A great alternative to a traditional bushwalk on a hot day, all of the “non technical” canyons below can be done without any abseiling gear, although for a few of them a short length of tape or rope can help with the trickier scrambles. While the canyons are “easy” in that they don’t require any special skills or equipment, most are not marked routes and they should still be treated with caution and respect. Make sure you know the exit points, and have the navigation skills to get into and out of the canyon.
Blue Mountains National Park canyons
The Blue Mountains National Park offers a huge number of canyons, many of them technical, especially in the Mount Wilson area where the Cathedral of Ferns campground will be full on summer weekends with canyoners. It also has the easiest (and most popular) canyon around Sydney – the signposted track through the Grand Canyon! Many of these canyons are relatively easy to get to from Sydney.
| Canyon | Distance | Grade | Description | AllTrails Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joes Canyon | 6km return | Easy | Short, family-friendly canyon with some narrow slots | Map |
| Birrabang Canyon | 6km loop | Moderate | Nice creek & canyon; some wading required | Map |
| Jungaburra Canyon | 6km return | Nice creek; has one 4m drop that can be avoided | ||
| Grand Canyon | 6.5km loop | Easy | Easy walk through rainforest-filled canyon | Map |
| Claustral Brook | 8.8km loop | Hard | Explores the non-technical section of Claustral Canyon | Map |
| Fortress Creek Canyon | 9km return | Moderate/Hard | Explore the bottom of Fortress Canyon from Fortress Falls | Map |
| Joes Canyon / Du Faur Creek | 9.8km loop | Moderate | Loop combining four canyons; 4-5 short swims & some scrambling | Map |
| Hat Hill Canyon | 10km loop | Moderate/Hard | Beautiful canyon; some scrambling & deep sections | Map |
| Bell Creek Canyon | 11km loop | Hard | Beautiful canyon; long swims & tape-assisted drops | |
| Clatterteeth Canyon | 12km loop | Hard | Creek walking & canyons, with some long swims | |
| Crayfish Creek Canyon | 12km loop | Moderate/Hard | Challenging canyon off Burramoko Ridge; one waist-deep section |
Joes Canyon
Joes Canyon has become increasingly popular as an easy “family friendly” canyon; it’s accessed by a signposted track (off the Wollangambe 1 Entry Track) and offers some narrow and spectacular slots. There are a few deep puddles but nothing more than about knee-deep. Return the same way, or continue down Du Faur Creek Canyon for a more challenging loop.
Distance: 6km (3 hours)
Grade: Easy. Track to start of canyon.
Grand Canyon (Tourist Track)
There is a technical route down the Grand Canyon, with one 17m abseil… or keep your feet dry by following the signposted Grand Canyon Track between Evans Lookout and Neates Glen. The trail passes waterfalls, ferns and spectacular views – but it’s one of the most popular bushwalks in the Blue Mountains National Park, so start early or avoid weekends.
Distance: 6.5km (3-4 hours)
Grade: Easy. Steep descent / ascent but all on-track
Dismal Dingle and Camels Hump Loop
Don’t be confused by the relatively short length of this part-bushwalk, part-canyon route which explores the non-technical section of Claustral Canyon. It’s mostly off-track, with some scrambling and thick scrub – and some spectacular sections of Claustral Brook. One short but very cold swim. An unusual canyon-walk as it also offers some great views from Camels Hump.
Distance: 8.8km (7-9 hours)
Grade: Hard. Mostly off-track; 1-2 tape assisted drops
Fortress Creek Canyon
Undertaking Fortress Canyon requires one abseil… but you can explore the bottom of the canyon from the spectacular Fortress Creek Falls, as well as enjoying a swim in Fortress Creek before it plunges over the cliff. There are some deep sections of water in the narrow canyon, just above the Fortress Creek Falls.
