At Blue Mountains Climbing School (BMCS), we are committed to making a positive impact across all aspects of our operations. Our approach is guided by a deep respect for the environment, a commitment to social inclusion, a focus on supporting the local economy, and a strong ethical foundation. Through these efforts, we strive to be a leader in responsible adventure tourism, ensuring that our business practices benefit not only our clients but also the broader community and natural environment.

Environmental Responsibility

Although BMCS is carbon positive (but not by much…) – we do use resources to run our business – but wherever possible we strive to reduce them through:

Promoting Low-Impact Adventures

BMCS is deeply committed to promoting low-impact adventure practices that help preserve the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains. We actively encourage our clients to engage in low-impact behaviours during their adventures. This includes picking up rubbish along trails, reducing waste by minimizing the use of disposable products, and demonstrating and teaching Leave No Trace principles. Our guides are trained to educate clients on how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, ensuring that each adventure not only provides a memorable experience but also instils a sense of stewardship for the environment. Education = Preservation.

Encouraging Carpooling and Sustainable Travel

To reduce the environmental impact of travel, BMCS encourages clients to carpool to adventure sites whenever possible. We provide information on local accommodation options, public transport options and offer pickup services from local accommodation to further reduce the need for individual car trips. By promoting carpooling and sustainable travel practices, we help to minimize our carbon footprint and reduce traffic congestion in the Blue Mountains area

Supporting Local and Sustainable Food Practices

Our commitment to environmental responsibility extends to our food practices as well. BMCS works with a local café to provide lunches for our clients, ensuring that dietary needs are met while also encouraging minimal use of plastics. By partnering with local food providers who share our commitment to sustainability, we reduce waste and support environmentally friendly practices. In 2024 we provided around 900 lunches that no longer use plastic, saving approximately 5kg of plastic waste from use that would have gone straight to landfill. We also educate our clients about the importance of supporting local businesses that prioritize sustainability, reinforcing the idea that small choices can have a big impact on the environment.

Environmental Education

One of our key roles at BMCS is to educate clients about the environment. We ensure that our clients understand the importance of protecting natural spaces and the risks they face due to human activity and climate change. Our guides incorporate environmental education into every adventure, helping clients to appreciate the delicate balance of ecosystems and the need for ongoing conservation efforts. By fostering a deeper connection to nature, we hope to inspire our clients to become advocates for the environment in their own lives.

Social Responsibility

Partnerships with Marginalised Groups

BMCS is committed to social inclusion, and we actively work to make outdoor adventures accessible to all. Our partnerships with organisations like ClimbingQTs, Rescue and Adventure Climbing for Women and Queer (RAWQ), and Mum’s Gone Climbing are central to this effort. Through these partnerships, we create tailored experiences that address the unique needs of marginalised groups, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. These partnerships not only provide life-changing experiences for participants but also help to build a more inclusive outdoor community.

Employee Mentoring and Professional Development

At BMCS, we believe that investing in our employees is key to our success. Some of Our Happy Team are pictured here showing we are on the right track. We provide ongoing mentoring and professional development opportunities, particularly in the area of roping and technical skills. Our involvement with industry bodies such as the Outdoors NSW amp; ACT (ONSWACT), Canyon Guides Association (CGA), and the Australian Climbing Instructors Association (ACIA) ensures that our staff are always up-to-date with the latest industry standards and best practices. This commitment to professional development not only benefits our employees but also enhances the quality of the experiences we offer our clients.

Industry Involvement and Leadership

BMCS takes an active role in the outdoor adventure industry, contributing to the development of best practices and standards. Our involvement with ONSWACT, CGA, and ACIA allows us to influence the industry in positive ways, particularly in promoting safety, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility. We also offer professional development courses in roping and technical skills, helping to raise the overall standard of the industry and ensuring that our peers are equipped to provide safe and responsible outdoor experiences. Delivering CPD to Outdoor Guides is one way of maintaining a high industry standard. Our staff participate in Crag Care (maintenance of local climbing access tracks organised by the local council), carry volumes of rubbish out of the areas we work in, and have been active in volunteering time to meet with local land managers to review the impacts of fire, flood and landslides on the spaces we work in.

