Claustral Canyon

Where

Mount Wilson area in Blue Mountains National Park in Sydney and surrounds, Country NSW

Accessibility

No wheelchair access

Distance

9km

Time suggested

10hrs

Grade

Hard. Claustral Canyon requires high fitness and a high level of proficiency with ropes and other canyoning equipment.

Trip Intention Form

It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.

Personal Locator Beacon

Hire a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for free at Blue Mountains Heritage Centre in Blackheath.

What to
bring

Canyoning equipment, drinking water, helmet, wetsuit, personal locator beacon, food supplies, mobile phone, dry bag, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, first aid kit, sunscreen

Please note

• Don't visit Claustral Canyon just before, during or after heavy rainfall or storms. Check park alerts before you go.
• Only attempt Claustral Canyon with a competent guide.
• Be sure to choose a Park Eco Pass operator. Only Parks Eco Pass holders are permitted to operate tours in Blue Mountains National Park.
• You may encounter commercial tour groups.
• If the canyon is busy, use the creek exit instead of the abseil exit to reduce delays at the abseil exit.
• NPWS does not manage, mark or clear canyon access routes. These routes cross natural bushland, cliffs and forest. You must research and be responsible for your own directions and entry and exit information.

Claustral Canyon is a difficult 700m canyon near Mount Tomah, in the Mount Wilson area of Blue Mountains National Park. Allow about 10 hours for this challenge, which includes a total walk distance of 9km.

Be sure to come to this technical canyon prepared for 3 abseils, down-climbs, lots of scrambling, and jumps. There are also multiple swims, including a 50m long one that’s known as the ‘tunnel swim’. Because you’ll be spending a fair amount of time in the cold waters of Claustral Brook, summer is the best time to attempt Claustral Canyon.

The access track to Claustral Canyon starts from a large pull-in area on Bells Line of Road, just south-west of Mount Bell. Follow the signposted formed track towards Claustral Brook and the gully where the canyon begins. 

Take extra care when exiting the canyon because the exit gully is easy to miss.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info