Distance: 9km (3-4 hours)
Grade: Moderate/Hard. Steep descent / ascent down to falls along rough track
Joes Canyon / Du Faur Creek Loop
A loop bushwalk which combines four canyons: Joes Canyon, Du Faur Creek Canyon and Bell Canyon with an exit from the Wollangambe Canyon. Lots of creek walking and wading, with four short swims, a bit of scrambling near the end some narrow slots. Lilo optional (more of a hindrance as not much swimming required).
Distance: 9.8km (6-8 hours. Allow full day.)
Grade: Moderate/Hard
The Wollangambe River canyons (Blue Mountains National Park)
The Wollangambe Canyon has ten sections that can be done as day trips, although as you go further downstream they become less canyon-like and more creek-walking. Wollangambe One (Upper Tourist Section) and Wollangambe Two (Lower Tourist Section) are two of the most popular non-technical canyons around Sydney, as you go further down the Wollangambe River the entry and exit routes get more challenging.
| Canyon | Distance | Grade | Description | AllTrails Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Wollangambe Canyon | 16km one-way | Hard | The hardest non-technical section of this canyon | |
| Wollangambe One | 8km loop | Moderate | Lots of swimming & some scrambling; beautiful gorges | Map |
| Wollangambe Two | 8.5km loop | Moderate | Some long swims along beautiful sections of canyon | Map |
| Wollangambe Three | 9.9km loop | Moderate/Hard | Multiple long pools and some large boulder fields | Map |
| Wollangambe Four | 9.4km loop | Moderate/Hard | Many long swims, with a few boulder sections | Map |
| Wollangambe Five | 9.2km one-way | Hard | Lots of cascades/rapids with multiple short pools | Map |
| Wollangambe Six | 9km one-way | Hard | Short pools, boulder fields and ledges | |
| Wollangambe Seven | 12.2km one-way | Hard | Lots of rocky sections; a few long swims |
Wollangambe One (Upper Tourist Section)
One of the two most popular (non-technical) sections of the Wollangambe River, the route passes though numerous canyons requiring swimming and a fair bit of scrambling over and around boulders. Wetsuit recommended, as is a flotation device / lilo (there are many deep pools). Access from opposite Cathedral Reserve Camping Ground in Mount Wilson.
Distance: 9km (5-8 hours. Allow full day.)
Grade: Moderate/Hard
Wollangambe Two (Lower Tourist Section)
A non-technical section of the Wollangambe River, Wollangambe Two (or the Lower Section) involes numerous gorges with long swims, interspersed with some scrambling. There’s a fairly steep route into and out of the canyon but it’s on a signposted track. A lilo is essential, and a wetsuit recommended. Access is from opposite the Cathedral Reserve Camping Ground in Mount Wilson.
Distance: 8.5km (5-8 hours. Allow full day.)
Grade: Moderate/Hard
Wollangambe Three
A challenging but very picturesque section of the Wollangambe River, accessed from the Cathedral Reserve Camping Ground in Mount Wilson and requiring either a car shuffle or 1.5km walk along the road back to the campground. Four long and deep pools as well as several shorter swimming sections, a few boulder fields and many sandy stretches of shallow water. Li-lo recommended as there is a lot of swimming, as well as a wetsuit.
Distance: 9.9km (8-10 hours. Allow full day.)
Grade: Moderate/Hard
Wollangambe Four
This has the most swimming of all the Wollangambe River sections, with a series of long pools, interspersed by some cascades and one large boulder field. There are some very picturesque narrow sections and wide rock ledges above the river. Lilo and wetsuit essential. Access is from the Boronia Fire Trail, which is about 1.5km from the Cathedral Reserve Camping Ground.
Distance: 9.4km (8-10 hours. Allow full day.)
Grade: Moderate/Hard
Wollangambe Five
Wollangambe Five has the longest section of river, making it one of the more time consuming and challenging day trips. The river alternates between rocky cascades and picturesque pools, with two long swims. Wbile not as spectacular as some of the other Wollangambe section, there is a picturesque gorge in the middle. Entry via the Boronia Fire Trail in Mt Wilson and the exit is a short but very steep ascent up to Danes Way in Mt Irvine. Wetsuit recommended; li-lo optional.