Economic Responsibility

Supporting Local Businesses

BMCS is dedicated to supporting the local economy by sourcing products and services from nearby businesses whenever possible. We purchase locally made items such as packs from Katoomba and branding on clothing from Springwood. By choosing local suppliers, we not only support the regional economy but also reduce the environmental impact associated with transporting goods over long distances. Our commitment to local procurement helps to create a more sustainable and resilient local economy, here we attend Scenic World’s Buunyal Tour run by Gundungurra Elder Uncle David King. In 2024 our local spend was 69% of our total expenses (excluding wages which all went to local employees) totalling $66K spent in the local economy.

Collaborating with Local Suppliers

We also collaborate with local suppliers to help test and market locally made products. For example, we have worked closely with Summit Gear, a local manufacturer, to test their new products and demonstrate their products to our clients. This collaboration benefits both BMCS and Summit Gear, as it allows us to provide our clients with high-quality, locally made gear while also helping to promote a local business. By showcasing these products during our adventures, we help to raise awareness of the benefits of buying local, further strengthening the local economy. Locally Designed, Printed, and Purchased T-Shirts make up our uniform and a cool retro 40th anniversary shirt for our guests to buy as a souvenir.

Demonstrating Ethical Business Practices

BMCS operates with a strong ethical foundation, ensuring that our business practices are fair, transparent, and socially responsible. We are committed to paying our staff fairly and providing a supportive work environment that values diversity and inclusion. Our partnerships with marginalised groups and our focus on sustainable practices demonstrate our commitment to ethical business practices. We believe that by operating in a way that is both socially and environmentally responsible, we can make a positive impact on our community and the world.

Absolutely! Your family’s safety is our absolute highest priority on every private guided adventure trip in the Blue Mountains. We specialise in creating beginner-friendly canyoning, abseiling, and climbing experiences that are designed with children and families in mind. Our expert guides are highly qualified, extensively trained, and hold current first aid certifications. We use only top-quality safety equipment that’s regularly inspected and maintained to the highest standards. Our high guide-to-client ratio on private tours ensures personalised attention, constant supervision, and the highest level of care for every family member throughout your adventure.

Because all our trips are private and custom-designed for your family, we don’t have strict age limits or minimum age requirements. We focus on finding the perfect Blue Mountains canyoning, abseiling, or climbing location that will be enjoyable and suitable for every member of your family, whether you have young children (e.g., 8-year-olds), teenagers, or adults. We tailor the adventure to ensure it’s fun and safe for all ages present.

No prior experience is necessary for any of our beginner-friendly family adventure trips in the Blue Mountains. Our private tours are specifically designed for novices and first-timers. Our expert guides will teach you all the necessary techniques and safety procedures step-by-step, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and confident throughout your canyoning, abseiling, or climbing experience.

Our full-day, beginner-friendly family adventure tours in the Blue Mountains are designed to be enjoyable for a wide range of fitness levels. While a moderate level of general fitness is beneficial (e.g., being able to walk for a few hours), we tailor the specific activity and pace to suit your family’s capabilities. Our guides will ensure you’re comfortable and make adjustments as needed, allowing everyone to participate and have a great time canyoning, abseiling, or climbing at their own pace.

t’s completely normal to feel a little nervous before or during an adventure! Our patient and experienced guides are highly skilled at providing encouragement and support. On our private family tours with Blue Mountains Climbing School, we prioritise everyone’s comfort. If someone in your family (child or adult) becomes scared or feels they can’t continue, we have strategies to help them through, or to find an alternative way for them to rejoin the group or exit the activity safely. Your enjoyment and well-being are always paramount.

