North Bowens Creek Canyon

Where

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

Accessibility

No wheelchair access

Distance

7.1km

Time suggested

6hrs

Grade

Hard. North Bowens Creek Canyon requires moderate fitness and 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

Drinking water, canyoning equipment, helmet, wetsuit, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, first aid kit, mobile phone, dry bag, personal locator beacon, sunscreen, snacks

Please note

• Don't visit North Bowens Creek Canyon just before, during or after rainfall or storms. Check park alerts before you go.
• Only attempt North Bowens Creek 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.
• You must cross private property to enter and exit North Bowens Creek Canyon. Please respect signs and directions. Access is granted at the landowner’s discretion.
• 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.

You should only attempt North Bowens Creek Canyon if you’re an accomplished user of ropes and other canyoning equipment. Plan to take about 6 hours and do a total walk of 7.1km to get in and out of this canyon.

North Bowens Creek Canyon is a challenging 800m canyon. You’ll need to do down-climbs, jumps, scrambles, swims and 2 abseils to complete it. The first abseil descends 10m into a small pool, the second 12m down a waterfall into a large pool. 

From there you’ll need to make several short swims in this deep and narrow canyon to reach the junction of the north and south branches, where you’ll begin your exit.

Because you’ll spend a fair amount of time in the cold waters of Bowens Creek, warm, sunny days of summer are the best times to attempt this canyon.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info