Distance: 9.2km (10 hours. Allow full day.)
Grade: Hard
Wollemi National Park canyons
The Wollemi National Park has some of the most spectacular non-technical canyons around Sydney – as well as some of the most challenging technical canyons which you can do as guided tour with companies like the Blue Mountains Adventure Company. While these can all be done as day trips from Sydney, many of them involve a fairly long drive to the trailhad.
| Canyon | Distance | Grade | Description | AllTrails Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twister Canyon | 2km return | Moderate/Hard | Tributary of Rocky Creek; requires some water jumps & a short climb | Map |
| Dargans Creek Canyon | 3km loop | Moderate | Short but picturesque canyon with narrow slots | Map |
| Wolgan View Canyon | 3.2km return | Easy | aka Dry Canyon; short bushwalk but spectacular deep slot | Map |
| River Caves Canyon | 3.8km loop | Easy/Moderate | Short but spectacular canyon with some shallow water sections | Map |
| Rocky Creek Canyon | 4km return | Moderate/Hard | Multiple impressive slots; some scrambles & short swims | Map |
| Dalpura Canyon | 4.5km loop | Easy | Narrow canyon with a few waist-deep sections | Map |
| Deep Pass Canyon | 6km loop | Moderate | Beautiful canyon; some deep sections can be avoided using fixed ropes | Map |
Dargans Creek Canyon
Dargans Creek Canyon is one of the shorter and fairly easy-to-reach non-technical canyons you can undertake in Wollemi NP. However, as well as a few swims it’s got a couple of tricky drops that need to be navigated; one of them has a fixed rope. The exit from the canyon is up a waterfall (using a fixed rope) and then up a spiked tree.
Distance: 3km loop (3 hours)
Grade: Moderate
Wolgan View Canyon / Dry Canyon
One of the easiest canyons around Sydney, Wolgan View Canyon (also called Dry Canyon) has two sections, both with narrow slots. The second, or lower, section has a spectacular, narrow and deep gorge. At the end is a view over Wolgan Valley. It’s one of the few completely dry canyons, so you’ll even keep your feet dry on this one!
Distance: 3.2km loop (3 hours)
Grade: Easy
River Caves Canyon
A spectacular canyon in the upper reaches of Budgary Creek in Wollemi NP, River Caves Canyon is one of the shorter and easier non-technical canyons in the Greater Blue Mountains. The water is no more than waist deep and you can avoid this section by walking around the creek. It’s fairly close to Deep Pass Canyon, which can be combined with this one in one day.
Distance: 3.8km loop (2-3 hours)
Grade: Easy/Moderate
Rocky Creek Canyon
Often combined with Twister Canyon, Rocky Creek has several impressively dark and narrow slots. Between them a few deep pools requiring short swims and some cascades & small waterfalls, like the infamous Washing Machine. The canyon is usually reversed, but there also two exit options further along Budgary Creek. Rated Moderate/Hard as there a couple of short but challenging scrambles. Wetsuit highly recommended; li-lo not needed.
Distance: 4km return (3-4 hours)
Grade: Moderate/Hard
Dalpura Canyon
This is a relatively easy, and quite spectacular canyon off the Bells Line of Road in Wollemi National Park. After some sweeping views from Jinki Ridge, the track drops down to Dalpura Creek. The canyon gets increasingly narrow as you continue along the creek, ending at the beautiful Dalpura Canyon Green Pool, where a waterfall drops into the end of a long cavern.
Distance: 4.5km (2-3 hours)
Grade: Easy/Moderate
Deep Pass
This picturesque canyon can be done in either direction, as a loop walk. It passes a couple of deep swimming holes, some beautiful cascades and a few narrow slots. You can – with care – keep your feet dry by taking advantage of some fixed ropes, or if it’s warm day jump and slide into the pools if you’re going down the canyon.