For your Blue Mountains canyoning, abseiling, or climbing adventure with Blue Mountains Climbing School, we recommend wearing comfortable, athletic clothing that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty. Quick-drying fabrics are ideal. Layers are also a good idea as temperatures can change. For canyoning, swimwear to wear under wetsuits (which we provide) is essential. For all activities, closed-toe shoes with good grip (like sneakers or hiking shoes) are required. Please avoid open-toed shoes or sandals.

We provide all the specialised safety equipment necessary for your Blue Mountains private adventure tour with Blue Mountains Climbing School, including harnesses, helmets, ropes, and technical gear for canyoning, abseiling, or climbing. For canyoning, we also supply wetsuits, helmets, and canyoning-specific equipment. You should bring: * Closed-toe shoes with good grip (to get wet/dirty) * Comfortable clothing suitable for activity and weather (it will be 10 degrees colder than Sydney – so go on and pack that extra jacket ) * Swimwear (for canyoning, to wear under wetsuit) * Sunscreen and a hat * Any personal medications * Camera (optional, at your own risk for water activities)

Due to the remote and natural environments where we conduct our Blue Mountains adventure trips, formal toilet facilities are generally not available during the actual canyoning, abseiling, or climbing activities. We ensure clients have access to facilities at the meeting point before we head into the bush. Our guides are experienced in discreetly managing nature’s call in the wilderness with minimal environmental impact, if necessary, during the tour.

Most of our private guided adventure trips with Blue Mountains Climbing School start and end directly at our base in Blackheath. We will provide detailed directions to this meeting point upon booking. For your convenience, we can generally arrange a pickup service from your Blue Mountains accommodation upon request. If you’re staying further afield or need assistance planning your travel to the Blue Mountains, we are happy to help you find the best transport options. Once you meet us, transport to and from the specific canyoning, abseiling, or climbing location is always provided by us.

The cost of your private family canyoning, abseiling, or climbing trip in the Blue Mountains is influenced by several factors, including the number of participants, the specific location chosen, and the day of the week (with penalty rates applying for weekends and public holidays). Our full-day private family adventures start from $855. For an accurate price and to secure your booking, we recommend using our online booking calendar on the website. The calendar will automatically update the price based on your group size, chosen date, and selected trip. You can also contact Blue Mountains Climbing School directly to discuss your family’s ideal adventure experience and receive assistance with booking.

We understand that circumstances can change, especially for families, and we always strive to be fair in our dealings, balancing what’s best for our guests, our dedicated staff, and the business. Our cancellation policy for private family adventure tours with Blue Mountains Climbing School is designed to provide our guides with certainty of work, as their availability is secured based on your bookings. This ensures we can continue to offer the highest quality canyoning, abseiling, and climbing experiences with expert, reliable staff. The policy, outlined in detail in our Terms and Conditions, is as follows: * 2 weeks and over: No charge for cancellation. * 8-14 days: 25% of course fare. * 3-7 days: 50% of course fare. * Less than 3 days: Full fare price. If a course is cancelled by us due to unforeseen circumstances such as unsafe weather conditions, we will normally provide a credit for future activities. Refunds or credit transfers may be given at the discretion of management. All refunds will incur processing fees of approximately 4%. We strongly recommend obtaining suitable private travel and/or cancellation insurance for your booking. For full details, please refer to the comprehensive Terms and Conditions on our website.

Our commitment to custom-designing your private family adventure trip begins the moment you contact Blue Mountains Climbing School – whether by phone or email. In the office, we take the time to understand your family’s aims for the day, their experience levels, sense of adventure, fitness, and ages, as well as any specific preferences or concerns. This detailed understanding, combined with our intimate familiarity with the Blue Mountains and our extensive technical and facilitation skills, allows us to select the perfect canyoning, abseiling, or climbing location, assign the most suitable guide, and employ the right techniques to meet your desired outcomes. We are experts at adapting the pace and challenges to ensure everyone feels comfortable, engaged, and has an incredibly enjoyable and memorable full-day experience.

