Scenic World
Located less than a two-hour drive from Sydney in the heart of the magnificent Blue Mountains, Scenic World offers stunning views and a healthy dose of wildlife (except native birds and animals).
Enjoy breathtaking views of some of Australia’s most iconic attractions, including the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, and the Jamison Valley, from atop the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. These are just a few of the incredible experiences Scenic World has to offer.
The History of Scenic World
Today, the Scenic Byway is Australia’s first family-owned tourist attraction. But where does its history begin? The answer lies in 1945 when the Hammon family bought the land where there was an active mine. At first, they started to transport tourists on the Mountain Devil passenger carriage and later decided that passenger rail transport would become the company’s main activity. Later, they added a gift shop, and in 1958, construction began on the Scenic Skyway, a scenic cable car. Today, Scenic World is run by the same family that founded it many years ago, and the third generation is now overseeing the business. It remains a highlight of any Blue Mountain tour.
Scenic Railway
The Scenic Railway curves at a breathtaking 52 degrees, making it the steepest passenger railway in the world. You might be wondering how the Scenic Railway gained its moniker. In the 19th century, the term became famous for amusement park rides where passengers travelled along a simple rail through picturesque landscapes. Inside the handsome red cars, which seat 84 passengers, glass roofs offer panoramic views of the ancient rainforest landscape of the Jamieson Valley below.
Moreover, by choosing individually decorated cars, passengers can choose their adventure and even change their seat position by 20 degrees. There is a 128-degree slope and a 52-degree starting point. For those seeking adventure, there’s the 64-degree inclination of the Climber ride, but there are other quieter options for those who want to take in the serene scenery. At the bottom of the 310-metre descent, a railway leads to a magnificent, centuries-old rainforest.
Scenic Walkway
The 2.4km long scenic trail allows adventurous visitors to get an up-close look at the spectacular scenery of the Blue Mountains. It is essentially an above-ground footpath that takes you through the Jurassic rainforest of Jamison Valley.
As you pass ancient trees and colourful native flora, you’ll also learn about the region’s history, including its mining past. Listen to the local birds that live in the Jamison Valley, such as the lyrebird. Located in the stunning Blue Mountains of Australia, the Jamison Valley enchants visitors with its lush landscapes, flowing waterfalls, and enduring natural charm.
You can even learn more about the region’s rich history of mining coal. During the walk, you will come across a replica of a miner’s hut, see a miner’s entrance and marvel at a bronze sculpture of a miner with his mining pony.
No matter what time of day you come to the Blue Mountains, don’t let the light rain scare you away! Scenic World believes the best time to explore the rainforest is when the high canopy creates its microclimate and protects it from the heaviest rain. Then, the colours become more vivid, and the Jurassic forest exudes a mysterious atmosphere.
Further down the road, the Marrangaru Spring offers a delightful taste of Blue Mountain’s clean water. In addition, adventurous visitors may enjoy the breathtaking landscape outside the Rainforest Room.
Scenic Cableway
Descending into the enchanting Jamieson Valley, the Scenic Cableway offers exceptional iconic views of the Blue Mountains. Fully enclosed cable car cabins allow you to safely look up at the Three Sisters, Orphan Rock and Katoomba Falls.
On this 545-metre adventure, you’ll slowly descend to the bottom, where you can step out onto a 2.4km boardwalk. For those with disabilities, the Scenic World underwent a significant upgrade in 2018, improving accessibility procedures, simplifying the boarding process, and even adding Wi-Fi to the cable cars so you can send all your great scenic photos to family and friends during your journey.
The Scenic Cableway provides guests a stunning experience as they travel through the challenging landscape, offering unmatched 360-degree views of the surroundings from the luxury of its cable cars.
Scenic Skyway
The Scenic Skyway lets you move gently between breathtaking cliffs while admiring the beautiful surroundings shown via a glass floor. For those afraid of heights or the glass floor, several cabins include chairs and solid flooring to give stability and let them fully experience the breathtaking views.
Hovering 270 metres above the archaic landscape, the Scenic Skyway offers a unique way to experience the beauty of the Blue Mountains. It provides 360-degree astounding views, including the Three Sisters, Jamison Valley and Katoomba Falls. Thanks to significant improvements, the capacity of individual cabins has increased by 30%, meaning more space to move around and admire the Blue Mountains from all angles. Free Wi-Fi is also included in every individual cabin with fabulous views!
Sculptures during the waterfront journey
Each year, Scenic World debuts an outdoor exhibition called Sculpture, which adds an extra interaction element as you stroll through the woods. This year, the 8th year of the exhibition, 25 installations and works of art are scattered along the trail and are a real treat for families with young children and art lovers alike.
FAQ
How far is Scenic World from Sydney and what can I see there?
Scenic World is less than a two-hour drive from Sydney, located in the heart of the Blue Mountains. Visitors can enjoy views of iconic attractions like the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, and the Jamison Valley, all within a World Heritage-listed area.
What makes the Scenic Railway special?
The Scenic Railway is the steepest passenger railway in the world, with a 52-degree incline. Passengers can choose different seating angles for either a thrilling or more relaxed ride, descending 310 metres into an ancient rainforest.
What can I expect on the Scenic Walkway?
The 2.4km Scenic Walkway offers an elevated path through the Jurassic rainforest of the Jamison Valley. Along the way, you’ll see ancient trees, native flora, historical mining relics, and possibly spot local birdlife like lyrebirds.
Is Scenic World accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes. Scenic World has improved accessibility, especially on the Scenic Cableway, with easier boarding procedures and accessible cabins. Free Wi-Fi is also available in cable cars for sharing your journey in real time.
What is the Sculpture at Scenic World exhibition?
This annual outdoor event features sculptures and art installations along the rainforest trails. It’s a family-friendly experience combining nature and creativity, with around 25 works displayed during the exhibition period.
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