Distance: 6km (3-4 hours)
Grade: Moderate
Mugii Murum-ban SCA (MMb) & Gardens of Stone (GoS) canyons
The Mugii Murum-ban State Conservation Area and Gardens of Stone National Park are west of Sydney, in the Lithgow area (which is the nearest major town). Bushwalks here mean a fairly long – but doable – day trip from Sydney. The area is renowned for its rock pagodas, sandstone cliffs and canyons, so many of the routes through the two parks will traverse narrow valleys and slot canyons.
| Canyon | Distance | Grade | Description | AllTrails Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethereal Canyon | 7km loop | Moderate | Multiple small canyons & grottos | Map |
| Valley of the Dinosaurs | 4-8km loop | Moderate | Narrow & deep canyon filled with ferns | Map |
| Valley of the Kings | 5-9km return | Moderate/Hard | A deep gorge with waterfalls at southern end |
Ethereal Canyon
A loop, off-track bushwalk in the Gardens of Stone, which ha a few narrow canyon sections including Ethereal Canyon, as well as two waterfalls and many small pools. The exit passes Midsummer Nights Grotto before reaching a set of pagodas that offer panoramic views.
Distance: Approx 7km (6-7 hours).
Grade: Moderate
Valley of the Dinosaurs (and Ultimate Slot)
Named for it’s prehistoric appearance from above (it was formerly called Hidden Valley), the Valley of the Dinosaurs is a narrow and deep canyon, filled with huge tree ferns. It can be accessed via off-track routes at both ends. Nearby, the incredibly narrow & tall Ultimate Slot is also worth a visit.
Distance: 4-8km (3-6 hours). Varies depending on route & start point.
Grade: Moderate
Kanangra-Boyd National Park canyons
The canyons in the Kanangra-Boyd National Park are generally more remote and require two or more days, as well as abseiling gear. There are multiple routes down to the Kowmung River, best done as overnight or multi-day bushwalks, and a great view of some deep canyons via relatively short walks from the main Kanagra Walls carpark (Kanangra Falls and Kalang Falls). The distance of Kanangra Walls from Sydney means that even the short bushwalks are best done as part of two day (or longer) trip.
| Canyon | Distance | Grade | Description | AllTrails Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulga Denis Canyon | 27km | Moderate/Hard | Passes section of the Kowmung through Bulga Denis canyon |
Bungonia National Park canyons
There are a few technical canyons in Bungonia National Park, which is a couple of hours south-west of Sydney (via the Hume Highway): the park contains over 200 caves and numerous gorges and canyons. The spectacular Bungonia Gorge can be done as a (non-technical) bushwalk over one long day or overnight.
| Canyon | Distance | Grade | Description | AllTrails Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bungonia Gorge Circuit | 10km loop | Moderate/Hard | Steep descent/ascent to slot canyon | Map |
Bungonia Gorge Circuit
You can do this as a day-trip, or camp along the Shoalhaven River at the bottom :the very steep Red Track and White Track provide access to Bungonia Creek. Between these two tracks is a route along Bungonia Creek and through Bungonia Gorge, where you need to negotiate large boulders.
Distance: 10km loop (allow full day, or can be done as overnigt walk)
Grade: Hard (very steep descent & ascent, scrambling along creek)
Recommended Gear for canyoning
There’s not a lot of special gear you need for these non-technical canyons, although expect to get wet shoes for many of these walks. Even if there are no swimming sections, it’s a good idea to get a reliable, waterproof backpack that will keep valuables dry.
- Dry bag – a 100% waterproof backpack, like the Overboard 20L Classic Waterproof Backpack. Don’t rely on the smaller dry bags that will let water in if submerged (but these can be useful inside a waterproof backpack for extra protection).
- Wet suit – recommended for canyons like Wollangambe where you will be in the water for much of the canyon
- Li lo – invaluable for canyons with extended swims (eg. Wollangambe), the industrial-strength, rubberised ones can be hard to find. Try XHunter for a Heavy Duty 5Tube Lilo Inflatable Single Airbed Mattress. But, even a pool toy is better than no flotation device…
- Camera – a waterproof camera will let you get some photos while you keep your normal camera or phone safely inside your backpack.
