WATAGAN NATIONAL PARK ABSEILING EXPERIENCE
Our spectacular Newcastle Abseiling Adventure is simply the best action-adventure day you can have in the Watagan National Park
LENGTH
One Day
4 people min
$125.00pp
LOCATION
Watagan’s
Private Tour
$250pp
SUITABLE FOR:
12yrs and up
moderately fit
inc transfers
WHY ABSEILING WITH US
A Newcastle outdoor company that provides, transport, training & equipment, we supply everything needed for you to have a fantastic Experience.
Keen to try a day of Abseiling or Climbing, then look no further, our professional instructors will take care of you every step of the way.
A short drive from Newcastle in the Watagan National Park is some magnificent cliffs suitable for both climbing or Abseiling.
Firstly, Walking Rivers believes its more rewarding and exciting when you are engaged fully in the experience.To be fully engaged, we commit to provide you with professional training and all the time you need to take that first step over the edge.
Secondly, we provide all transport, food, training, and equipment for you to have an exhilarating, memorable day.
Key points why are we different
WHY WE LOVE OUR NEWCASTLE ABSEILING ADVENTURE
The area we visit Black Stump Cliffs offers everything we need for our day Abseiling.
After a gentle walk, we arrive at some easy Abseiling walls to get you started. We adhere strongly to challenge by choice principals and only progress to higher cliffs when you are feeling comfortable.
As with anything as your technique improves, so will your enthusiasm for increasing the height.
Being only a couple of hours drive north of a major city, Newcastle NSW also adds to the appeal of the day in the Watagans.
Key points, why we love the Newcastle Abseiling Adventure
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
The Walking Rivers, Newcastle Abseiling Adventure in the Watagan National park is very much a social event.
Spending a day playing on cliffs with a group of like-minded people is a highlight that stays in peoples memories for a very long time.
Abseiling delivers an enormous sense of personal accomplishment and satisfaction like very few other outdoor pursuits. Additionally as well as being good for the mind, it is good physically as well.
You can choose to only descend and walk back to the top, a form of passive exercise or for the more agile and fit person there is always the option of climbing back up the cliff. Climbing up is very physically demanding and great exercise whilst having fun.
If you are into photography while you are hanging on the cliff face, sometimes a once in a lifetime opportunity that perfect shot will present itself.
Unparalleled scenery that can only be observed through Abseiling is undoubtedly one of the top highlights for the Newcastle Abseiling Adventure.
For some people, a highlight is just exploring new area’s:
where does that track lead, what’s that cliff-like for Abseiling
Whatever may be your reason for joining us on the Newcastle Abseiling Adventure day I am confident you will have ample opportunity for that reason to be satisfied.
Key points, activity highlights
MORE ABOUT THE WILDLIFE
The wildlife in our walking corridor can be varied and abundant.
It is not uncommon to spot kangaroos, wallaby, and Goannas as well as a wide variety of birds.
The Watagan protected area provides critical habitat for over 150 native species of animals including wallabies, gliders, brush and ring-tailed possums, amphibians and reptiles. Additionally, there are also over 130 species of birds (Atlas of NSW wildlife 2006)
Key points, about the wildlife
GETTING THERE IS HALF THE FUN
Our one-day Newcastle Abseiling Adventure starts from our home base in Newcastle;
The Walking Rivers bus travels from Newcastle out through Lake Macquarie and onto our start point, Black Stump Cliffs and the picnic grounds hidden away in the beautiful Watagan
Our coach can pick people up at one of our designated meeting places along the way and return you to the same spot.
We are as flexible as possible with our pickups to try and make it easy for you. Talk to us on an individual basis to arrange your pickup point. Of course, we will bring you back to your pick up location when your adventure ends.
Key points, about getting there
ABOUT THE FOOD
We have to say. When possible, we use locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables sourced from our nearby farmer’s markets. Furthermore, we also provide snacks just in case you get hungry while climbing or Abseiling. A Walking Rivers policy you will never go hungry, even after a day’s Abseiling out in the fresh air.
Key points, about the food
ABOUT YOU
If you are at all apprehensive about your abilities to undertake the Newcastle Abseiling Adventure please remember our experienced instructors will train you in the skills needed to complete the journey.
All you need is to be moderately fit and have a yearning for some safe and controlled adventure.
Going on a fully guided adventure is very different to going it alone. Being conducted by professional, trained, qualified people allows us to go to many places that would be unthinkable on our own.
Additionally, we consider you to be part of a team overcoming all the challenges the Newcastle Abseiling Adventure throws at us.
Walking Rivers has comprehensive risk management and contingency plans in place as well safety procedures that ensure you will be free to not worry about anything too much other than having fun.
WE INCLUDE
- Professional guiding service
- Morning tea and Lunch
- National Park Fees
- Bus travel both ways
- Ropes, Harnesses,helmets etc
WE DON’T INCLUDE
- Accommodation
- Flights, airport transfers
- Travel/medical insurance
- Alcoholic or carbonated beverages
- Personal items
Let us know if you are you have any questions after checking the list of what we include , let us know if you have any questions about anything relating to gear.
ITINERARY
Our Newcastle Abseiling Adventure Day begins the moment we climb on board the bus. Sit back and relax, enjoy the journey to your Abseiling destination
PRE-TRIP MEETING
WHEN: one day before leaving
WHERE: We will skype, message or telephone you to confirm our time and meeting place and bring you up to date if any changes are happening.
Our telephone call provides you with the opportunity to get answers to any questions you may have about the Watagan National Park Discovery Day.
