Gobsmacker Canyon

A canyon off the beaten track, North Bowens, a.k.a. 'Gobsmacker Canyon', is a full day out in the Mt Wilson area - famous for its many creeks and canyons. The canyon section of North Bowens is preceded by a magnificent trek down a steep rainforest gully into a stunning walled-in creek. The canyon itself involves some constricted swims between narrow sandstone walls, rock scrambling, and some interesting abseils. There are also some water jumps and lots of canyon wildlife. Relax on a sunny rock before the adventurous walk out - with short scrambles and climbs, and great views. A bit over an hour of walking  - much of it along easy but consistently up hill trails - sees us back at the car for the drive home.

Lunch

All BMAC full day participants receive a generous picnic lunch, provided by our local deli. 

Select one of their delicious, gourmet sandwich options when you book your trip.  Altitude Deli can cater to most dietary requirements with notice, so please let us know of your needs as soon as possible.

Equipment provided

We will provide you with a backpack, helmet, harness, carabiners, safety leashes and abseil descender.  We also cover your National Parks and Wildlife Service park entry fee.  While we encourage all participants to bring their own weather-appropriate clothing (see below), we have spare warm clothing and rain jackets if needed.

Things to bring 

Comfortable clothes suited to the conditions.  Katoomba is 1000m above sea level and you can expect cooler temperatures than in Sydney. 
As a general rule we recommend:

• Long sleeves and pants for sun and scratch protection
• Wool, synthetic and fleece fabrics (no cotton or denim)
• Closed shoes
• Sun hat, sunscreen and warm beanie
• Rain jacket
• Sneakers / sandshoes and woollen socks to wear in the canyon. These will get wet!
• Hair tie for those with long hair
• Swimming costume to wear under your wetsuit (it's great if you can be wearing this when you arrive for your trip)
• Water bottle, at least 1.5 litres.
• Personal medication (Ventolin/EpiPen etc.)

 

Recommended

• Thermal underwear to wear under your wetsuit in cold conditions
• Camera or Smartphone.  The wet canyon environment is incredibly photogenic and we recommend bringing a waterproof camera.  We hire waterproof digital cameras and sell waterproof smartphone cases in the office.  Just ask your guide. 
• Second set of clothes, shoes and socks to leave in the office or van for the end of the day
• Plastic bag for wet items

Participant Requirements 

We believe our canyoning adventures are heaps of fun, and we want to ensure you have the best experience possible in the remote regions we explore. It’s important to us that you have the fitness and skills to enjoy your time with us so please read on:

Fitness:  Participants are required to have a good level of fitness.  There is some bushwalking during the day, including some steep uphill sections.  All participants are required
to carry a backpack weighing up to 10kg throughout the day.

Abseiling:  Abseiling experience is desirable but not essential, as we will teach these skills as we progress through the canyon.

Mobility:  Participants are required to have good mobility as we will be moving through uneven terrain in a remote environment. 

Swimming:  This canyon involves swimming.  If you have any concerns about your swimming ability, please contact our office.

Also: BMAC requires each participant to follow all instructions from our guides, to maintain a safe work environment and ensure the wellbeing and safety of the whole group.

Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns, we’d be delighted to talk with you.