Yes, you are welcome to bring cameras or phones to capture your Blue Mountains family adventure! However, please note that for water-based activities like canyoning, we advise caution as we cannot be responsible for damage to personal electronics. Many clients bring waterproof cameras (like GoPros) for these trips. Our guides are also often happy to take photos for your family using your devices when it is safe to do so, helping you capture those incredible canyoning, abseiling, or climbing memories.

On our beginner-friendly private family adventure tours in the Blue Mountains, we select locations specifically known for their suitability for first-timers and mixed-ability groups. For canyoning, this might involve fun jumps into pools, short swims, and gentle abseils. For abseiling, you’ll learn on smaller, controlled descents before progressing to slightly higher ones if comfortable. For climbing, we use routes with easy-to-moderate grades. Our guides will ensure the chosen canyon, abseil, or climb is appropriate and enjoyable for every member of your family, providing a safe and exciting introduction to the sport.

Our family adventure tours with Blue Mountains Climbing School are exclusively private, meaning your group will consist only of your family and our dedicated guide(s). We do not combine different families or individuals into one group. As a general rule, we can easily make trips work for anywhere between 1 and 35 people. For larger groups beyond 35, we can definitely accommodate you if we have sufficient time to plan. However, for private family trips, we generally recommend a group size of 1 to 10 people to ensure everyone gets the most out of the day and enjoys a highly personalised canyoning, abseiling, or climbing experience in the Blue Mountains. This smaller range allows for maximum customisation and individual attention.

Great Question – head on over to our blog to see more about the Blue Mountains and what to do

The peak climbing seasons here are autumn (Mar-May) and spring (Sep-Nov). With crisp temperatures averaging between 8°C and 15°C, spring and autumn offer perfect friction and great conditions for climbing in the shade or sun (but make sure you bring warm layers for when you’re on belay!)

Winter is also a great time for climbing in the Blue Mountains, as many of the classic vertical crags are sun-soaked through most of the day, making them lovely places to hang out.

Summer is probably the least optimum time for climbing in the Blue Mountains, as hot temperatures can limit your options to morning or afternoon sessions or steep sport climbing areas, which catch more shade. The heat also takes its toll on your fingertips as the local sandstone is quite abrasive.

Yes. Our courses run any day of the year except Christmas Day and New Years Day. Minimum numbers apply, please check your course page for details.

If you have a particular date and instructor in mind we recommend booking well in advance.

Yes. Our full Terms and Conditions are available during booking (and definitely before you confirm and pay..)

For now, if you would like to cancel your course before the start date, the following fees apply:

• 2 weeks and over no charge
• 8-14 days: 25% of course fare
• 3-7 days: 50% of course fare
• Less than 3 days – full fare price.

If your course is cancelled due to the weather, your course will be rescheduled or we will issue you with a gift voucher valid for 3 years. Refunds may be available at the discretion of the Blue Mountains Climbing School. Any refunds will also incur processing fees of approximtely 4%. We may, at our discretion, reduce, transfer or waive your loss of fare or any processing fees for any reason.

We run our courses in all but the most extreme weather conditions. Moderate wind, drizzle and mist do not affect the safety of our operations and your course will run as normal. If we have concerns about the weather we’ll try to let you know in advance, and if you’re concerned then please feel free to give us a call; we are always happy to chat.

That said, Blue Mountains Climbing School management and staff reserve the right to cancel or continue courses in weather at their discretion.   If your course is cancelled due to the weather, your course will be rescheduled or we will issue you with a gift voucher valid for 3 years. Refunds may be available at the discretion of the Blue Mountains Climbing School.

If you decide not to attend due to weather against our policy or advice, you will be charged the full course fee.

On the rare occasions that the weather surprises us, sometimes we find ourselves making safety decisions on the day of your course.

Comfortable clothes suited to the conditions. Weather can be very variable in the mountains, so come prepared! As a general rule we recommend:

• Long sleeves and pants for sun and scratch protection
• Wool, synthetic and fleece fabrics (no cotton or denim)
• Closed shoes
• Sun hat, sunscreen
• Rain jacket
• If you’re coming in winter, bring a beanie, gloves and a warm jacket.

