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Set in one of Australia's most stunning settings is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. These mountains are an easy day trip from Sydney and offer some of the most stunning scenery Australia has on offer. One of the most thrilling ways to explore these ancient rainforests is with Scenic World.
Scenic World is a family-owned tourist attraction in Katoomba and is famous for what is claimed to be the steepest railway in the world. It also has a number of other rides and attractions that make it one of the most enjoyable attractions in the region.
Scenic World - The Fun Way To Explore The Blue Mountains
Scenic World was established in 1945 when the old coal mine shut down and the railway was transformed into a tourist attraction. Today the Scenic Railway remains the star attraction of Scenic World, but it has also noticeably grown since then. Today Scenic World welcomes around a million guests every year.
- Located: Around 100 Kilometers From Sydney
The Blue Mountains are located in the Australian state of New South Wales and its foothills extend to just 31 miles west of the Sydney city center. They are part of Australia's ancient Great Dividing Range that extends along much of the east coast of Australia.
One of the most famous attractions in the Blue Mountains is the Three Sisters. It is a striking and unusual rock formation north of the Jamison Valley (where Scenic World is located).
Names Of The Three Sisters:
- Meehni: 922 Meters
- Wimlah: 918 Meters
- Gunnedoo: 906 Meters
See the Blue Mountains, the Three Sisters, and Scenic World all on one day trip from Sydney.
The Four Main Attractions Of Scenic World
Scenic World is home to four main attractions - the Scenic Railway, the Scenic Skyway, the Scenic Cableway, and the Scenic Walkway.
The Scenic Railway:
The old (and extremely steep) coal train's skips were converted into a short - but scenic - passenger train. The train underwent a major modernization in 2013 and is today considered the steepest train in the world (technically an incline railway).
- Steepest: The Scenic Train Is Claimed To Be The Steepest In The World
- Gradient: 52 degrees (128% gradient)
- Length: 310 Meters (1,020 Feet)
The steepest true funicular in the world is claimed to be the Stoosbahn in Switzerland.
Scenic Skyway:
Another of the main attractions is the Scenic Skyway - it goes over the gorge above the Katoomba Falls. It was first built in 1958 and replaced with a modernized conveyance in 2004.
- Height: 270 Meters or 886 Feet Above The Valley
- Capacity: 72 People
- Ride Time: 10 Minutes Return
- Distance: 384 Meters
Enjoy the thrill of dangling some 270 meters or 886 feet above the rainforested valley floor below. The Skyway features a 72-person cabin with liquid crystal glass that makes a portion of the floor transparent as the ride progresses.
At the bottom of the valley, guests are free to wander around the trails in the rainforest.
Cableway:
Another attraction at Scenic World is the Scenic Cableway. It also descends into the Jamison Valley. It passes over a 25-meter-high tower on the edge of the cliff and then down to the valley 200 meters (or 656 feet) below. The length of the ride is 510 meters or 1,673 feet.
- Ride time: 8 Minutes
- Ride distance: 510 Meters
Scenic Walkway:
The Scenic Walkway is 2.2 kilometers or 1.5 miles of elevated boardwalk that goes through the ancient rainforests of the Blue Mountains. The Scenic Walkway has been built since 2000 and has been installed over several years to ensure no adverse ecological impact.
- Total Length: 2.2 km or 1.5 miles
The Scenic Walkway has been designed to complement the natural surroundings so that guests can enjoy the best of Australia's rainforests.
Planning Your Visit To Scenic World
If one is planning to come during the Australian summer, then plan ahead and book online - they often sell out over the peak season.
Their main admission ticket is the Unlimited Discovery Pass. With this ticket, guests can descend into Jamison Valley on either the Scenic Railway or the Cableway and then walk the Scenic Walkway before ascending back up on either the Scenic Railway or the Cableway. The Scenic Walkway has options of 10-minute, 30-minute, or 50-minute walks.
- Opening Hours: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
- Unlimited Discovery Pass: $50.00 AUD ($35.00 USD)
After that, glide past the spectacular Katoomba Falls and the ancient sandstone cliffs while gazing out with epic views of the valley on the Scenic Skyway.