Adventure recreation in Australia: a case study that investigated the profile of recreational canyoners, their impact attitudes, and response to potential management options

Abstract

Canyoning is growing in popularity in many countries, and in Australia it was well established in the 1990s. Although it is generally accepted that the popularity of this recreational activity continues to grow, quantification of its scale and growth is difficult to determine because canyoning is restricted to the slot valleys of the largely un-patrolled wilderness of the Blue Mountain World Heritage Area. As a basis for management, we undertook a postal survey to determine the canyoners' profile, utilisation trends, their perceptions of impacts, and readiness to self-manage such impacts. We found that the typical canyoner was in the late 30s, male, and likely to have a university education. Canyoners were most likely to visit canyons as part of a club activity, or with friends and family. Few used organised tours, and canyoning was seldom a solo activity. Most perceived that there was moderate damage due to canyoning. Few considered that management should intervene at current levels of impact. We concluded that canyoners could not be relied upon to ensure appropriate sustainable management of such areas. However, since the popularity of the sport appears to be waning there may not be an issue.

Keywords:

• wilderness recreation
• visitor trends
• canyon
• wilderness management
• wilderness sport
• sport management
• values and attitudes

Acknowledgements

The University of Western Sydney and the National Parks and Wildlife Service regional office in the Blue Mountains District co-sponsored this project.