Claustral Canyon

Claustral Canyon is dubbed by many as the most beautiful of the Blue Mountains Canyons, and well so, even though some seem to view it as a little ‘overrated’.

In my opinion, how can anything so naturally beautiful be overrated??

In saying that, I can somewhat understand both sides. One pull to canyoning for most canyoners is the pristine, untouched, isolated, wild feeling you have in canyons. When you are battling for space to pass other canyoners or sitting and shivering in the cold waiting for a free anchor, it certainly looses that other-worldy feeling.

Unfortunately with its surging popularity in recent years, Claustral is one of those canyons that although still left untouched and wild, sees a lot of foot traffic. The parking for the canyon especially can be over flowing on a decent weather weekend.

I have only ever passed through Claustral Canyon once, but would love to go back one day.

The day begins! From the parking area it is a pretty cruisy walk down into the canyon on a tourist track managed by NSW Parks.

The first abseil takes you down into what I believe is called the Cauldron… dun dun dun! (did I just make that up?). Also part of the 3-drop series of abseils referred to as the ‘Hole of Calcutta’.

The second drop… as the canyon gets deeper and darker!

It is such an epic, wild and magical place to be.

The 3rd drop! And my turn to set up the anchor :D. My gear was so vibrant, crisp and fresh during this descent.

One of my favourite shots of me in a canyon. Thanks to Ronnie for the sublime photography skills!

After the epic cavernous series of abseils, you enter the most picturesque part of the canyon right before the junction between Claustral and Ranon Canyons.

This is just one of the many parts of the canyon that gets all the hype – the spectacular fern covered walls that feels like they never end! So soft looking, you feel like you could just bounce off the canyon walls.

Trying to take a nice group photo in the canyon but we look like were about to drop a new boys band album cover.

The next iconic, and very well known, part of this canyon is the hulk’s fist! When I first saw photos of this natural beastie I loved how much it really does look like hulk’s fist! I couldn’t wait to finally see it in person. Claustral Canyon also makes the most perfect home for a cheeky hulk.

Of course, we had to get our own version of the iconic photo on top of hulk’s fist! I feel like we look like posing power ranges?!

We added on a side trip up the end of Thunder Canyon, which was a tight, squeezey and glow wormy sort of adventure. Definitely worth doing while going down Claustral and it’s unlikely many people would do the exit hike for Thunder alone.

I do think we choose the tightest and squeeziest way in to make for an interesting adventure. Unfortunately this was the only photo I got in the Thunder section!