This is a news report – passing on a message from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. It is in regard to Empress Canyon at the Valley of the Waters, Wentworth Falls. This is a short sandstone canyon popular with beginner canyon groups as well as being very convenient for commercial canyoning parties. Anyway the news –
NPWS has installed a log book at the start of Empress Canyon. All users are encouraged to complete the log book and consider delaying their entry to avoid crowding in cold, wet conditions at the exit abseils.
WARNING: Commercial tour groups usually operate from 12 to 2:30pm daily October-March. Therefore this canyon can get crowded and delays of 1-2 hours have been experienced at the exit abseils. Recreational canyoners are requested to avoid these times.
Also –
In terms of trying to maintain some semblance of separation of groups (and consequent crowding at the top of the falls) it will only work if all groups – commercial and recreational, complete the Log Book. Commercial companies have to do it – a condition of their licence, but for everyone else we are relying on their cooperation.
Seems like a good idea to me.
Photos and information courtesy of Aine Gliddon
