Butterbox Canyon

A spectacular canyon with superb rock architecture. This great action packed trip offers lots of variety with seven exciting abseils and several adrenalin pumping waterjumps! One of the highlights is the two challenging 25 metre abseils straight down a deep dark slot. The second abseil here is off a giant chockstone wedged between the canyon walls. After finishing the canyon it’s not over yet, as there is a 15 metre, grade 12 rockclimb to conquer on the way out. You will be safely roped and belayed by our experienced guides on this short exposed section 100 metres above the deck! A great finale to an awesome day. The steep exit walk and climb usually takes 2-3 hours. Butterbox is a challenging, adventurous trip that is physically demanding.

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, wetsuit, waterproof bag, helmet, harness, carabiners 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 weather.  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 

Our Advanced Canyoning Adventures are no stroll in the park. They are long, hard days in remote locations. Participants must have a high level of fitness along with abseiling and canyoning experience. Blue Mountains Adventure Company reserves the right to deny access to anyone whose fitness and experience (in our opinion) is deemed to be inadequate for the adventure chosen, and/or who is a hazard to themselves or others.

Fitness:  Participants are required to have a very high level of fitness.  Advanced canyons involve long, hard days with many abseils and strenuous, steep walks out.  Some exits involve scrambling or short rock climbs. All participants are required to carry a backpack throughout the day that may weigh in excess of 10kg.

Abseiling:  Advanced canyons have numerous tricky abseils, and abseiling experience is essential.

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 in very cold water for prolonged periods of time.  If you have any concerns about your swimming ability, please contact our office.

Climbing: There is a compulsory climb in the exit of this canyon. No prior climbing experience is necessary, but be prepared for some exposure to heights.

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.