to leave the canyon. The combination of height, falling water and the pool below gives this finish a different feel from the morning cliff drops.
This is also likely to be the moment that asks the most of anyone who is nervous about heights. The guide remains with the group, but no one should book on the assumption that the final descent can simply be skipped. If you are unsure, ask the operator about the route and participation expectations before paying.
There are many opportunities for photographs through the day, especially at the open cliffs and the waterfall. Still, keep the experience ahead of the camera. You’ll need to follow the guide’s instructions and manage your equipment carefully, and a waterproof camera is more practical around the creek than an unprotected phone.
What the price includes, and what it is worth
The listed starting price is $266.45, while the package option is also shown as US$242.20. Since those figures use different currency labels, check the live checkout price and currency before booking. The final amount matters, particularly if you are comparing this with a shorter abseiling session or a Blue Mountains sightseeing tour.
The value comes from the amount packed into the day. You get the morning cliff abseils, the canyon route, the 30-metre waterfall finish, a guide, round-trip transfers, equipment, national park admission, insurance provided by the operator and lunch. Those inclusions make it easier to compare the price fairly with activities where transport, food or gear may be separate.
If you are staying at the YHA, a complimentary breakfast is included on tours that start after 08:30. The listed start is 08:45, so ask the operator about this option when arranging your stay. Personal expenses are not included, and you should bring a water bottle, swimwear and a camera if you want one.
For a full day of guided outdoor activity, the price is most compelling if you want both abseiling and canyoning. If you mainly want a short introduction to abseiling, this outing may be more than you need. A half-day abseiling experience is a more focused alternative; nature hikes and sightseeing tours suit people who prefer to keep their feet dry.
Who should book this day
I’d consider Empress Canyon if you want an active way to experience the Blue Mountains and are keen to do more than look out from a scenic stop. It suits people who enjoy physical challenges, can manage a long day, and are willing to get wet. The mix of rope work, creek travel and rainforest scenery gives you a varied outing rather than one repeated activity.
It can also work for families with older teenagers, provided the young participant is at least 14 and accompanied by a paying adult. It is not recommended for anyone with impaired mobility or certain medical conditions, and wheelchair and stroller access is not available. If heights or stamina are major concerns, consider a less demanding outing.
Wear sports or trekking shoes, hiking boots with slip-resistant soles, trek pants and a cotton T-shirt. Bring swimwear and a water bottle. The day is outdoors and conditions can alter the schedule, so arrive ready to follow the guide’s instructions and adjust as needed.
You’ll receive confirmation within minutes after booking. The mobile voucher is valid only for the selected date and time, and late arrivals or no-shows are not refundable. Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the activity date qualify for a full refund; extreme weather cancellations can be rescheduled or refunded.
Should you book Empress Canyon?
Book it if you want a demanding, varied Blue Mountains day and the idea of finishing with a 30-metre waterfall abseil sounds exciting rather than intimidating. Its strongest points are the range of activities, the contrast between cliff views and rainforest creek, and the guide’s presence throughout.
Think twice if you want a relaxed outing, dislike heights, have limited stamina or are not comfortable in water. For the right person, this is an unusually full way to spend a day in the mountains. For someone who would rather admire the scenery from a lookout, a hike or sightseeing tour is a better fit.
Empress Canyon – Blue Mountains Abseiling and Canyoning Experience
“This is truly the best activity! If you're coming to the Blue Mountains, I highly recommend it. However, you should probably have above-average sta…”
FAQ
How long does the Empress Canyon experience last?
The scheduled activity runs from 08:45 to 16:00, for a total of 7 hours and 15 minutes. Traffic and weather may affect the schedule.
Where is the meeting point?
Meet at High and Wild, 207 Katoomba Street, Katoomba NSW 2780. Arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start.
When does the canyoning season run?
Summer trips run from September through April, Monday to Sunday.
What abseils are included?
The morning includes 5-metre, 15-metre and 30-metre cliff abseils. The final canyon descent is a 30-metre waterfall abseil into a deep rock pool.
Is lunch included?
Yes. A gourmet lunch is included, and you should select your preferred lunch option at checkout.
What equipment is provided?
All necessary equipment is included. A courtesy waterproof camera is provided on most canyoning tours, but you should confirm availability with the operator when booking.
What should I bring and wear?
Bring a water bottle, swimwear and a camera if you want one. Wear sports or trekking shoes, hiking boots with slip-resistant soles, trek pants and a cotton T-shirt.
What is the minimum age?
Participants must be at least 14 years old. Anyone aged 14 to 17 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
How fit do I need to be?
Intermediate fitness is recommended. The activity is not recommended for people with impaired mobility or certain medical conditions, including high blood pressure and epilepsy.
What happens if the tour is cancelled due to extreme weather?
The operator may cancel in extreme weather. If that happens, you can reschedule or request a full refund.
