Drop In, It's Fun
Newcastle Herald
Saturday January 8, 2000
DAN Wheatley flings himself down the rope like he was born doing it.
For the rest of us, abseiling 55m down a rocky cliff onto a 3m-wide ledge in the middle of the Kanimbla Valley is a little more terrifying. But at the same time it is exhilarating and wildly exciting.
If that's not enough to get your blood pumping there's always hanging off tiny rocky outcrops on a cliff face 20m off the ground.
Abseiling and rock climbing are only two among a plethora of outdoor activities to be indulged in in the Blue Mountains.
The reason Dan's such a natural? He grew up in the mountains and is one of the highly skilled guides employed by adventure group High & Wild.
The Blue Mountains centre of Katoomba is only a $10, two-hour train ride from central Sydney but it feels like another world.
The weather often can be bitterly cold and wet, so warm outdoor attire is essential.
A wide variety of accommodation is available, with cost varying accordingly. In some areas pitching a tent is allowed but it's wise to check with authorities in advance.
A more comfortable choice would be one of the dozens of guesthouses in the area.
The recently renovated, 66-year-old Metropole Guesthouse offers a range of packages, including single rooms with en-suite for two nights for $145, including hot breakfast and dinners both days.
It's great value, and the rooms are beautifully finished with lace, roses and electric blankets to stave off the cold.
For daytime activities High & Wild has it covered, with canyoning, mountain biking, wilderness walks and of course rock climbing and abseiling.
Abseiling prices start from $49 but for $89 you can enjoy drops from three venues and a lunch of fresh rolls, salads and meats.
The day begins at 9.30am and the basics of the sport are taught on a 3m drop at Narrow Neck, not far outside Katoomba.
Once everyone has the idea, jumpers move on to a 12m jump and finally there's the `Super Jump' of 55m over the Kanimbla Valley.
For the writer, the most difficult part of each jump was the first step. Edging backwards off a 55m cliff suspended by a rope was terrifying, but break through that fear and once you are off the edge it is fabulous.
Being in the middle of a beautiful green valley, with not a soul in sight, bouncing down the wall is an exhilarating experience.
Abseiling is available though High & Wild on Saturdays and Sundays, but rock climbing outings require some organisation and are very dependent on good weather for beginners. Half-day climbs set you back about $75.
The location is really up to the group and your guide. One of the regular sites is at Mount York and features three climbs ? snap, crackle and pop. No experience is necessary and all equipment is provided by High & Wild.
Climbing is great fun, both physically and mentally challenging as you figure out the best path up the cliff face. But with grades ranging from the very easy to the near-impossible it's a great sport for just about anyone to try.
Once you have had a go in the mountains you will want to keep it up when the weekend's over. Most capital cities and some major centres have indoor climbing gyms, offering a range of courses and casual visits.
In Sydney, City Crag in Kent St offers one-hour safety courses from $35 as well as other, more extensive eight-hour courses.
Outdoor activities in the Blue Mountains can fill a perfect weekend getaway. One sight not to be missed while in Katoomba is that of the craggy Three Sisters from Echo Point.
Trolley cars run regularly along the main thoroughfare of Katoomba St and cover the two-kilometre journey to Echo Point for $1.90.
It is easy to forget that there is such a beautiful part of Australia only two hours from the hustle, bustle and pollution of central Sydney. It's a perfect weekend break.
© 2000 Newcastle Herald