If hanging off cliffs above pristine bushland is your thing, this multi-pitch abseil down Malaita Wall, with its breathtaking views over the Blue Mountains’ Jamison Valley, could be for you.

Highlights

  • 5 pitch abseil
  • Epic views while you dangle over the Blueys
  • Scenic walking track on the way out

The Lowdown

Malaita Wall is an awesome multi-pitch abseil right in the heart of the Blue Mountains. Your journey begins at the top of the escarpment and ends on the Jamison Valley floor below. You’ll descend some of the largest cliff-lines of the Upper Blue Mountains region in a series of pitches, while gaping in awe at Mt Solitary and the Ruined Castle.

HIGH ABOVE THE TREE TOPS ON MALAITA WALL (NSW) Natalie Hardbattle Blue Mountains View, treetops, escarpment, horizon

Each one of the 5 abseils has its own challenge but the first abseil is my favourite — 45m of vertical rock face, landing on a pinnacle below. There’s no other rush like it, zipping down with the tiny trees staring back at you and stunning views over the rest of the valley.

HIGH ABOVE THE TREE TOPS ON MALAITA WALL (NSW) Natalie Hardbattle View of the rockface, legs, climber, wall, sandstone cliff

The next few abseils continue as a series of cliffs and rock overhangs taking you closer and closer to the valley floor, until nearly 200m later you arrive on the Federal Pass Track. Follow the track back around to the left until you reach the Furber Steps and then embrace the leg burn and up you go.

The Furber Steps take you past Katoomba Falls Lookout and offer a (mostly) tourist free view of the Three Sisters.

Essential Gear

  • Rope skills
  • 100m rope
  • Helmets, harness, slings and carabiners
  • Riggers gloves (trust me)
  • Wind resistant jacket
  • GoPro/Camera gear
  • A head for heights

Activities

How To Get There

Malaita Wall can be a bit tricky to find. Follow Google Maps towards Scenic World and continue past it on Cliff Drive to Malaita Lookout.

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Directly facing this lookout there is a pull-in on the right side of the road — this is where you park. Alternatively you can park at Scenic World and walk approximately 20mins up Cliff Drive to the same point. From the pull-in, head up the road until you see a faint arrow and some stick people drawn on the road barrier (approximately 50m). Jump over at this point and follow the trail for a few minutes as it meanders down to the cliff edge where you’ll arrive at the rigging point for the first pitch. The first abseil is over a sharp edge so stay well back until you’re clipped in!

Skill Level

Intermediate/Expert. Not a difficult abseil for those with experience. If you are a complete abseiling newbie, I suggest finding a more experienced adventurous pal to show you the ropes (literally). Navigation experience required to find the first abseil point.

If you’re after more navigation confidence or maybe a climbing buddy then why not join us on one of ourWilderness Escapes?

Distance Covered/Elevation

190m vertical abseil down Malaita Wall plus 1.5km walk out.

 

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