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Situated in Blue Mountains, Scenic World offers a captivating journey through both history and nature and the closest thing to a theme park in this region! Established in 1945, this iconic destination began as a humble coal mine before evolving into a premier attraction that showcases the region's stunning landscapes. Visitors today can embark on thrilling adventures, from descending the world’s steepest railway to gliding 270 meters above lush valleys in the Scenic Skyway. Explore the breathtaking views of the Three Sisters rock formation and traverse the 2.4-kilometer Scenic Walkway, the longest elevated boardwalk in Australia. With the Scenic Cableway providing panoramic vistas of the Jamison Valley, Scenic World invites you to experience a unique blend of rich history, exhilarating rides, and unparalleled natural beauty, all just two hours from Sydney.
Get your Scenic World Unlimited 1 Day Discovery Pass here or check the official website for any ongoing deals. We highly recommend a weekday or to go before/after the school holidays or public holidays to avoid crowds!
Table of Contents:
Things to do at Scenic World
Food Options at Scenic World
Tips to Make Most of Your Visit
What is the best time to visit Scenic World
How to travel to Scenic World?
What’s On at Scenic World
Things to Do in the Blue Mountains
Places to Stay in the Blue Mountains
Things to do at Scenic World
There are 4 main attractions at scenic world offering something for all ages!
The Scenic Railway
This is the Scenic World Blue Mountains train, claimed to be the steepest (yet shortest - only 310m!) passenger railway in the world! The train descends at a thrilling 52-degree angle through a cliffside tunnel, emerging into the lush Jamison Valley rainforest, connecting the top station to the valley floor! However, it runs in both directions so you can also choose the opposite way (facing the valley going backwards) since the seats are facing downhill (we prefer top to valley floor) We really enjoyed this experience and highly recommend the "CLIFFHANGER' 64-degree incline to maximise the excitement on this ride!
📖 Fun Fact: The Scenic Railway was originally built to transport coal from the Katoomba mine and was once even steam powered!
The Scenic Skyway
If you every wanted to be suspended between two cliffs 270 metres above ground, then next part of Scenic world is going to be your favourite! It runs from the Scenic World top station to the Skyway east station offering breathtaking view of Three Sisters, Katoomba falls and Jamison Valley. The Skyway docks on the other side of the valley, where you can choose to ride back on the Skyway immediately or explore nearby viewpoints and walks before heading back.
📖 Travel Tip - Be sure to stay on the left side for the best view of the falls and look down the glass bottom floor in the centre of the cabin for views of the valley below!
For a next level experience, you can ride on the roof of the Scenic Skyway with Beyond Skyway, the world's first rooftop cable car experience. It's a 90min activity with 20mins on the rooftop and starts at $350. Even if you don't get a sunset session (they sell out quite quickly), you can still see the Three Sisters, Orphan Rock, and Katoomba Falls all lit up at night!
The Scenic Cableway
This gentle, 545-meter ride descends into the heart of the Jamison Valley, offering expansive views of the Blue Mountains. It’s the largest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, providing a smooth and serene 8-minute journey through the lush landscape. The Cableway is surely a highlight of any visit.
Fun Fact: The Jamison Valley, part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, is recognized for its exceptional biodiversity and significant natural habitats, making your journey through it even more special.
The Scenic Walkway
Scenic Walkway is a 500m elevated boardwalk that meanders through the ancient rainforests of Blue Mountains (with some trees dating back to the Jurassic era!). As you stroll, you can witness the sights and sounds of nature, surrounded by towering eucalyptus trees and fern-filled valleys. It's a short 15-minute walk between the Railway and Cableway stations. Along the way, discover the Coal Mine Site, where remnants of Katoomba's coal mining past are preserved. This will establish a deeper connection to the region's natural beauty and rich history.
📖 Fun Fact: The Scenic Walkway provides access to the Jurassic rainforest floor, showcasing flora and fauna that have evolved over millions of years in this World Heritage-listed area.
Food Options at Scenic World
There are plenty of food options to keep you fuelled through the day. Here are our favourite ones:
Terrace Café
For a casual dining option with a relaxed atmosphere, visit the Terrace Café at Scenic World. This cafe is situated near the main attractions and offers a range of light meals, snacks, and beverages, all with these stunning views!
🍴 Try their gourmet sandwiches or freshly baked pastries, perfect for a quick bite before continuing your exploration of Scenic World.
The Ice Creamery
Craving something sweet? The Ice Creamery is just the place for you! This charming spot offers a variety of homemade ice creams and sorbets. Choose from classic flavours or opt for seasonal specialties made with locally sourced ingredients. Whether it's a sunny day or a cool evening, The Ice Creamery is a favourite stop for indulging in a delicious scoop of ice cream.
🍴 Don't forget to try their signature sundaes or freshly made waffle cones for an extra special ice cream experience.