8.00 start
We always aim to gather early to make sure we get the most from our day in the mountains as possible.
Once everyone is on board, we will make our way up to the National Park where our adventure begins.
10.00am
On arrival in the park, we will have morning tea, get issued with a map of the area and then start our bushwalk. While walking, you will be involved in many engaging activities centered around bush skills and navigation. Additionally, you will experience the breathtaking views of the area.
12.00 Mid-day.
Will see us arriving at a fantastic hidden place in the bush for our lunch break that will not disappoint.
1300
After our lunch and after exploring the lunch area we will be back onto our walking track for an afternoon of exploring and more bush skills.
1600
Now its back on the bus and the trip home, tired but feeling well rewarded for our efforts.
Its a time to reflect on the day and share stories from the days’ adventure or to discuss some of the navigation skills that you will have learned through the day.
IMPORTANT
We endeavour to return to Newcastle between 4 and 5 pm, however, due to the number of variables in wilderness travel we recommend that you don’t plan any critical appointments that rely on us being back at this time. Fixed times and dates can cause unnecessarily stressful complications should our return be delayed by something out of our control. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss your travel plans in more detail.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
We want you to love and enjoy Abseiling in the Watagan National Park. Have more questions, call +61 438563307 or email info@walkingrivers.com
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
Bushwalking on the Watagan National Park Discovery Tour , you will only need to bring a small day backpack
You will need one bag:
- Your bus bag, a small backpack or similar
Please remember the saying “when bushwalking less is more”
Travelling on the bus
Your bag only needs to fit items you may wish to have with you while we are traveling.
For traveling, wear anything you feel comfortable in.
We do stop for toilet breaks and also from time to time and if we are passing through a town we might have a coffee break. This is usually done by consensus.
Items for consideration to bring along
- water bottle
- snacks
- lollies
- book to read
- sunglasses
- reading glasses
- travel pillow
- travel rug
- change of clothes to wear home
Our priority is protection from the sun it can be brutal i the middle of the day.
Small bottle of Sunscreen
Pay particular attention to face, neck, under chin, ears, backs of hands.
Hat
Ideally should be broad-brimmed and wind resistant. An excellent choice is a safari type of hat that covers your neck area. Baseball caps are not good bushwalking hats.
Sunglasses
Should be attached to a strap. We recommend taking a spare pair.
Long Sleeved Shirt
Over a thermal top. Both shirt and thermal top material need to be the quick-drying synthetic material such as polypropylene/polyester fleece or blend. DO NOT WEAR COTTON.
T-shirts and jeans etc. are not suitable clothing for Kayaking.
For people with more money a long sleeved Rash shirt is ideal.
Long synthetic Pants
A pair of shorts over the top of synthetic thermals are ideal for your legs.
Footwear
Good sturdy Hiking boots are ideal but expensive therefore if you are not intending taking up bushwalking as a permanent hobby, a good pair of runners will do the job.
Rain Considerations.
We recommend at the very least pack a lightweight spray jacket with hood.
It can be preferable to have a waterproof and breathable material like Gortex.
Warmth considerations.
In cold conditions avoid apparel made from cotton. Cotton insulates using open air pockets in between the fibers. When cotton gets wet, these pockets fill with water, and the garment loses its insulating properties.
Fabrics such as wool, nylon, and polypropylene insulate with closed air pockets inside the fibers. Garments made from these materials will hold some of their insulating properties when wet.
Consider a Fibre pile/fleece or puffer jacket if cold weather is forecast.
Medication – please ensure
1) The name and expiry date of drug is on the container;
2) You have the detailed instructions for your dosage and frequency;
3) Packed in a waterproof bag; i.e., sandwich bag or similar
4) Pack a full spare prescription in a separate container.
If you are flying, please pack all necessary medication in your carry-on luggage. It helps eliminate some stress should your checked bags be misplaced in transit.
Water bottle.
One litre Nalgene bottles are superior to all others for outdoor recreation.
Waterproof camera
Lightweight waterproof digital cameras (can be attached inside your life jacket with a lanyard);
GoPro or similar waterproof action cameras can produce excellent footage however they are savage on batteries. Consider how you will charge or bring
spare batteries and memory cards.
Toiletries
Minimal soap, toothpaste, and toothbrush, dental floss, feminine hygiene products.
Small comb/hairbrush, 2 disposable plastic razor.
Optional items for consideration
- Beanie
- Gloves either neoprene or fingerless sailing type
- Insect repellant small roll on
- Book to read
- Reading glasses
- Binoculars
- Down jacket
- Travel boardgames
- Cards
Please avoid wearing jewelry.
We would just feel bad if you lost something precious to you. Leaving it at home is the safest place for it to be.
Beverages
We supply a range of teas and coffee as well as juices. You are welcome to bring alcoholic beverages. Please note however that we do expect our guests to consume alcoholic beverages responsibly.
Smoking
It is against the law in Australia to smoke in National Parks. If you are a smoker, please consider nicotine patches as an alternative solution for the time you are on the river.
Leave no trace
Everything we take into the National Park we must take out. Including toilet waste. Don’t worry we have a system for dealing with everything. Your guides will go through it all with you when we are in camp on the first day.
GRAB YOUR CAMERA
The images you see below have all been taken during the Newcastle Abseiling Adventure Tour
Professional Guides help 
Bushwalk to the cliffs 
Anyone can do Abseiling 
Adrenalin packed fun 
Looking Over 
Jumping down