High and wild in the Blue Mountains

When Mr LML and I were planning our Blue Mountains weekend getaway, a fireplace, spa bath, wine and good food were must haves. In between indulging, we wanted to do a couple of bush walks and a canyoning adventure to make the most of the mountain setting and offset the wine and cheese.

We settle in quickly to our Loft Studio. The warmth of the fireplace welcomes us as we enter. The room is spacious with an extremely comfortable queen bed down the far end and fireplace, lounge, table and small kitchenette down the other.

The kitchenette is basic, including a small bar fridge, microwave, glasses, plates, cutlery, and chopping board. As long as you go with the knowledge that it’s not set up for the travelling master chef, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. We found it extremely useful when it came to preparing a quick breakfast or a packed lunch before heading out for the day.

The hero of the Loft Studio is without a doubt the 18-jet hydrotherapy spa bath which comfortably fits two.

Despite the sky turning grey not long after we arrive, our spirits remain high. We conclude that rain isn’t a pain but quite a treat when enjoying a romantic escape. Pouring ourselves a glass of red, we arrange a delightful cheese platter and settle in for an afternoon in the spa listening to the rain outside.

The next day we decide to make the most of Falls Mountain Retreat’s proximity to Wentworth Falls – our front door is literally only a few minutes walk to the start of the walking track. Aaron at the front desk is extremely helpful when it comes to deciding what walk we should take and recommends the National Pass from Wentworth Falls to Empress Falls. Having walked this before, we cant say no. It’s definitely one of my favourite Blue Mountains tracks.

Every time I walk this path, nature presents something different. Something new always catches my eye. Thanks to the downpour the day before, the droplets on the leaves glisten. Everything is lush. The bush smells fresh. The waterfalls are alive. Water bounces over rocks, dances around bends before cascading into valleys below.

Towards the end of the walk, as Empress Falls come into sight, we spot a group of people taking on the water. One by one, they abseil down the face of the falls, doing their best to stay on their feet as water rushes around them. Having never been canyoning before, I stand there watching with a mix of excitement and anticipation. That will be us tomorrow …

We meet early the next morning at High n Wild’s office inside the YHA, Katoomba. A few forms to sign, boxes to tick and wetsuits to try on and then we’re on our way for a morning of abseiling. We drive with our guides Tim and Roberta in the team’s minivan until we reach our first destination.

I haven’t abseiled in years so the thorough explanation of “abseiling 101” is extremely helpful. With our extremely attractive harness, helmet and one glove (to help stop the rope burn) sorted, we’re good to go. As a group we master the first 5m abseil with ease. The 15m welcomes a few extra nerves along with a spectacular view. The following 30m abseil is a different story. I sit and wait for my turn surrounded by a few anxious faces. The worst part has to be the first steps over the edge. Refusing to look down, I fix my gaze firmly on the rock wall in front of me knowing if I sneak a look down into the valley below, the nerves will snowball. Step by step, I cautiously creep my way down 15-20m before getting to the overhang. At this point, I have no choice but to sit into my harness and lower myself down letting the rope slide slowly through my hand.

Despite the harness wedgie, the view is spectacular. Trees carpet the hills. Sunlight bursts through the mist in streams. The view does a great job neutralising the harness wedgie pain and I’m relieved when my feet make contact with the ground. Thirty metre abseil conquered, I’m ready to throw a waterfall into the mix.

At this point, the half day people leave the group. If you can, I highly recommend doing the full day abseil and canyoning tour. The abseiling feels like preparation for the afternoon’s canyoning so it’s a shame not complete the day with the abseil down Empress Falls.

Also, go prepared to wait your turn. If in a larger group of around 10, as expected, you do spend a fair amount of time waiting on the rock ledge for your chance to tackle the cliff face. We have a fantastic group so it’s not a problem but do keep in mind that you may only do four abseils (2 x 5m, 1 x 15m and 1 x 30m) over the half day tour.

The full day crew tuck into a delicious lunch prepared in the picnic area at Wentworth Falls National Park. Ham and salad rolls go down a treat with everyone extremely impressed by the generous spread.

The only downside, which High n Wild unfortunately can’t do much about, is the cold. They do their best handing out a couple of thermals and beanies to the freezing team. If you’re one who gets cold and decide to go canyoning towards the end of the season, definitely pack wool thermals to wear under your wetsuit. Although I originally think a wet beanie will only make me colder, I’m soon relieved to have it warming my head under my helmet.

On the side of the trickling stream, shivering bodies strip off and get into their wetsuits and helmets. Looking hot in my canyoning get up, I reluctantly step in. Icy water rushes through my wetsuit and fills my runners and I think to myself, why do people do this to themselves!?

Although nervous at times particularly when it comes to the jumps, with a line of people waiting behind me, adrenaline kicks in and I just go. We all keep a steady pace, taking on each challenge as it comes. The end challenge however, abseiling Empress Falls, takes the most guts of all. The rain means the waterfall is too dangerous to abseil down the middle. Having seen the abseilers battling the day before, I’m quite content with the safety call made by Tim and Roberta. We abseil down the side of Empress which is still an incredible thrill! Trying to manoeuvre my way down the slippery rock face is a challenge but one I conquer without too many slips or bumps along the way.

Once back at HQ, we happily peel off our wetsuits and wave farewell, making a speedy beeline towards the cafe. We finish our adventurous romantic Blue Mountains weekend in the same way we started – curled up with a drink by the fire; a pattern all good mountain escapes should follow!

Have you ever been canyoning? Tell us about it in the comments!

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