Is Scenic World in the Blue Mountains worth a visit?

Welcome to my blog post on Scenic World in the Blue Mountains, nestled in picturesque Katoomba. My family and I recently visited the area on a scorching summer’s day, travelling up from the south coast of New South Wales. It’s a place where adventure and breathtaking scenery await at every turn, offering plenty to see and explore.

For those travelling from Sydney, Scenic World is conveniently located just an hour’s drive west of the city. Whether you’re planning a trip or heading up for the weekend, be sure to add this must-visit attraction to the top of your list.

If you’re without a car, don’t worry, you can purchase a Hop-On, Hop-Off Lyrebird bus pass with a Scenic World add-on. This convenient option allows you to navigate the Blue Mountains and experience the best the area has to offer.

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A longer-than-average journey…

My family and I were travelling north on the first day of our trip from the South Coast of New South Wales. After leaving at the crack of dawn. We arrived super late to the Blue Mountains, which I blame mainly on a prolonged Volvo driver going 40 kilometres below the speed limit for over an hour, to taking horrendous country roads, on unsealed ground, making the trip precarious.

However, when we arrived at Scenic World in the Blue Mountains, a mere 3 hours later than planned – our 2 pm arrival brought us a stroke of luck – no queues in sight! Winning!

The World’s Steepest Railway!

The first thing we did was head straight over to the Scenic Railway. You board a bright red train, which feels like it’s almost travelling vertically on the tracks as it glides down through the stunning National Park. It’s a 310-foot slow descent down to the bottom, and you’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of the rainforest when you get down there. It’s safe to say, I did this part alone. Zac, being scared of heights, decided to walk down.

When I climbed out of the train, I stood on the platform looking out at the world-class scenery before me. There were green rainforests as far as the eye could see, and in the distance, you could see the unmistakable blue haze (hence the name – the Blue Mountains), coming from the eucalyptus trees.

As I exited the station and wandered down a boardwalk, I saw a sign that advised that I was now entering a registered coal mining site. As custodians of the land, Scenic World looks after the area and lets nature take its course, through only minimal intervention. So, you might see damage from storms or landslides, but Scenic World will only intervene to protect visitor safety.

The Dreaded Furber Steps

Further down the boardwalk, you’ll stumble upon a replica coal mining office, resembling a rustic wooden shack. Here, you can delve into the area’s rich history and learn about the challenges faced by the mining workers.

Before the brilliant invention of the train, miners had to endure the gruelling ascent of the Furber Steps. Trust me, unless you’re an Olympic athlete with gallons of water to spare, attempting this nearly thousand-step climb is akin to scaling the Empire State Building…twice! It’s no wonder why the miners dreaded this daily trek, which would have tested their endurance to the limits.

One scorching December day in 2006, I dared to tackle this feat with a friend. However, after just 10 minutes of the steep descent, we called it quits and trudged back up. My face resembled a ripe beetroot, and the looming threat of heat exhaustion was a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of the climb. Lesson learned: if you’re not in peak physical condition, it’s best to admire the Furber Steps from a safe distance!

‘Jessie’

Some bright spark recognised the need for transportation up and down the steps, so they introduced a skip to lower the workers down and bring them back up. On weekends, the skip, affectionately named ‘Jessie’, was also open to the public for exploration. For a mere sixpence, visitors could ride Jessie – and no, it’s not what you were thinking!

Delving into the area’s history provided a chance to take in the stunning scenery that surrounded me. It was a truly awe-inspiring experience. Remnants of the coal mining era, such as old mining trains, carts, and tools, as well as a sculpture depicting a coal miner with a coal cart, provided a glimpse into the past. Today, the railway caters to tourists rather than transporting coal. During the Victorian era, when the mine was thriving, young boys could often be seen working in the mines, starting their apprenticeships at just fourteen years old and gradually climbing the ranks to become experienced miners.

Birds Eye View of Scenic World in the Blue Mountains

Continuing my walk, I noticed a short line for the cable car and decided to take advantage of the opportunity to get a better look at the Jamison Valley. The views from this vantage point were insane, enhanced by the perfect weather that day. Among the highlights was the superb sight of Katoomba Falls, particularly stunning when viewed from above. I also enjoyed stunning vistas of the iconic Three Sisters and Orphan Rock. For the adventurous, standing on the see-through glass floor in the gondola provides a thrilling, albeit slightly unnerving, viewpoint, with nothing but forest visible below.

Regrettably, my time to explore further was cut short as they unexpectedly closed early. Despite my disappointment, I look forward to returning in the future to delve deeper into this stunning location.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

What other attractions are there to explore at Scenic World in the Blue Mountains beside the railway?

There are so many other areas to explore, which I didn’t get to see due to it closing early. There’s Dinosaur Valley, which Zac and Aria explored and absolutely loved! There’s also numerous other trails and hikes that are all varying degrees of difficulty, as well as lookout points, ancient forest walks, cable car rides, and guided tours.

Are there any specific tips or recommendations for visiting Scenic World, especially regarding timing and avoiding crowds?

Yes! If possible, consider visiting on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds. We went on a weekday and a week before the school holidays started, so it was nice and quiet, with hardly any queues. We were so lucky! It’s often incredibly busy and it’s not uncommon to spend 30-60 minutes queuing for a ride.

How accessible is Scenic World for different age groups and fitness levels?

Scenic World is very accessible. For instance, the boardwalk that I took was great for those who aren’t that active, using a wheelchair, or pushing a pram. It gently sloped down, meaning that it was an easy walk. Plus I was able to get a cable cart back up to the top. For those with mobility issues, I would highly recommend sticking to the boardwalks or flat paths. If you’re super fit and like to go on a strenuous walk, then they have those too.

How can I book tickets to Scenic World?

You can purchase your tickets for this amazing attraction right here.

What are the opening hours?

Their opening hours can vary seasonally. Also, bookings are essential during busy periods such as weekends, school holidays, Christmas, etc. You will get a timed ticket entry for all visitors.

Outside school holidays – Saturday & Sunday: 9am-5pm (last tickets 3.30pm)

Monday to Friday: 10am – 4pm (last entry 2.30pm).

During NSW school holidays, times may differ. Check the website before visiting.

As I think back on our epic day at Scenic World in the Blue Mountains, I can’t help but feel grateful for having such an amazing experience. From the slightly scary ride on the world’s steepest railway to the epic views of the Jamison Valley from the cable car, every moment was pure magic.

Exploring the area’s old coal mining past was interesting too, as it gave us a peek into the lives of the miners who used to work here. And cruising in the cable car, soaking in those insane views of the Jamison Valley and its famous spots, I felt totally connected to this incredible place.

Even though it sucked to have our time at Scenic World cut short, I’m already itching to go back, ready to discover more hidden gems and make more awesome memories. Whether you’re into nature, history, or just down for an adventure, I totally recommend hitting up Scenic World. Seriously, it’s epic!

So why wait? Grab your tickets HERE through my blog today and get ready for the ultimate Blue Mountains adventure. I’m excited for you to experience it!

Have you visited Scenic World in the Blue Mountains before? Are you planning on a trip here soon? Let me know in the comments section below.

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