Scenic World, Blue Mountains: Why ride the Scenic Railway?
The Scenic Railway in the Blue Mountains claims to be the steepest railway in the world. It plummets down into the Jamison Valley from the Scenic World complex in Katoomba.
The Scenic Railway in Katoomba lies beside a rollercoaster track that was constructed and never used. Realistically, a rollercoaster wouldn’t be the right fit for the setting. And, frankly, there’s already a better thrill ride in place. The Scenic Railway, which underwent a $130m revamp in 2013, offers more than enough thrills.
7 Blue Mountains experiences you should pre-book
- Scenic World tickets – combine dramatic train rides, cable cars & forest walks.
- The Blue Mountains hop-on, hop-off bus – get around Katoomba and Leura’s top sites hassle-free.
- Guided stargazing with an astrophysicist – learn how to read the clear night skies.
- Give canyoning a try – jumping, climbing and sliding through Empress Canyon.
- Take a half day abseiling adventure – in the Blue Mountains National Park.
- Indulge in a local produce tasting experience – with beers, wines & meats.
- Get adventurous – on a 4WD tour to the world’s second largest canyon.
The Scenic Railway: the steepest railway in the world
It is no ordinary train line through the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. At one point, this Blue Mountains railway takes you down from Katoomba into the Jamison Valley at an angle of 52 degrees. This supposedly makes the Scenic Railway the steepest railway in the world. The train had to be specially made for this specific site in order to tackle the drop.
Part of the new look Scenic Railway is adjustable seats. You can try the ‘laidback’ setting which effectively rectifies the angle to 44 degrees. Or you can go for the full on fear factor with the ‘cliffhanger’ setting. This ratchets up the angle to 64 degrees.
6 top Katoomba experiences to book in advance
- Connect the key sights in Katoomba and Leura the easy way – on the hop-on, hop-off bus.
- Discover your adventurous side – while canyoning at Twister and Rocky Creek.
- Indulge in NSW-sourced wines, beers and tasting platters at Echo Point, while overlooking the Jamison Valley.
- Combine canyoning and abseiling on a full day adventure.
- Explore the Jamison Valley from all angles – with the trains and cable cars of Scenic World.
- See ancient Aboriginal rock art – and the views other people miss – on a 4WD adventure.
The best Katoomba accommodation options include the surprisingly affordable Blue Mountains Heritage Hotel, the pool-equipped Skyrider Motor Inn and the rather grand Carrington Hotel.
Blue Mountains railway: Scenic World day passes
It’s the new toy at the Scenic World complex, which boasts of being the most visited privately owned tourist attraction in the Southern Hemisphere. Most daytrippers to the Blue Mountains will inevitably end at Scenic World.
The $49.90 Scenic World day passes are a smart investment for anyone wanting to make a day of it, exploring the Katoomba walking trails at the top and bottom of the Jamison Valley. You can also take in the Three Sisters while you’re at it.
5 fab ways to explore: Which Blue Mountains tour should I book?
There are dozens of Blue Mountains day tours leaving Sydney every day. The best choice will come down to personal preference and what’s included. Almost all include Echo Point and the Three Sisters – it’s just the rest of the itinerary that varies. These tours are the best bets.
- Good value tour including Featherdale Wildlife Park, Scenic World & Parramatta River cruise.
- Similar itinerary, but with small group and lunch included.
- Wildlife-focused tour including Calmsley Hill City Farm, Govetts Leap lookout & Blue Mountains Botanic Garden.
- Small group tour including bushwalks, Featherdale, Glenbrook lookouts and Govetts Leap.
- Crowd-avoiding sunset tour including Euroka campground kangaroos & Wentworth Falls bushwalk.
Things to do in Katoomba, NSW: Scenic Cableway
The Scenic Railway is complimented by Scenic Cableway, the largest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere. Most people go down via the railway and up via the cableway, but if you want to avoid the crowds, switching that round makes sense. Bookings need to be made online via the Scenic World website.
Other Blue Mountains attractions include the Hydro Majestic Hotel in Medlow Bath, just a little further down the Great Western Highway from Katoomba. The Euroka Campground kangaroos, Breenhold Gardens and the Jenolan Caves are other good options.
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