If you’re planning a family holiday in the Blue Mountains, Scenic World in Katoomba belongs on the list. It’s one of the region’s most popular attractions for good reason, four different rides and walks packed into one site, all set against the Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters.
We visited to see how it holds up for families, and here’s everything you need to know before you go, including current prices, what each attraction is actually like with kids in tow, and a few practical tips we picked up along the way.
What Is Scenic World?
Scenic World sits on the site of a former coal mine in Katoomba, in the heart of the Blue Mountains. It’s home to four attractions, the Scenic Railway, Scenic Skyway, Scenic Cableway and Scenic Walkway, all connected so you can move between the clifftop and the rainforest floor in a single visit.
The site has been owned and operated by the Hammon family for three generations. Harry Hammon converted the old coal mine railway into a passenger attraction in 1945, and today his granddaughter Anthea Hammon runs Scenic World as Managing Director. The Skyway was added in 1958, and the Cableway and Walkway followed as part of a major redevelopment in the 1990s.
Scenic Skyway
We started with an aerial view of the valley on the Scenic Skyway. Cabins run every 10 minutes, so the queue moves quickly even on a busy day.
Once inside, you’re travelling 270 metres above the Jamison Valley with 360-degree views.
There’s a glass floor panel in the middle of the cabin, and if you can get the kids to stand on it, the view straight down through their feet is a highlight of the whole day.
From the Skyway you’ll spot the Three Sisters, the three sandstone peaks known locally as Meehni, Wimlah and Gunneddoo, and feature heavily in local Aboriginal stories. You’ll also see Katoomba Falls below.
You’ll also see the beautiful Katoomba Falls, which our entertaining tour guide announces has never run dry.
It’s a 720 metre journey over towards the eastern station so only takes a few minutes. Get off and spend some time at the eastern station and then queue up for a return journey back to the Scenic World top station.
Scenic Railway
Next, it’s time to head down into the valley. The Scenic Railway is the steepest passenger railway in the world, dropping at a 52-degree incline over just 310 metres.
While you queue, take a minute to read up on the history. This was once a coal mining railway, hauling workers down and coal up, before Harry Hammon and his sister Isobel Fahey turned it into a tourist attraction.
You can choose your seating angle before you board, from a relaxed Laidback setting through to the steep 64-degree Cliffhanger. It’s a genuinely thrilling few minutes, dropping through a cliff tunnel before opening out to views of the Three Sisters.
A few things worth knowing before you ride:
- Prams, strollers and most mobility aids aren’t permitted on the Railway
- Babies and small children must be held by an adult, there are no baby seats
- Riders need to be able to board and exit independently or with minimal help, via 22 stairs
- The Railway isn’t wheelchair accessible
Scenic Walkway
At the bottom, climb the stairs to the Scenic Walkway and you’re suddenly in ancient, temperate rainforest. It’s noticeably cooler down here, so bring a layer even on a warm day.
The Walkway has grown since our first visit, it now stretches 2.4 kilometres in total, with three route options depending on how much time you have: a 10-minute stroll, a 30-minute loop, or a fuller 50-minute walk.
The 10-minute section, running between the Cableway and Railway base stations, is flat and wheelchair and pram accessible. The longer routes involve steep sections and multiple stairs, so they’re better suited to older kids and confident walkers.
Along the way you’ll pass a replica miner’s cottage, remnants of the old coal mine, and glimpses of the Three Sisters through the trees.
If you’ve got time, the longer walk is worth it for the atmosphere alone. Look around to see the massive trees, ferns and vines that dot the path as well as the remains of the historic coal mine.
Scenic Cableway
From the valley floor, the Cableway takes you back up to the top. At 545 metres, it’s a longer and much gentler ride than the Railway, even though it’s officially the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere.
The fully enclosed cabin has multiple levels, so everyone gets a good view on the way up. Keep your camera ready, this is another good angle on the Three Sisters.
The Cableway is wheelchair accessible, so it’s a good option for mixed-ability groups heading down into the valley.
Dinosaur Valley (Summer School Holidays)
If you’re visiting over summer, look out for Dinosaur Valley. Included with your day pass, you’ll spot 25 species and more than 50 dinosaurs scattered along the rainforest boardwalks, including some very cute hatchlings. Kids can use the free Junior Field Guide to tick off each species as they find them.
Food and Views
Once back at the Top Station at Scenic World, it’s time for a bite to eat. Head to the Terrace Café for a range of food and drink and some of the best views.
Even if you’re not hungry, head to the terrace and enjoy the views at Mary’s Lookout.
The rugged cliffs of the Blue Mountains are truly spectacular especially with the blue haze of the eucalyptus forests. It’s also a top spot for a selfie with The Three Sisters.
Good to Know
Website: Scenic World Website
Location: Violet Street & Cliff Drive, Katoomba. Free undercover parking is available in a multi storey carpark on site
Opening Hours: Hours vary by day, generally around 9:30am to 4pm on weekdays and slightly later on weekends. Scenic World is open every day of the year, but always check current hours before you go, especially over the school holidays.
Admission: As of 2026, the Unlimited Discovery Pass starts from $64 for adults and $38.40 for kids, with children under 3 free. Prices change from time to time, so check current rates and book online before your visit, as sessions do sell out over busy periods. Annual passes are available too and offer great value for money if you plan on visiting Scenic World more frequently.
Family-Friendly: All experiences suit kids of any age, though babies and small children must be held by an adult, as there are no baby seats. Prams and strollers aren’t permitted on the Railway, and pram access is limited on the longer Walkway routes. Pram parking is available on Level 1 of the main building.
Accessibility: There is accessible entry, parking and toilets available at Scenic World. The Scenic Railway is not wheelchair accessible. However, the Scenic Skyway and Scenic Cableway are wheelchair accessible. A 380-metre length of the Scenic Walkway is wheelchair accessible between the Cableway’s base station and Railway base station.
Special Events: School holiday activities are held at Scenic World. Check the Scenic World website and social media channels for more information.
Disclosure: Newy with Kids received complimentary admission to Scenic World for review purposes. However, all opinions are our own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most families spend 2 to 4 hours at Scenic World, depending on how much of the Walkway you tackle and whether you stop for food. If you want to do the longer 50-minute walk and take your time on each ride, allow closer to half a day.
As of 2026, the Unlimited Discovery Pass starts from $64 for adults and $38.40 for kids, with children under 3 free. Always check current pricing before you visit, as rates can change.
Yes. It’s one of the few Blue Mountains attractions where you get four genuinely different experiences, aerial views, a thrilling railway, a rainforest walk and a scenic cable car, all in one ticket, and all suitable for a wide age range.
Online booking is strongly recommended, especially during school holidays and weekends, as sessions can sell out. Buying in advance also locks in your price.
Scenic World is around 90 minutes from Sydney by car via the M4 and Great Western Highway. If you’re travelling without a car, you can take the train to Katoomba Station and then a short taxi, rideshare or walk to Scenic World.
Plan the Rest of Your Blue Mountains Trip
Scenic World is a great anchor for a family day out, but the Blue Mountains has plenty more to offer. For more ideas, see our full guide to Top Things to Do in the Blue Mountains for Family Fun.
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