Cool & Calm (Sista Day Out)

Ready to swap the city pavement for mossy walls and ancient ferns? This day will be the ultimate blend of physical exploration and mountain serenity. We’ll spend our morning journeying into the River Caves, a spectacular natural cathedral of stone. Unlike technical canyons, River Caves allows us to wander through shallow waters between towering, moss-draped cliffs. After a gourmet lunch in the wild, we’ll transition from our canyon discovery to total elegance with a sunset stop at a mountain icon before heading home.

📍 Meeting Point: St Ives, Gordon railway station, or Glenbrook (exact location texted upon booking)

📅 Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026

🕘 Time: 7:00 AM Departure | 7:00 PM Return (Activity 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM)

📏 Difficulty: Moderate. Requires a basic level of fitness and a spirit of discovery. Expect walking through ankle-to-knee-deep water and some uneven terrain.

👣 Group Size: 4 - 6 Sistas (plus guide Kirsty)

✨ Highlights

• The River Caves: Wander through one of the most photogenic and serene natural wonders in the mountains, famous for its narrow, winding walls and lush greenery.

• Gourmet Refuel: Enjoy a hearty gourmet lunch provided by BMAC in the heart of the bush.

• Afternoon Glow: A curated stop at the historic Hydro Majestic for post-activity treats and "Sista" chats.

• The Full Service: From transport to all your technical gear, we’ve got every detail covered.
  

📖 Full Description

The Journey Our day begins at 7:00 AM as we depart St Ives, watching the city skyline fade into the blue-haze of the Great Western Highway. Upon arrival at the BMAC office at 8:30 AM, we’ll gear up with the professional team. River Caves is a hidden gem; it is an immersive walk into a prehistoric landscape where the light filters down through a narrow canopy of ferns. You’ll be guided through these cooling stone hallways, learning about the unique ecology and the Traditional Custodians of this stunning country.

The Stops After emerging from the canyon and enjoying a gourmet lunch, we’ll head back toward civilisation at 2:30 PM with that unmistakable post-activity glow. Before we hit the road back to Sydney, we take time to decompress and lean into the "Calm." We’ll stop at the iconic Hydro Majestic in Medlow Bath between 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM. This is your time to grab a sunset coffee or a glass of local wine while overlooking the vast Megalong Valley. We’ll depart the mountains by 5:30 PM.

✅ Inclusions

• Expert Guidance: Professional and passionate BMAC guides.

• A Gourmet Lunch: Provided by BMAC (Dietaries catered for).

• All Gear: All activity-related equipment (water shoes/helmets if required).

• Safety First: Extensive array of safety equipment and communication devices.

• Park Fees: All National Parks entry fees paid on your behalf.

• Transport: Round-trip transport, plus BMAC office-to-canyon transfers.
  

🚫 Exclusions

• Breakfast: Please eat before our 7:00 AM departure.

• Hydro Majestic Stop: Any food or beverages purchased during our stop at the Hydro Majestic.

• Personal Gear: Items like swimwear (optional for River Caves), towels and sun protection.

• Personal Snacks: Additional snacks or beverages beyond the provided lunch.

• Travel Insurance: Recommended but not included.
  

👋 Meet Your Guide/s

Kirsty is your lead host for the day, ensuring the vibe stays high and the logistics stay smooth. She’ll be joined by the technical experts from the Blue Mountains Adventure Company (BMAC), who are the gold standard in mountain safety and local knowledge.

ℹ️ IMPORTANT INFORMATION

🎒 What to Bring

• 1.5–2 L of water

• Closed shoes for walking into, through and out of the canyon. Sneakers / runners / sandshoes with sticky soles are the best option

• Woollen socks to keep your feet warm in the canyon

• Long sleeve shirt and pants for sun and scratch protection - made of synthetic quick-dry fabrics (not cotton or denim)

• Warm jacket / jumper - made of wool or synthetic fleece fabrics (not cotton)

• Second set of clothes (including shoes and socks) to be left in the van for the end of the day

• Lightweight rain jacket

• Hat, sunglasses & sunscreen

• Small daypack for essentials

• Camera or phone

• Personal medication
  

📑 Minimum Group Size & Cancellation Policy

• Minimum group: The event will proceed with a minimum of 4 participants. If the minimum is not met, Seek Sista will contact you at least 48 hours before the event to offer a full refund or transfer to another date.

• Full refund: Cancellations made 14 days or more before the event.

• 75% refund: Cancellations made 8-14 days or more before the event.

• 50% refund: Cancellations made 3–7 days before the event.

• No refund: Cancellations made less than 3 days before the event or no-shows.

• Event postponement: If the event is cancelled by Seek Sista due to weather, track conditions, or safety concerns, participants will receive a full refund or the option to transfer to a new date. All cancellations must be communicated via email to kirsty@seeksista.com.au
  

✍️ Waiver & Pre-Trip Details After booking, you’ll get an email with everything you need to know—including links to waiver forms to help keep everyone safe and cared for.