Blue Mountains Canyoning 8-10/3/19

This is probably the only canyoning trip that will run before December, so first in best dressed because there are only 12 spots available! It'll take place from Friday afternoon to Sunday night, 8-10th of March. 

This trip will be a weekend long trip to the Blue Mountains to see some of the most spectacular canyons in the region (cherry picked to avoid the atrocious hikes and bush bashes often associated with canyoning in the Bluies). That said, there will be several kilometres of hiking and some swimming, so a reasonable level of fitness and confident swimming ability are both essential.

We'll be camping at Cathedral Reserve campground near Mt Wilson on Friday and Saturday night, and returning to Newcastle by Sunday night. There are no camp fees, and only portaloos (no showers).

We'll aim to leave Newcastle around 5pm on Friday afternoon, which will put us at our camp site by 8:30. Earlier would be better, but this time is subject to uni and work commitments, so more detailed leaving arangements and car pooling will be sorted out in greater detail closer to the day.

The exact plans will likely change depending on the groups and the weather, but at this stage the plan is:

On Saturday we'll be swimming our way down the Wollangambe canyon, with a cheeky side trip up Water Dragon canyon to see one of the coolest (literally, it's cold) slot canyons that you can get into without having to bush bash your way up a hill for a couple of hours. There is about 6km of hiking, some of it up and down steep terrain. 

On Sunday, we head for Grand Canyon, one of the highest rated (9/10) canyons in the bluies! It's a short bush walk in and out, and an amazing canyon, with only one short swim. After that it's home time, back to Newcastle.

There is the potential for a half day of climbing as well, to be confirmed closer to the date.

All the camping gear you need can be hired from the gear store, as well as wetsuits, backpacks and dry sacks. You'll be in charge of bringing your own food*, though there is the option for a pub dinner on the Saturday night. 

*We will discuss meal planning once groups are finalised

Remember, first in best dressed! A training night may be necessary before attending this trip, please keep this in mind. 

An email will be sent out with further details regarding what to bring closer to the date.

Any questions, send me an email at cooperwalters217@gmail.com

Cooper

NUMC President