3-Day Recreational Canyoning Course
Step beyond the tourist routes and into the adventurous heart of the Blue Mountains with our 3-Day Recreational Canyoning Course.
This course is designed to build safe, confident and competent recreational canyoners, using the popular and lightweight Single Rope Technique (SRT). Learning takes place in real canyon environments under the guidance of certified professional instructors.
Training is conducted in the iconic canyon systems of the Blue Mountains, providing realistic and meaningful learning outcomes in natural environments. Small groups, expert instruction, and hands-on learning make this the perfect starting point for your canyoning journey.
The immersive three-day program combines structured learning, hands-on skill development and guided canyon experiences. Participants develop the technical skills, situational awareness and decision-making required to move safely through vertical and aquatic canyon terrain.
Course Overview
The course is ideal for:
- Recreational canyoners wanting to build technical competence
- Bushwalkers or climbers transitioning into canyoning
- Adventurers seeking structured, standards-aligned training
- Anyone wanting to canyon independently with greater confidence
Skills you’ll learn
Single Rope Technique (SRT)
- Rope selection and knot tying
- Controlled abseiling techniques
- Best-practice belaying methods
- Ascending and changeovers
- Rope management in wet and confined environments
Rigging & Anchors
- How to set up retrievable rope systems and abseiling anchors using natural and fixed anchors
- Redundancy, equalisation and edge protection
- Knots and attachments for canyon use
Canyon Movement & Safety
- Efficient movement through water, pools and drops
- Footwork, balance and body positioning
- Environmental awareness and hazard identification
Risk Management & Decision-Making
- Dynamic risk assessment in canyon environments
- Weather, water flow and group considerations
- Communication and leadership in technical terrain
Rescue Foundations
- Self-rescue principles
- Basic team-based rescue techniques
- Problem solving and system awareness
What’s included
- Professional instruction by qualified trainers
- Use of all technical canyoning equipment
- Wetsuit and canyon pack hire
- Course content aligned with AAAS
- Canyoning Guidelines
- Safety briefings, skill progression and instructor feedback
- Gourmet lunch on each day of course
- Transport to abseiling and canyoning locations.
Why train with High & Wild?
High and Wild has been operating professional adventure trips in the Blue Mountains for over 30 years. At High & Wild, safety, environmental respect and quality instruction come first.
This course provides a clear pathway into technical recreational canyoning, grounded in Australian standards and delivered by qualified educators who understand both the technical and human elements of canyoning.
Requirements
Reasonable level of fitness, comfort in outdoor environments and at heights, and confidence in water.
3 Day Canyoning Course Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are the instructors?
A: Our courses are created, led and conducted by certified professional outdoor industry trainers.
Q: When does the course run?
A: Canyoning courses run throughout the year. Summer courses will involve waterfall abseils and swimming while winter courses will be held in dry canyons (you can still expect to get wet feet).
Q: Do I need previous experience?
A: We recommend having completed at least one canyon prior to committing to the course. Being familiar with canyon environments and having some basic abseiling skills will help you to learn the roping techniques. You should also have a reasonable level of fitness, comfort in outdoor environments and at heights, and confidence in water.
Q: Which canyons will we do?
A: Canyons chosen for the course will vary depending on various factors including season, weather conditions and group abilities. A selection from Empress, Serendipity, Gobsmacker, Juggler and Tigersnake Canyons.
Q: What is included in the price?
A: The Canyoning Course includes all technical safety equipment like helmets, harnesses, and wetsuits. National Park fees and a gourmet picnic lunch each day, and transport to the canyons from the meeting point are also included.
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: Swimwear to wear under the provided wetsuit, outdoor clothing suitable for the weather, shoes and socks that can get wet, phone/notebook to make notes, minimum 1 litre of water per person per day.
Q: What about accommodation during the course?
A: Each day we depart from, and return to the Blue Mountains YHA in Katoomba, which offers clean, comfortable and well-run budget accommodation. There are many other accommodation options within a short walking distance.
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