The greater Carmarthen Canyon area includes some of the most
popular canyons. The trilogy - Claustral, Thunder and Ranon canyons
are all deep, dark and spectacular. Nearby are two other canyons -
King George Canyon and Burramin Canyon (Explorer's Brook).
Claustral Canyon is perhaps the archetypical canyon. It has a
short walk in and out, starting from the same point - and so is very
popular. It also features waterjumps, tricky downclimbs, many swims
and three abseils right down waterfalls. Its proximity to Mt Tomah
means that it usually has more water going down it than many other
canyons with similar sized catchments. The main constriction is about
1 km long and is very sustained. The nearby Thunder Canyon features a
constriction that if anything is deeper and darker - but not as long.
This system is a major highlight of the Blue Mountains sandstone
canyons.
Above - The "Tunnel Swim" - in the constriction below the Claustral
junction
Above - Looking back up Thunder Canyon from near Rainbow Ravine
Above - Swim in the lower part of Thunder Canyon - below Rainbow
Ravine junction
Above - Chuin Nee Ooi on the first abseil (in high water)
Above - John Robens on the second abseil (in high water)
Above - Regina Schwering on the third abseil
Above - Looking up the third abseil from below
