High and Wild Mountain Adventures Serendipity Canyon

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Serendipity means an unexpected pleasant discovery — a good description of this beautiful Mt Wilson canyon. A moderate grade full day of abseils, swims and creek walking, finishing at the Wollangambe River.

Days

Full day, 8am to 5pm

Age

Generally 14 and over

Group size

Max 8

Start / finish

Katoomba / Katoomba
Katoomba, around 5pm

Return

Katoomba, around 5pm

Transport

Transfers from the Katoomba office to the canyon

Meals

Gourmet lunch

Route

Map of High and Wild Mountain Adventures Serendipity Canyon

View map

Included experiences

Serendipity Canyon, Mt Wilson — a series of abseils up to 20 metres
Rainforest creek — swims and water jumps
Tunnel section — glow worm waterfall cave
Wollangambe River — late lunch and a swim
Bush walks in and out

High and Wild Mountain Adventures Serendipity Canyon

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: KATOOMBA TO MOUNT WILSON

The day starts at 8am at the office inside the YHA in Katoomba, where you're fitted with a wetsuit, harness and helmet before the drive north to Mount Wilson. The village sits on a cap of basalt, old volcanic rock that breaks down into far richer soil than the sandstone around it, which is why its gardens and rainforest grow so tall. From the car an easy half-hour bushwalk takes you to the top of the canyon.

INTO THE CANYON: ABSEILS, SWIMS AND A TUNNEL

A 15 metre abseil drops you to the creek and into cool temperate rainforest. From there you follow Serendipity Canyon downstream by a series of abseils, the highest about 16 metres, with swims and water jumps between them, while the walls rise higher on each side. Near the end comes a long tunnel section. Keep an eye on the dark ceilings: in the right spots you may see glow worms, which are the larvae of a small fly, glowing to lure insects into their sticky threads.

AFTERNOON: THE WOLLANGAMBE RIVER

The canyon spills out into the Wollangambe River, which runs through the Blue Mountains wilderness on its way north to the Colo River. Its water is warmer than the canyon creek, so after a late gourmet lunch on the rocks there's time for a swim and a wade. The final stretch is a steep walk of about an hour back up to the car, and you're back in Katoomba around 5pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: The office inside the Blue Mountains YHA, 207 Katoomba Street, Katoomba, a 5 minute walk from Katoomba train station. Free all-day parking behind the hostel, and you can leave luggage at the office.
Departure time: 8am.
Finishes: Around 5pm.
Minimum age: Generally 14 for the summer canyoning trips; ask the operator about younger children.
Fitness: Moderate grade.
Dietary needs: Vegetarians catered for; please ask when booking.
Please note: Canyoning runs in light rain. Non-swimmers have completed canyoning before, as the backpack and wetsuit act as buoyancy; ask the operator before booking.

What to bring

Hiking or running shoes that can get wet
Swimsuit
Reusable water bottle
Outdoor clothing for the weather
Any personal medications

What is included

All technical and safety equipment, including abseil gear and a waterproof backpack
Wetsuit hire
Transfers from the office to the canyon
Gourmet lunch
A waterproof camera for the group

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

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