Everything You Need To Know About Scenic World

Scenic World is an iconic experience that lays out the vast and captivating beauty of the Blue Mountains.

From a disused coal mine to a fixture of fun, Scenic World has been highlighting the natural assets of the Blue Mountains for more than 70 years. Swooping back and forth over sweeping valleys, across escarpments and up and down steep mountain sides on innovative modes of transport, Scenic World takes guests deep into this magnificent landscape.

But how, exactly? Read on for a Scenic World explainer and how to make the most of this world-class tourist attraction, which has fast become one of the best things to do in the Blue Mountains.

What is Scenic World?

A veritable theme park where nature is given star billing, Scenic World showcases the beauty of the Blue Mountains to day-trippers in fun and thrilling ways.

It was established in 1945 when Harry Hammon actioned his entrepreneurial idea to transform a former coal mine into a tourist attraction. Now, Scenic World has grown to encompass a variety of rides designed to traverse and interact with the verdant bush terrain in a minimally invasive way.

Scenic World in Katoomba, Blue Mountains, NSW — Scenic World is the best way to see the Blue Mountains in all its glory. (Image: Destination NSW)

Hammon’s original plan was simply to repurpose coal skips and tracks from the Katoomba Colliery to create a passenger train – now known as the world’s steepest railway. But today, visitors can also take the cable car and skyway, absorb the lush surroundings along forest-floor pathways and take in the view with a cup of coffee at the cafe.

One of a select few accredited Ecotourism Australia businesses, Scenic World remains a Hammon family affair some 70 years after the first tourists rattled up the mountain in Harry’s converted coal train. And while the experience is, thankfully, far more polished and modern than it once was, this iconic Blue Mountains business is still a carriage-load of fun for a family day out.

Scenic World attractions

With bush-cloaked cliffs and rainforested ravines, the Blue Mountains does drama in a large format. While walking one of the region’s many stunning hikes is one way to uncover its beauty, to really appreciate the enormity of scale here, a little bit of elevation goes a long way. As well as offering lofty viewing opportunities, Scenic World also provides other attractions to excite everyone, from kids to adrenaline junkies.

Scenic Cableway

Glide gently into the Jamison Valley and return to the 510-metre-high escarpment on the Scenic Cableway. Voted the steepest cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, you’ll be fully enclosed with up to 83 other passengers for the eight-minute trip into (our out of) the forest.

If you find yourself a little jelly-legged, remember, both of the two cables are made to support 350 tonnes each, so you’re in safe hands as you journey on at five metres per second.

the Scenic Cableway, Katoomba — Scenic Cableway is the steepest cable car in the Southern Hemisphere.

Scenic Railway

Originally built in the 19th century to transport coal into the Katoomba mine, the Scenic Railway has been voted the steepest passenger railway in the world by the Guiness Book of World Records. The ride is now in its fifth incarnation, having been redeveloped in 2013.

Once steam-powered, the train is now on an electric winch system and carries up to 84 passengers in four cars. The 310-metre route takes a pulse-quickening 52-degree incline into the Jamison Valley and returns in four minutes. Passengers can recline their seats to a 64-degree incline to really dial up the excitement factor.

Scenic Skyway

If you’re stomach allows, hop aboard the Scenic Skyway to be suspended between two cliffs 270 metres above ground along a 72-metre cable. Laying out views of Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters, Mt Solitary and the Jamison Valley, the Swiss-made cabin dangles over the valley below.

Those brave enough can watch through the electro-glass floor as the canopy below glides past. Or, if that’s a little too intense, you can opt to stand on solid flooring or even take a seat. When the cable car opened in 1958, it was Australia’s first. The current cabin, which can carry up to 84 passengers every 10 minutes, is touted as the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Beyond Skyway

If travelling in a glass-bottomed cabin 270 metres above the ground is a little mundane for you, you’ll be pleased to know you can travel on top (yes, not in) of it with Beyond Skyway .

You’ll be securely harnessed to the roof of the cable car as it makes its 20-minute crossing across the valley. Absorb 360-degree views across the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, listening out for the crashing of Katoomba Falls below, one of the region’s most beautiful waterfalls. Beyond Skyway tickets start at $369 per person and $349 for children (10 and above).

Dinosaur Valley

On until February 2025, pint-size palaeontologists will love Scenic World’s Dinosaur Valley , where more than 50 dinos are positioned under the green canopy like large-scale toys. Descend the Scenic Railway to start the hunt along elevated boardwalks, where you might spot tyrannosaurus Rex, stegosaurus and others, as well as learn fascinating facts from the Dinosaur Ranger team.

Then, quickly make your way out of the valley by aerial cable car before the meat-eating predators pick up your scent! You can also purchase a Junior Rangers Kit, which includes binoculars, a drink bottle and hat.

kids having fun at Scenic World - Dinosaur Valley — Bring your kids to Dinosaur Valley. (Image: Scenic World)

Scenic World tickets and entry fees

If you’re spending the day at Scenic World, your best option is to choose the Unlimited Discovery Pass for $54 per adult or $32.40 per child. It includes a passage on the Scenic Skyway, Railway, Walkway and Cableway, plus access to Dinosaur Valley, as often as you can manage in one day. There are family options for this pass, too.

If you expect to visit more than three times in the year, you’re better off opting in for the annual pass, priced at $105 for adults and $57 for children. This pass entitles you to unlimited visits across 12 months, with kids three years and under free on both passes.

young people enjoying the views of the Blue Mountains from the Skyway at Scenic World — Enjoy the stunning nature views from the Skyway. (Image: Destination NSW)

Getting to Scenic World and parking

Located less than a two-hour drive from Sydney, Scenic World is a relatively easy day trip for the state capital. Free parking is conveniently available onsite, as well as charging points for electric vehicles.

If you’re coming via public transport, Sydney Trains stops at Katoomba Station, just three kilometres from Scenic World. Simply jump on the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus, another of Katoomba’s best activities in itself, or take the public bus (686 and 686G).

the Blue Mountains Explorer bus passing through Katoomba — Roam around the quaint streetscapes onboard the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus. (Image: Destination NSW)

Accessibility

The Scenic Cableway, Walkway and Skyway are all wheelchair accessible. However, due to the steep incline of the Scenic Railway and its safety protocols, wheelcahir access is not available. There are accessible car parking spots onsite, as well as automatic doors, lifts, ramps and accessible toilets.

Service dogs, including guide, hearing and assistance companions, are also welcome at Scenic World, as long as harnesses and leashes are owrn at all times. Scenic World recommends that any visitors with accessibility or mobility needs contact them ahead of their visit.

Scenic World opening hours

Scenic World is open 365 days of the year, although opening hours can vary. Regular opening hours during the week are 10 am – 4 pm and 9 am – 5 pm on weekends. However during NSW school holiday periods, it’s 9 am – 5 pm, seven days a week.

Scenic World may be open longer during the summer months, so be sure to check the website before planning your trip. Bookings are essential and ticket entry is timed.

Scenic Skyway cabin at Scenic World Katoomba passing over the Jamison Valley in the Blue Mountains — Scenic World is open every day of the year. (Image: Destination NSW)

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

Scenic World – a guide to visiting the nature-themed attraction