Fortress Creek

We descend to the start of the canyon, at this point just a small creek. The first water jump is just 10 minutes from the start. Take a deep breath and go: guaranteed to wake the senses! Deeper in the canyon, the main section features a water jump into a deep pool, a swim through a narrow rock gorge, a subterranean journey beneath the rocks and an easy short abseil into a rock pool.

Our lunch spot at the canyon’s end is one of the most spectacular and breathtaking views in the mountains. The creek eventually spills over the 100-metre-high cliffs that border the Grose Valley. The lunchtime panorama takes in the 550-metre walls of Mt Banks, the highest in the Blue Mountains, and the Blue Gum Forest, heart of the Blue Mountains National Park. Here you will change into your dry clothes again and tuck into a well-earned lunch.

The walk out quickly ascends onto Fortress Hill and then Fortress Ridge. The view of the area from here is stunning. After an hour or so you arrive back at the vehicles.