A local guide has come under fire for a series of videos promoting a “dangerous” hiking route in the Blue Mountains.
Blue Mountains Explore has come under fire after posting a series of videos on Instagram at Hanging Rock in Blackheath, west of Sydney.
One showed two hikers standing on the narrow edge of a cliff overlooking the valley, while another showed hikers jumping over a dangerous gap along the trail.
The group is best known for its award-winning guidebooks featuring tips and advice on where to visit, but its latest videos have sparked outrage.
Social media users accused them of promoting a dangerous trail, warning that it could lead many visitors to risk their lives.
“They should avoid promoting this… so many people have died in this place,” wrote one.
“Stop showing people walking off cliff edges unless your company is willing to contribute to funeral expenses and helicopter rescue services,” another added.
“It’s pretty reckless as a piece of visual branding,” commented a third.
Blue Mountains Explore, best known for its award-winning guides, shared a video showing two hikers standing on the narrow cliff edge.
The second video showed a man measuring the space hikers must “climb” to reach the end of the trail.
He could be seen using a tape measure, before saying “the safe length to jump, to save space, is 1.6 metres”.
The video has attracted nearly half a million views since it was shared on Instagram last month.
Many of them were not amused and said the video encouraged people to consider jumping.
“You don’t want to miss the jump, the Westpac helicopter will pick you up,” wrote one.
“I get nervous just looking at this,” added another.
“This looks like a horrible accident waiting to happen… gives me the chills,” commented a third.
“Death by accident is real. Please don’t post this… as a mother of impressionable teenagers, this kind of stuff terrifies me,” wrote another.
In another video posted on the page, a man can be seen measuring the 1.6-metre gradient that hikers must “overcome” to reach the popular scenic spot.
The page responded to the backlash by saying that they “don’t see the problem.”
“Promoting this is really educational… it’s important for people to be aware,” they wrote on Instagram.
Blue Mountains Explore said it is important to know your limits and stay safe.
“Doing something you’re not comfortable with can lead to an accident. It’s best to be careful if you’re unsure or feel uncomfortable,” they wrote.
Every year, around 130 hikers get lost or need rescue in the Blue Mountains, according to the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Through a partnership with the New South Wales Police, the NPWS developed Think Before You TREK, a bush safety initiative to help hikers plan ahead.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted NSW Police, NPWS and Blue Mountains Explore for comment.
