Hi all,
After the recent disasters in Australia, this trip will mark my return to canyoning. More areas are slowly being reopened following risk and damage assessments so it is high time to squeeze in a canyon or two before the cold of winter sets in. This will be a two day trip to the Blue Mountains to check out the wet vertical canyon Serendipity (https://ozultimate.com/canyoning/track_notes/why_dont_we_do_it_in_the_road.htm) and a canyon I haven't visited before - Whore's Bed (see here for trip notes to give an idea https://www.subw.org.au/2016/11/26/jugglers-canyon-whores-bed-canyon/).
Both canyons have abseils so previous abseiling experience is needed. Serendipity exit will involve continuing down the Wollangambe River to the exit - approximately 1.5-2km of travel with numerous long swims so some swimming ability is recommended (although note we will have dry bags in packs for flotation to aid the journey).
We will camp at the Blackheath Glen camping area (https://www.campsight.com.au/catalogue/greater-sydney---blue-mountains/blackheath-glen--megalong-valley--blue-mountains) - pit toilets present, not much else. Serendipity is a fairly short canyon, and Whore's bed is a half day trip which will allow for a return to Canberra on Sunday at a reasonable time in the afternoon. Blackheath Glen is fairly close to Blackheath, so there is the option to dinner at the pub or in town on Saturday evening on the way back from Serendipity canyon.
If you are interested in this trip - please email with a description of previous canyoning eperience (if any) along with your experience in abseiling. Please note if you do not email me - you will not be permitted to attend. I will assess your suitability for the trip based on your email - so please ensure you do this! Note registrations will close on the Monday prior to the trip to allow time to finalise safety information and details before the weekend. Please only sign up if you are actually free and definitely able to attend!
Depart Canberra 17:30 on Friday evening. Dinner stop in Goulburn, take Hume, M7 and Great Western Highway to Blackheath Glen. Saturday drive to Mt Wilson (coffee stop in Blackheath if desired), park Cathedral of Ferns and depart by 1000 for Serendipity Canyon. Exit canyon by continuing down the Wollangambe to the Wollangambe 2 exit point. Drive back to Blackheath Glen and camp there Saturday evening. Option for dinner in Blackheath. Sunday - pack camp, drive to Katoomba park Cahills Lookout. Aim to be there by 10.30am. Head down Whore's Bed and back up Devils Hole track. Depart for Canberra approx 2.00pm at latest.