Towering cliffs or hidden canyons? Whichever adventure you choose, you're in for an unforgettable day out. But to help decide between a canyoning and an abseiling adventure in the Blue Mountains, here are a few differences.

What does abseiling involve?

Abseiling involves descending a rock face or a near-vertical surface (such as a waterfall or a cliff) on a rope while harnessed. If you hail from North America or parts of Europe, rappelling is also commonly known as this. The roped sport is commonly practised worldwide and is a fun, safe activity in a controlled environment when conducted with experienced professionals. 

At height, you get the payoff straightaway – taking in open views and panoramic vistas before making your way down the rope. It can also be combined with rock climbing for a full day built entirely around rope skills. 

If cliff-edge views excite you, abseiling is a great place to start. With the support of our highly trained guides, you'll learn to control your own descent using a harness and rope while taking in world-famous views of the Blue Mountains.

If you have never abseiled before, no stress! Our Introductory Abseiling adventures in the Blue Mountains are designed for beginners, including young families. You'll usually start the day with some practice descents on a shorter, easier cliff to build technique and confidence, then move on to bigger drops once you've got the hang of it. 

Expeditions like the Boars Head Abseil and Climb Expedition combine this with some rock climbing for a full day focused entirely on rope skills, with guides keeping things relaxed and unhurried throughout.

What does canyoning involve? 

Canyoning can often be a more intensive day on foot. You're moving through a canyon system shaped by water over thousands of years, which means wading, swimming, rock scrambling, water jumps, the occasional cave crawl or snaking through unique chasm slots. Abseiling is often part of the adventure as you descend further into the deep gorge. 

Canyons like Empress Falls, Juggler, Grand Canyon and Butterbox each have their own character, but the common thread is working your way through a natural landscape rather than just descending one face of it. There's a fun and thrilling rhythm to it: long, quiet stretches of wading through fern-lined pools followed by sudden bursts of adrenaline as you jump or abseil into the next section. 

Most canyoning trips include abseiling as part of the mix, and introductory trips with Blue Mountains Adventure Company (BMAC) usually kick off with a morning abseil. This helps you grow comfortable on the rope before descending into the beautiful gorges and gullies. So if you do join a canyoning adventure, you'll still get that roped experience most of the time. 

Because there's more ground to cover, these adventures tend to take longer to complete, including a hike in, exploration of the canyon itself, and a hike back out. Not every canyon involves abseiling, though.

There are no-abseiling trips, such as Bula Bula Canyon Explorer and River Caves Canyon, which involve wading and scrambling. Some other canyons, like Deep Pass Explorer, involve roped-down climbs rather than a full abseil setup.

For many, the highlight is being fully immersed in a canyon landscape that few people ever get to experience. It's the kind of place that stays with you long after you've left, and offers a beautiful reset for the soul.

Wet vs dry: why the season matters 

In summer, the season calls for some fun, wet action. This means full immersion, swimming through gorges, waterfalls, and rock pools while the weather's warm enough to enjoy it. Our wet canyoning adventures generally run from September to April, when conditions are best suited to it.

Come winter, we turn to our dry canyons (which are also open all year round). You still get the scrambling, rock formations, and a rainforest setting without the cold-water swim. It's an exhilarating way to keep canyoning on the cards if you'd rather stay dry, or you're not yet confident in the water.

Key differences

Skill focus: Abseiling days mainly focus on roped descents at various heights, practised repeatedly. Canyoning requires a broader mix of swimming, scrambling, hiking, and rope work. 

Duration and ground covered: Canyoning days typically involve more hiking in and out, plus time exploring within the canyon. Sole abseiling days are more concentrated around the cliff or vertical faces. 

Fitness: Both adventure styles call for a reasonable level of fitness, but canyoning adds swimming and scrambling to the walking mix, making it the more physically demanding of the two overall. Even fit, experienced groups can feel it on the steeper exit hikes.

Summer conditions: Even on the warmest days, the water in the Blue Mountains stays refreshingly cool. This makes the summer season a fantastic time to go wet canyoning, especially after the hike in to cool off. Prefer to stay dry? Abseiling expeditions and introductory abseil days deliver just as much excitement but let you stay completely dry from start to finish.

Autumn and winter conditions: Dry canyons avoid full water immersion, and you'll be equipped with thermal layers, fleece, and waterproof jackets to keep you warm and ready for the adventure ahead. Abseiling holds up just as well in the cooler periods of the year – if anything, the crisp air makes those panoramic views on the way down even more rewarding.

Have a browse of our upcoming departures to see what's lined up this coming season. If you're still unsure, get in touch with our team. We can help match the day to your experience, fitness, and what you're actually keen to try, whether that's your first abseil or your next big canyon.

It ultimately comes down to your fitness, confidence, and the kind of experience you're after. Either way, both will get your heart going, and both will invite you into scenery that'll leave you in awe.