Water bottle – at least 1.5 litres.

Personal medication (ventolin/EpiPen etc.)

A notepad and pen (or your printed course notes) – to take notes.

Camera or Smartphone – there are heaps of good photo ops throughout our climbing courses. Photographs are also a helpful way to document and remember what you learn.

Gear – we recommend that you bring any gear you have, and we’ll discuss the equipment on the day.

Food –  Please bring your own lunch, or grab something in Blackheath on the morning of your course. We recommend the awesome sandwiches at the Altitude Deli. We also recommend bringing some snacks to provide bursts of energy during the day

Absolutely. We encourage you to bring your own gear. We will assess its condition before using and supply gear for you to use if needed

One day Introduction to Outdoor Climbing sessions and private guided days include a delicious lunch from the Altitude Cafe in Blackheath unluess otherwise specified.

For all instructional courses, lunch is available as an optional extra selected at time of booking.   We have found that many students prefer to provide their own lunch and this keeps costs to a minimum.  The Altitude Cafe makes a range of gourmet sandwiches and can cater to most dietary requirements (we haven’t found one yet they can’t do), just let us know and we will send you a lunch menu.  Alternatively you can buy your lunch at Altitude Cafe on the day, they offer discounts to Climbing School students

If you have a severe allergic reaction to some foods let us know and we ensure your lunch is kept entirely separate from others that may contain the allergens.

Generally, the minimum age for technical climbing instruction is 17 years. All participants under the age of 18 must have a waiver form completed by their parent or guardian and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, except where prior arrangement has been made.

If you are under 17 and would like to participate in a climbing course, please contact us.   Concessions may be possible for technical courses under certain circumstances and we do run a Young Guns Learn to Lead course specifically designed for young current keen gym climbers wanting to learn to lead.

Our climbing courses are designed to teach recreational skills, not guiding skills however we have partnered with other organisations to deliver Outdoor Leadership and Nationally Accredited Training and Australian Climbing Instructors Assosciation courses in the Blue Mountains and further abroad.

Yes. You can buy gift certificates for any course or any amount, and we will send you a printable PDF certificate via email.

If you would like to give an official printed gift certificate we’d love to send one out. It costs $5 extra and every cent goes to Crag Care, a local community organisation working to maintain access to Blue Mountains crags through community track care and rehabilitation days.

Yes: see https://climbingschool.com.au/gift-certificates/

BMCS gift certificates are valid for any course or guided day for 3 years from the date of purchase.

They can be used to pay for part of a course and are fully transferable.

If you don’t use the full value of the voucher you will be issued with a new voucher for the remaining balance.

Yes.  Check out our climbing language glossary.

Climate

The climate in the Upper Blue Mountains is quite different from Sydney. Blackheath is 1065 metres (3494 ft) above sea level, and temperatures here are often cooler than at sea level – sometimes by up to 10°C. During winter (Jun-Aug) the average temperature in the Upper Mountains is around 5°C (41°F), while in summer (Dec-Feb) the average daytime maximum is around 23°C (73°F) but can climb well into the 30’s (90°F+).

The Blue Mountains has similar rainfall to Sydney, with the Upper Blue Mountains receiving an average of around 1050mm (41inches) per year. The upper Blue Mountains also occasionally experiences snowfall, but despite the cool temperatures there are rarely more than 5 snow days per year.

For more info, please visit: http://www.bluemts.com.au/info/about/climate/

Weather

Blue Mountains weather is often very localised and variable. Often it will be storming in one part of the mountains and sunny in another, and it can change quite rapidly throughout the day.

Blackheath often experiences misty mornings, caused by cool air sinking into the valleys overnight and rising and dawn. This mist generally burns off to clear blue skies by midday. If you arrive to a misty morning, please do not be discouraged. Our guides know these mountains, and there are many areas which stay dry in all but the most torrential rain.

