After having our lunch at Jenolan Caves Cafe, we drove back to Katoomba to visit the Scenic World, which is renowned for providing the ultimate Blue Mountains Adventure - from native birds and fresh air, to breathtaking views of the World Heritage-listed region including the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls & Jamison Valley. There are four main attractions here and our of which, the most famous is the Scenic Railway.
This is the steepest passenger railway in the world at an inclination of 52 degree (default). If we want, we can also choose the "Laid-back" option at 20 degree or "Cliffhanger" option at 64 degree. The Railway experience descends 310 metres through a cliff-side tunnel, emerging into ancient rainforest at the Jamison Valley floor. The glass-roofed carriages offers expansive views of the rainforest setting and spectacular Jamison Valley.
It was originally constructed for a coal and oil shale mining operation in the Jamison Valley in the 1880s, in order to haul the coal and shale from the valley floor up to the escarpment above. At the bottom of the valley, there is a replica of the original "Mountain Devil" Scenic Railway car.
Next, we strolled along the 2.4 kilometre Scenic Walkway, exploring elements of the site’s coal mining history including the mine entrance, a replica miners’ hut and scale bronze sculpture of a miner and his pit pony.
The walkway also immerses visitors in Jurassic rainforest on the Jamison Valley floor with minimal impact on the environment..
There were several routes at the walkway and due to time constraint, we took the shorter one that led us to the Scenic Cableway station. We took the Cableway back 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.
Finally, we took the Scenic Skagway to the east station to access lookouts over the valley along with bush trails to Echo Point.
Suspended 270 metres above ancient ravines, the Skyway provides a unique thrill as breathtaking views are revealed beneath your feet through the electro-glass cabin floor.
With 360° views, the 720 metre journey provides the best views of Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters, and Jamison Valley stretching to the horizon.
After completing the four main attractions, it's about park closure time. Outside of the Scenic World stood an interesting Steam Clock.
There was also a small area for kids to run about and play with giant balls.
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