In 1788 the Blue Mountains were originally named "Carmarthen Hills" and "Landsdowne Hills" by Governor Phillip, however, it wasn’t long after, that the distinctive blue haze surrounding the area saw the change in name to the Blue Mountains.

The Blue Mountains is densely populated by oil-bearing Eucalyptus trees. The atmosphere is filled with finely dispersed droplets of oil, which, in combination with dust particles and water vapor, scatter short wavelength rays of light that are predominantly blue in color.

The Blue Mountains National Park has retained its top spot as the most visited national park in New South Wales. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2022 Park Visitor Survey shows 6.4 million domestic visits were made to the World Heritage–listed national park, which is home to 260,000 hectares of bushland, including the Three Sisters, Meehni, Wilmah, and Gunnedoo.

With many flocking to beaches during summer, this is traditionally the low season in the Blue Mountains, with lower hotel occupancy and an overriding ambiance of ennui, accompanied by the soundtrack of cicadas in full throttle. But with long days tempered by cooler mornings and evenings, it’s also a great time to get into the bush, exploring the myriad trails of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. You can escape the heat in deep, shady canyons, or cool off in a river swimming hole or under the spray of sparkling waterfalls that plummet over the sandstone escarpment.

As the days cool and the leaves of stately oaks lining the streets of Leura, Blackheath, and Mount Wilson turn gold to red and russet, before fluttering to the ground in a crunchy carpet, the “leaf peepers” descend on the region, snapping Insta-worthy images of the Blue Mountains in its most audacious autumn finery. Some of the Mountain’s most glorious gardens are also open to the public during this spectacular season.

Mist swirling through the valleys, crackling log fires, steaming drinks, and the whisper of snow … when it’s cold outside, the Blue Mountains come into their own, hosting a range of festivities that celebrate the seasonal chill. This is the perfect time to warm up with a vigorous hike along the escarpment or into the valleys, or simply admire the view from a lookout before scurrying back indoors to warm up. And when it snows, be prepared for a real celebration – there’s nothing more joyous than throwing snowballs, making snow angels, or tobogganing down a hill in the fluffy cold stuff.

As the days lengthen and warm, so the Mountains burst into color as street fronts and gardens filled with exotic cool-climate species awake from their slumber. Public gardens such as Everglades or the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah are a picture with carpets of daffodils, beds of irises, soaring rhododendrons, and riotous displays of azaleas and camellias; while the famous cherry blossoms of Leura Mall are at their Instagrammable best.

Established in 1945, Scenic World began with Harry Hammon’s entrepreneurial vision to transform a former coal mine into an iconic tourist attraction. With the closure of Katoomba Colliery in 1945, Harry recognized an opportunity to innovate, converting old coal skips and existing rail track into a passenger train, creating what is still today the world’s steepest passenger train.

Today, Scenic World continues to be owned and operated by the Hammon Family (Hammons Holdings Pty. Ltd.) for its three generations, offering award-winning experiences to over a million visitors annually.

For more than 70 years, Hammons Holdings has undertaken consistent investment to establish Scenic World as a world-class tourism attraction, maintaining best practice standards in safety, quality, and customer experience excellence.

Discover the thrill of a 52-degree incline in open riding the steepest passenger railway in the world, the Scenic Railway.

A whole new visitor experience awaits, with glass-roofed red carriages offering expansive views of the rainforest setting and spectacular Jamison Valley.

Custom-designed carriages allow passengers to choose their own adventure like never before, adjusting their seated position up to 20 degrees! Choose an adventurous ‘Cliffhanger’ ride at a steep 64-degree incline, or for those seeking a relaxed journey select the ‘Laid Back’ option. Of course, loyal fans can still ride the ‘Original’ at 52 degrees.

The Railway experience descends 310 meters through a cliff-side tunnel, emerging into an ancient rainforest at the Jamison Valley floor.   

Discover the tranquility of ancient rainforest – or simply tire the kids out – strolling along our 2.4-kilometre Scenic Walkway. Brilliant in sunshine and even better in the rain, this elevated boardwalk immerses visitors in the Jurassic rainforest on the Jamison Valley floor with minimal impact on the environment. Along the way, explore elements of the site’s coal mining history including the mine entrance, a replica miners’ hut, and a scale bronze sculpture of a miner and his pit pony. Learn about local flora, listen to the native lyre bird, or taste pure Blue Mountains water straight from Marrangaroo Spring. Enjoy a peaceful moment in the open-air Rainforest Room, or on rest benches located along the route. Options for various walks taking ten minutes or a full hour are clearly signposted, along with the wheelchair-accessible link between the bottom Cableway and Railway stations.  

