canyons | Visit Blue Mountains

Abseiling in the Blue Mountains has been included in global travel authority Lonely Planet’s 1000 Ultimate Adventures guide. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

By Ellen Hill – Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

The Blue Mountains is one of the best adventure playgrounds in Australia. But that statement is not merely a parochial boast.

The globally-recognised destination, home to a million square hectares of pristine wilderness, appears twice in global travel authority Lonely Planet’s 1000 Ultimate Adventures guide.

Published this month, the book features 100 top 10 lists of the world’s most exciting activities and challenges to captivate and inspire gung-ho adventurers and armchair travellers – from the epic to the local, on land, sea and in the air.

The Blue Mountains were recognised for Adventures in Tandem: Abseil in the Blue Mountains and Most Thrilling Canyoning Adventures: Blue Mountains categories.

Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism (BMLOT) chairman Randall Walker congratulated outdoor adventure tourism operators such as Blue Mountains Adventure Company (BMAC), High n Wild and River Deep Mountain High for the quality of their abseiling and canyoning experiences.

“We know we live and work in one of the most magnificent regions on the planet, and we know our abseiling and canyoning guides are some of the most qualified, experienced, responsible and environmentally-conscious in the world.

“So it is wonderful when that quality is recognised by such an impressive authority as Lonely Planet.’’

BMLOT board director responsible for adventure tourism and BMAC owner Dylan Jones said: “All adventure tourism guides are passionate about this region and love sharing it with visitors.

“To be included in this list by the best travel writers in the world who have literally experienced it all is fantastic.’’

Canyoning in the Blue Mountains has been included in global travel authority Lonely Planet’s 1000 Ultimate Adventures guide. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase welcomed the news that NSW had been named ahead of other states as offering the most in ultimate adventure travel experiences in Australia.

“NSW offers a huge diversity of exclusive adventure travel experiences and to be acknowledged by such a world renowned travel publishing organisation as Lonely Planet is recognition of the world-class quality of our tourism products.

“Nine NSW-based thrills have been listed by the Lonely Planet’s 1000 Ultimate Adventures guide from 58 of Australia’s ultimate adventure experiences.

“To be chosen ahead of other Australian states in this highly competitive field is a great achievement and is a testament to the unique experiences that NSW has to offer visitors.’’

An international group of 30 travel writers selected the nine NSW travel adventures to appear in the publication including:

• Adventures in Tandem: Abseil in the Blue Mountains

• Best City Hikes: Great Coastal Walk, Sydney

• Best Hidden Huts & Shelters: Illawong Lodge, Kosciuszko National Park

• Best Urban Climbing Adventures: Plumbers Mate, Bondi Sea Cliffs

• Get on Board!: Wakeboarding, Stoney Park, Telegraph Point

• Legendary Odysseys: Captain James Cook Collection, Australian Museum, Sydney

• Most Spectacular Honeymoon Adventures: Lady Bay Beach, Sydney

• Most Thrilling Canyoning Adventures: Blue Mountains

• Old School Adventures: Australian Billycart Championships, Corowa.

For a full list of other NSW adventure experiences, go to: visitnsw.com/things-to-do/adventure-and-sport andsydney.com/things-to-do/nature-and-parks.

Stunning scenery such as Deep Pass is the reward of canyoners in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

By Ellen Hill – Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Mark the start of the canyon season in World Heritage-listed style and scale new depths of awesomeness with a climb within the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

Take your pick from about 400 canyons in Australia’s most accessible wilderness and experience natural grandeur like never before.

Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism (BMLOT) chairman Randall Walker said: “We have a magnificent and diverse landscape that uniquely supports a wide range of world-class nature-based adventure activities.

“Nature lovers rave about their visits to our region where they can engage with professional and friendly adventure operators and guides and undertake truly memorable experiences such as canyoning and abseiling down the face of a waterfall.

“Operators adjust products to meet different skill levels but all customers will marvel at the backdrop of golden sandstone cliffs, serpentine canyons, rainforest, waterfalls, streams, wildlife and the iconic blue haze.’’

Experienced climberr Marty Doolan grips a ledge while he casts a keen eye over the rock surface to check for a path of ascent on one of the many cliffs of Mt York. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Inch down a picturesque chasm, gaze gobsmacked up the sides of a sheer rock crack and marvel at the breathtaking vista of 1 million square kilometres of UNESCO World Heritage Area – all within two hours drive from Australia’s largest city.

BMLOT board director representing the adventure sector Dylan Jones said: “The Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is a huge backyard for Sydney, and what a
backyard!

“The area has hundreds of kilometres of cliff lines offering one of the most comprehensive `tick lists’ for adventure sport enthusiasts anywhere in the world.’’

Jones, who also owns Blue Mountains Adventure Company, said all adventure tourism operators in the region “love sharing beautiful locations with people so will steer them towards an experience appropriate to them’’.

“Between us we have something for everyone from gruelling multi-day experiences to softer climbs with no abseiling and activities like jumping in the water is optional.’’

The launch of the canyon season in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area typically coincides with the September/October long weekend.

Experienced climbers Marty Doolan and Elise Vayne pack up their gear after a thrilling days climb at Mt York. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

The best way to experience a canyoning adventure is with an accredited adventure operator such as Blue Mountains Adventure Company, High `n’ Wild or River Deep Mountain High (www.visitbluemountains.com.au), whose experts will ensure adventurers are fully equipped and will guide them safely through each rocky rift.

Along the way, learn about the many unique eco-systems found within the national parks which make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area including the award-winning Blue Mountains National Park from your guide and how to avoid damaging the often sensitive canyon environments.

After your canyon adventure in Sydney’s wilderness playground, treat your body to a soothing treatment at one of the region’s many day spas, satisfy your well-earned appetite at a cafe or restaurant, then refresh overnight at one of the fine B&Bs, hotels or guesthouses.

Go to www.visitbluemountains.com.au for more details about the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region, to find an outdoor adventure operator and information on accommodation, activity and dining options.

Go to http://www.oric.org.au/ for information on the Outdoor Recreation Industry Council of NSW’s Adventure Activity Standards – ORIC AAS.

Experienced climber Marty Doolan gets a good grip of the edge of one of the many cliffs of Mt York. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism