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Tucked away in Australia's stunning UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains is what is touted as the steepest railway in the world. Scenic World is home to a number of attractions including their Cableway, Skyway, Scenic Walkway, and Scenic Railway. It is one of the fun and exciting activities one can enjoy while visiting Sydney Down Under.

The Katoomba Scenic Railway (the steepest in the world) is part of Scenic World - a private family-owned tourist attraction. Scenic World is nestled in some of Australia's pristine ancient rainforests. As with Switzerland's former steepest train in the world, the Scenic Railway was not originally built for passengers. It was originally built in the late 19th century to serve the Katoomba coal mine.

The Scenic Railway - The Steepest Railway In The World

The Scenic Railway is incredibly steep and climbs at an angle of 52° (128%) through open terrain. It is considered the steepest passenger railway in the world. The Scenic Railway also travels a 310-meter (yard) route through a cliff tunnel.

  • Incline: 52° (128%)
  • Length: 310 Meters
  • Steepest: Steepest Passenger Railway In The World

Australia's Scenic Railway is in competition with Switzerland's Stoosbahn railway for the title of the world's steepest train ride. The Stoosbahn has a maximum gradient of 110% (47.7°) and is also touted as the steepest train in the world.

The Scenic Railway lays claim to being the steepest passenger railway, the steepest funicular, and having the steepest incline in the world. However, at issue is that it uses a winch system with no counterbalancing carriage. It is therefore technically an inclined lift rather than a funicular.

But winch or no winch, the Guinness World Book Of Records lists Australia's Katoomba Scenic Railway as the "steepest railway gradient."

Related: Climbing Aboard Canada's Rocky Mountaineer, One Of The Most Scenic Trains In The World

From Hauling Coal To Hauling Tourists

It was built to aid in coal and oil shale mining operations in the Jamison Valley in the 1880s. Originally it was used to haul coal and shale from the valley floor up to the top of the escarpment. For a part of its career, it was used to haul both coal and tourists. It would haul coal during the week and tourists on the weekend between 1928 and 1945.

  • Built: In 1878 (For Mining Purposes)
  • Converted: As A Recreational Tourist Ride In 1945
  • Owned: By The Hammon Family

After the mine closed in 1945, it continued to operate as a tourist attraction. It was also extensively upgraded in 2013.

But it has a long history as a major local attraction. It was acquired by the Hammon family in 1945 and has been thrilling to tourists for over 70 years. Around 25 million passengers have enjoyed the world's steepest ride.

Choose The Level Of Adventure On The Railway

On the Scenic Railway, passengers can choose how adventurous they would like to be. As one descends to the Jamison Valley below, passengers choose their level of adventure. One can be seating a position of up to 20 degrees. Their options are the Cliffhanger, Laidback, and Original.

  • Cliffhanger: At A Steep 64° Incline
  • Original: At A 64° Incline
  • Laidback: For A More Relaxed Journey

Switzerland's two steepest trains are very different. The Stoosbahn has rotating passenger capsules to keep the passengers level and comfortable. Perhaps the most exciting (and formerly steepest) train in Switzerland is the Gelmerbahn - Europe's most dramatic funicular.

Related: The Glacier Express: Arguably The Most Scenic Train Ride In The World

Visiting Scenic World & The Steepest Railway

The setting is one of the most idyllic in Australia. Imagine taking the world's steepest train in the picturesque Australian Blue Mountains. They are around a two-hour drive from Sydney by the M4 and Great Western Highway.

  • Getting There: Around 2 Hours Drive From Sydney
  • Cost: $49.99 AUD ($34.00 USD)

At the site, one will find free undercover parking at their multistory car park - complete with Tesla Connector charging points for electric vehicles.

When visiting Scenic World, one can ride either the Scenic Railway or the Cableway down into the valley, walk around the rainforest, and then ride either one back up. After that go for another ride on the stunning Scenic Skyway and glide past ancient sandstone cliffs, epic valleys, and the stunning Katoomba Falls.