FAQs

Why should I choose High and Wild?

Established in 1989, we have safely taken more than 100,000 people on adventures ranging from 3-hour abseil sessions to multi-day snow and ice climbing courses.

We are fully insured and licensed by National Parks and Blue Mountains City Council. We have no hidden costs (INCLUDING NO CREDIT CARD FEES!!) and the simplest booking conditions in town! (see full cancelation fees further down on this page)

Where do I meet?

At our office located inside the Blue Mountains YHA, 207 Katoomba Street, Katoomba 2780, only a 5-minute walk from Katoomba train station. Free all-day parking is available next to the building.

What do I bring?

Dress for the weather, wear running or hiking shoes and bring a water bottle and camera. For canyoning, bring running shoes that can get wet, swimsuit and waterproof camera. If you don’t have one we supply a waterproof camera free of charge. We also have helmets fitted with GoPro mounts.

What do I need for winter canyoning?

With winter canyoning you need to wear old running shoes (they may get wet and muddy). Thick socks, ideally wool if you have them. Leggings and shorts or quick drying long pants and shorts. On top you want to have at least 4 layers, singlet, t-shirt, fleece and a jacket of some description. Bring 1.5 litres of water. We will provide back packs and all the technical equipment you require.

How exactly does the whole clothes thing work for summer canyoning?

When you arrive at the office you should be wearing your swimwear underneath your clothes. Have on your feet socks and shoes you can get wet. Wear either shorts or light long pants, have a t-shirt on that covers your shoulders and bring a jacket of some description (ideally a fleece top).

The first thing we do is try on a wet suit to make sure it fits. When we get to the canyon we get out of our clothes and into our wet suits. Our clothes go into a dry bag and canyon pack which is provided for you. At the end of the canyon we get out of your wet suit and back into your dry clothes.

Generally as we hike out we sweat and also some water comes off the back pack so you get a little wet on your back and legs. Therefore there is no point having a change of clothes until you are back at the office.

Do you have a left luggage area?

Yes! You can safely leave your luggage with us.

What’s included?

Our full-day trips include all technical equipment (abseil gear, wetsuit, waterproof backpack, climbing shoes), lunch and transport from our office. We also include a waterproof camera for the group.

Is there an age limit?

We have had people from 6 to 86 participate in our adventures. Generally we have a minimum age of 14 years for summer canyoning trips. If you have kids under this age, please contact us to see if the canyon would be suitable. For the spectacular half day abseiling we take children from 10yrs of age however if you have children younger please contact our office to discuss options.

Do I need to be fit?

You can get away with average fitness on most of our adventures apart from our Advanced Canyoning trips – for these you need better than average fitness. (If you’re unsure, please ask at the time of booking.)

Is it weather-dependant?

We still run abseiling, canyoning and survival courses in light rain. We do need fine weather for rock climbing. Please note that when poor weather is forecast we still make the decision if the trip is running that morning. This is simply because the forecasts are often wrong.

Do you provide free parking?

Yes, free all day car parking is available right next to our building on Edwards Street. There is also a car Park at the YHA.

Do you provide accommodation?

Yes. We are located inside the Blue Mountains YHA so we can provide accommodation on our doorstep. You can also book your accommodation directly with the Blue Mountains YHA. We also recommend the No.14 Lovel St, hostel & private guesthouse.

Who are the guides?

Our guides are outdoor enthusiasts with a passion for taking others into our remote and beautiful environment. Minimum qualifications include Certificate 3 in Canyoning, First Aid and Bronze medallion. Between them, our guides have hundreds of years of experience!

Do you cater for private groups?

Yes. We specialise in bucks’ and hens’ groups, workmates and social clubs.

What if the trip I want to do is not scheduled in the calendar?

Please contact us and we will try to organise for you.

Do you cater for vegetarians, Vegans, Gluten Free, Celiac etc?

Yes, we do. You will see all our lunch options at the time of booking.

Can I cancel or change the date of my trip?

Due to the specialised nature of our adventures and the small groups we can take, all cancellations and date changes with less than 48hrs notice incur a full cancellation fee.

For group bookings (3 or more people) or any private booking a full cancellation fee applies if less than 14 days notice of cancellation or change of date is given.

All Bush Survival courses have a full cancellation fee if less than 14 days’ notice of cancellation or change of date is given.

For cancellations made with more than the above periods of notice, a $30 fee will apply.

A full refund is given if trip is cancelled by High ‘n Wild Pty Ltd (i.e. bad weather, bushfires etc.).

A part refund will be given if the trip is cancelled by High ‘n Wild Pty Ltd after commencement.

No refund will be given if trip is cancelled by a client after commencement.

No refund or reschedule will be given if you are late and the trip leaves without you.

Can non-swimmers participate in canyoning?

Yes, we have had non-swimmers successfully complete canyoning trips in the past. The waterproof backpack and wetsuit that we supply act as a buoyancy devices. Always contact the office for advice prior to booking.

What do I need for the 2 day bush survival course?

Shelter: Either a tent or a tarp and groundsheet. It’s your choice.

Sleeping Bag: Appropriate for the season. It often gets below zero degrees

Sleeping Mat: Partially Self inflating is ideal.

Clothing: You will need appropriate clothes for the bush, think layers, ideally no cotton (cold when damp), thermals and a fleece jumper and warm jacket are essential.

Rain Jacket: Bring one regardless of the weather forecast. Not a poncho.

Shoes: Suitable for bush walking.

Water bottle: We recommend a 1L ‘nalgene’ bottle- can take boiling water to make a hot water bottle at night.

Eating Kit: Bowl, mug, knife, spoon and fork (not disposable, they break).

Head torch: With full batteries.

Basic Toiletries: Including personal toilet paper.

Backpack: To fit everything, usually a minimum of 60L. (hiking style)

Personal medications

Pen/notepad

Optional: Compass (we will have a few to borrow if needed), Personal 1st aid kit (guides will have group 1st aid kit), Fixed blade knife.

Please arrive packed and ready to go.

Please make sure that all your gear is water proofed if it is wet weather.

Can I book on the phone?

Yes, If you would prefer to book on the phone please call us, we are more than happy to do that for you.