Discover panoramic views of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains from the Scenic Cableway. The 545-meter journey gently descends into the Jamison Valley and also returns visitors to the top of the escarpment. The Cableway’s fully enclosed cabin is a unique vantage point for viewing the Three Sisters, Orphan Rock, Mt Solitary, and Katoomba Falls. Disembark at the bottom station to access the Scenic Walkway and stroll through 2.4 kilometers of Jurassic rainforest. Wheelchair accessible with a capacity for 84 passengers, the Cableway is the steepest and largest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere.

Glide between cliff tops and gaze at the rainforest canopy through the glass floor of the Scenic Skyway! Suspended 270 meters above ancient ravines, the Skyway provides a unique thrill as breathtaking views are revealed beneath your feet through the electro-glass cabin floor. For the less adventurous, seating and solid flooring is also available! With 360° views, the 720-metre journey provides the best views of Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters, and Jamison Valley stretching to the horizon. Disembark at the Skyway’s east station to access lookouts over the valley along with bush trails to Echo Point.

The Scenic World Blue Mountains is open to everyone from kids to adults, seniors to people with disabilities. 

        • For accessibility or mobility inquiries, it is best to discuss individual requirements with ticket desk staff upon arrival to maximize your experience.

        • Scenic World is a smoke-free environment. There is a designated smoking area adjacent to the coach and bus parking.

        • Do not disturb plants and animals around the area and during your walks.

        • There are plenty of designated rubbish bins for your trash or take your rubbish with you.

        • Recreational drone use is prohibited in Scenic World airspace.

        • Watch your steps because the walkway may be slippery during inclement weather.

        • There is no restroom/toilet along the Scenic Walkway. Make sure that you relieve yourself first before starting your adventure.

        • Use comfortable walking shoes. Trust me, you will enjoy the long walks.

        • Don’t bring unnecessary items with you during your walks. Some terrains are quite steep, and you don’t want to lose your belongings on the edges of the cliffs.

        • Scenic World (including shops) only accepts cashless transactions.

        • Cafes and souvenir shops are available for some refreshments, snacks, and souvenir shopping.

        • Pets are not permitted in Scenic World.

Each day pass tickets start at $50 per adult. 

Annual Pass: starts from $99 per adult. 

You can also choose other ticket packages available here 

Perhaps the most iconic Katoomba sight, the Three Sisters rises almost one kilometer above sea level from the north escarpment of the Jamison Valley.

Steeped deeply in lore and of great significance to the Traditional Owners, these monolithic pillars are awe-inspiring for anyone who glimpses their majestic beauty. The sisters can be easily discovered on a gentle 800-metre walk in Katoomba, making them a must-see on any Blue Mountains jaunt.

If you're planning a trip to Australia, you should definitely include Scenic World Blue Mountains in your itinerary. Here are some reasons why this place is a must-see for any traveler:

        * The Scenic World Blue Mountains is home to the world's steepest passenger railway, the Scenic Railway, which takes you on a thrilling ride through the rainforest and into the Jamison Valley.

        * You can also enjoy panoramic views of the mountains, valleys, and waterfalls from the Scenic Skyway, a glass-bottomed cable car that glides above the canopy.

        * For a more immersive experience, you can walk along the Scenic Walkway, a 2.4-kilometer boardwalk that winds through the ancient forest and showcases the flora and fauna of the region.

        * You can also explore the history and culture of the area at the Scenic Cinema, which features a 12-minute film that tells the story of the original inhabitants, the Gundungurra people, and the coal miners who built the railway.

        * Scenic World Blue Mountains is also a great base for exploring other attractions in the area, such as the Three Sisters rock formation, the Jenolan Caves, and the Blue Mountains National Park.

Scenic World Blue Mountains is more than just a tourist attraction. It's a place where you can experience the beauty and diversity of Australia's natural heritage. Don't miss this opportunity to discover one of the most scenic places in the world!