Riding The Scenic Railway in the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains unfold in a show of velvet greenery and stunning scenery. In the heart of it all, you’ll find Scenic World, a popular attraction that gives you the chance to see the landscape from a different perspective.

The Scenic Railway is one of the key attractions at Scenic World. Weaving its way through the lush undergrowth above the Jamison Valley, it chugs up a 52-degree incline, making it the steepest passenger railway in the world.

Back in 2013, the attraction underwent a huge, award-winning renovation, which sees it now offering glass-roofed carriages for even better views over the surrounding scenery. Look out in every direction and spot the colourful bird species, ancient plant life, and fascinating wildlife that calls the area home as you learn more about the age-old history of this part of Australia.

The carriages of the Scenic Railway are custom-designed, too, so that each and every passenger can choose their own adventure. You can adjust your seating position up to 20-degrees, giving you the choice between a daring “cliffhanger” ride at a 64-degree incline, or a more relaxed journey with the laidback option.

Once you’re on board, the train descends 310 metres down a Cliffside tunnel which opens out into the ancient rainforest of the Jamison Valley. Carrying up to 84 passengers and leaving every 10 minutes, the Scenic Railway is the perfect way to explore the 2.4 kilometres of Jurassic rainforest in the Blue Mountains.

The History of the Scenic Railway

The Railway was opened back in 1945 and, since then, has wowed more than 25 million passengers who have ridden its tracks in their own adventure. Today, the carriages are the fifth-generation design.

Lovingly known as the Scenic Railway, the attraction takes its name from the term used in the 19th century to refer to amusement rides at seaside funfairs in England. These rides were made up of simple carriages that tracked along rails, passing a series of exotic backdrops that took them to the Swiss Alps and the Egyptian pyramids in one journey.

The Scenic Railway, forming part of the much-loved Scenic World, provides visitors with a unique way to explore the stunning scenery of the Blue Mountains and beyond. With the ability to make your own adventure thanks to the adjustable seats, and the chance to discover the incredible scenery of the Jamison Valley from above, this really is an attraction you can’t miss when in this part of Australia.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.