If you have any concerns about the weather, please call our office early on the day of your trip.

Driving by Car 

If you are coming to the mountains for a course, driving is the easiest way to access some of the sites that we use. If you can’t drive or don’t have access to a car please let us know and we will make travel arrangements for you when you arrive in Blackheath.

The scenic drive from the Sydney CBD to Katoomba takes about 2 hours. It can take much longer if you travel on public holidays, during peak times, or if there is road-work, so check before you drive. If you leave the city before 7am you will generally avoid most of the traffic.

Once you are out of the CBD start following signs towards Parramatta, Penrith or Katoomba and enter the M4 Motorway heading west.

After about 50 minutes you will cross the Nepean River and begin your ascent into the Blue Mountains. Here, the M4 changes its name to the Great Western Highway and begins its winding journey up through the villages of the Blue Mountains to Blackheath.

By Train

 If you aren’t able to drive to the Blue Mountains, let us know and we will make travel arrangements for when you arrive in Blackheath.

The train is one of the fastest and easiest ways to get to Katoomba from Sydney. It’s also the most convenient and eco-friendly. Bonus!

The total travel time is about 2.5 hours. There are toilets on the train, and we would recommend taking some snacks and your water bottle with you for the journey. Details about the facilities available at Blackheath train station can be found on the Trasnport for NSW website: Blackheath Train Station

We also recommend getting a seat upstairs on the left side as you leave Central to make the most of the spectacular views over Glenbrook Gorge and across the Blue Labyrinth, where the wilderness extends south for over 100km. As you get closer to Blackheath you will start getting glimpses of the iconic blue hazed eucalypt forests and famous cliff walled valleys.

To find out the latest timetable and fare information, phone 13 15 00, or go to www.transportnsw.info.

Make sure to check if there is track-work on the day of your trip and allow extra time for the journey.

The short answer is yes. The long answer is that it will limit the areas that you can climb in. A lot of the crags are more than walking distance from the train and bus stations, and having a car makes things much more convenient.

If you are visiting without a car, check out these crags, which are just a few kilometres walk from the train station:

Medlow Bath Station

• Medlow Bath

Blackheath Station

• Shipley Upper
• Porters Pass
• Centennial Glen

Mt Victoria Station

• Boronia Point
• Pindari
• Mt Piddington

• The train is a convenient way to travel between the villages of the Blue Mountains. To find out the latest timetable and fare information, phone 13 15 00, or go to transportnsw.info
• The Blue Mountains Bus Company runs limited local bus services in the Blue Mountains. You can find their routes and timeables here: http://www.bmbc.com.au.
• Hertz is the only car hire company in the upper Blue Mountains and is reasonably close to Katoomba and Leura Train Stations. A hire car is a great option if you have made your way to the Blue Mountains by train and you would like to camp out or explore beyond the towns.
• Taxis are common in Leura and Katoomba but are a little harder to come by in some of the other villages.

There are free public campsites with drop toilets at Mount York and Perry’s Lookdown (Blackheath).

Please remember to use Leave No Trace principles and care for this beautiful wilderness.

If you would prefer to camp somewhere closer to town with running water, plumbing and maybe even cooking facilities, there are caravan parks in Katoomba and Blackheath. Powered sites, unpowered sites and accommodation are available.

Hostels

There are several friendly, comfortable youth hostels in Katoomba.

Flying Fox Backpackers allows backpackers to camp in their backyard with access to their facilities.

There are heaps of great places to find relatively accessible, easy routes in the Blue Mountains.  Some of the most popular sport climbing areas for beginners are the Dam Cliffs, The Soft Parade, Mt York, Bardens Lookout, New York, Shipley Upper and Medlow Bath.

There are also many areas that offer great easy climbing for people who have self rescue, abseiling, multi-pitch and traditional climbing skills.

More information coming soon.

Information coming soon.

Information coming soon.