Tips to Make Most of Your Visit
Plan Your Rides: The Scenic Railway, Cableway, and Skyway offer unique experiences. Plan to ride all three to fully appreciate the stunning views and diverse perspectives.
Use the Scenic Walkway: Don’t miss the Scenic Walkway, a 2.4-kilometer elevated boardwalk through the ancient rainforest, providing a close-up view of the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains.
Engage with Interactive Experiences: Take advantage of interactive experiences like the Gruffalo Spotters Trail and Dinosaur Valley to add extra fun.
Visit the Gift Shop: Stop by the gift shop for unique souvenirs and locally made products to remember your visit.
What is the best time to visit Scenic World
The best time to visit Scenic World in the Blue Mountains is during the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). During these times, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with fewer crowds compared to the peak summer and winter months. Spring offers the added bonus of blooming wildflowers and vibrant foliage, while autumn provides a stunning display of changing leaves, enhancing the scenic beauty of the region. Visiting during these periods ensures a more enjoyable experience.
Check the Weather
The Blue Mountains’ weather can be unpredictable. Keep an eye on the Scenic World Blue Mountains weather forecast to dress appropriately and make the most of your visit.
Operating Hours
To maximize your day, check the Scenic World Opening Hours on their Website and get here at opening time to avoid the crowds from the tour buses Typically, Scenic World operates from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends, but double check this especially during holidays and special events.
How to travel to Scenic World?
You can choose to drive or travel by bus which will take you around 1.5 to 2 hours from Sydney. However, if you don't have access to a car, we highly recommend enjoying one of the most relaxing ways to reach Scenic World - via Sydney trains. Convenietly starting at Central Railway Station, you can board an air-conditioned, double-decker to Katoomba Station on the Blue Mountains Line. Scenic World is located just 3km away and is accessible via the Explorer Bus Pass or the public bus Route 686 & 686G. This fast and comfortable journey typically stops at Strathfield, Parramatta, Penrith, Emu Plains, and then all stations up the Blue Mountains, ensuring a seamless and scenic trip to your destination.
If you are short on time and want an all-inclusive tour (pickup and drop, lunch, hand-feeding kangaroos, and guided tour with an action-packed day planned for you) check out THIS TOUR (including visiting Featherdale wildlife park and the Parrammatta River cruise) or THIS more budget friendly one (including visiting Sydney Zoo)!
What’s On at Scenic World
Gundungurra Country Experiences
Gundungurra Tours at Scenic World offer an immersive cultural experience led by Indigenous guides. The Buunyal Tour includes rides on the Scenic Railway, Cableway, and Skyway, along with a guided rainforest walk. You'll learn traditional stories and gain insights into native flora and fauna. Tours are intimate, accommodating up to 12 people. Tickets are priced starting from $89 for adults.
The Gruffalo Spotters Trail at Scenic World
The Gruffalo Spotters Trail at Scenic World is a self-guided, augmented reality experience featuring characters from the beloved children's book, "The Gruffalo." Visitors use the Gruffalo Spotter Aus 2 App to interact with Mouse, Fox, Owl, Snake, and the Gruffalo along the elevated boardwalk in the Jamison Valley. The adventure includes rides on the Scenic Railway, Cableway, and Skyway. Meet-and-greet sessions with the Gruffalo occur on weekends and school holidays. The experience is included with any Scenic World ticket.
Dinosaur Valley
Dinosaur Valley at Scenic World offers a thrilling prehistoric adventure for the whole family. Guests can explore over 50 life-sized dinosaurs, including T-Rex, Brachiosaurus, and Stegosaurus, set in the ancient rainforest. The experience includes rides on the Scenic Railway, Cableway, and Skyway, providing stunning views and interactive Dino Ranger encounters. The Dinosaur Valley Ultimate Discovery Pass allows unlimited rides on the same day.
For more details, visit Scenic World Dinosaur Valley
Nocturnal
Nocturnal offers an enchanting after-dark exploration of Scenic World as an immersive, sensory and interactive experience! As you walk through the illuminated forest, you'll learn about the diverse ecosystems and listen to the fascinating stories of the land. The experience also includes rides on the Scenic Railway, Cableway, and Skyway, all providing a unique perspective of the valley under the stars. It was in April in 2024 and will be back next year!
For more details, visit Scenic World Nocturnal.
Things to Do in the Blue Mountains
Three Sisters Walk: Experience the iconic Three Sisters rock formation.
Jenolan Caves: Discover the wonders of these historic limestone caves.
Leura Cascades: Enjoy a scenic walk and beautiful waterfalls.
Places to Stay in the Blue Mountains
Lilianfels Resort & Spa: A luxury retreat offering breathtaking views and top-notch amenities.
Fairmont Resort & Spa: Perfect for couples, offering various activities and spectacular views.
Echoes Boutique Hotel: Boutique accommodation with panoramic views of the Jamison Valley.
We highly recommend spending at least a weekend Blue Mountains but if you’re on a time crunch check out this Day Trip Itinerary to make the most of your day!