Visit Scenic World and enjoy a memorable ride at Blue Mountains Cable Car
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Initially, a coal mine, Scenic World Katoomba has now become a world-class tourist attraction in the country. Especially so for those who love nature. The family-owned attraction has been in business since 1945 and has continued to provide award-winning services.
The Blue Mountains cable car at the Scenic World is one of the popular tourist attractions in Sydney Australia and features some geomorphology and geology of the region. In fact, this is a great way to get a view of the UNESCO world heritage site of Blue Mountains National Park from a unique perspective. Mt.Solitary, Three Sisters, and Orphan Rock are some iconic locations that you can see on your ride in the Blue Mountains cable car.
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History of Scenic World & Blue Mountains Cable Car
This region was initially used as a coal mine and was known as the “Katoomba Coal Mine” registered by John Britty North in 1872. Several mining operations have been initiated and ended, owing to the Depression and World War II. A shale Mine was also put into operation but suffered the same fate. However, the railway saw public passengers as early as the 1920s in the form of weary bushwalkers.
After World War II Mr Harry Hammon bought the cliff railway and its associated operations, the only person to offer a bid. The first attraction to open was the Blue Mountains Scenic Railway, where the incline of 52 degrees is sure to wonder.
Gradually, they opened the Scenic Skyway followed by Australia’s first revolving restaurant. That and the steepest and largest cable car in the country also known as the Blue Mountains cable car. During that period, it was called the Scenic Skyway bright plywood cabin. date, the various attractions, have undergone improvements with the upgrade in 2018 being the most recent.
Sustainability is one of the main ideas that Scenic World now strives for. In fact, the rides at Scenic World including the Scenic Railway and the Blue Mountains Cable Car (Scenic Skyway) are designed for maximum efficiency. They generate electricity as they descend which is then fed into the grid. Plus, there’s naught to worry about if you drive electric as there are charging stations in the public car park.
Why Scenic World Skyway is a major attraction?
Apart from being the steepest cable car in the southern hemisphere, you get 545m to marvel at the Jamison Valley. The Swiss made, cable car itself allows up to 84 passengers and provides unobstructed views with its large glass windows. The newer cars also offer greater accessibility for wheelchairs so anyone can enjoy the view. After 510m descent, you can continue, through the Scenic Walkway.
The Blue Mountains cable car will grant you stunning views of the Three Sisters as well as Orphan Rock. You can also find the Katoomba Falls, where the Kedumba River falls into the Valley, and the lone Mt. Solitary.
You can marvel at The World Heritage region spread out before you. Rainforests are not very common in the Blue Mountains. This makes the experience more unique. You can find over 100 of the world’s Eucalyptus species. Plus, there are over 400 birds and some can be found only in the Blue Mountains region, mammals, and reptiles who call the forest home.
Other than the exceptional rids themselves, Scenic World offers great service and staff. You’re also presented with lots of practical necessities. You can find several dietary options at their casual eatery. Plus, accessible and disabled-specific toilets are available. There are no restrictions on age or height so children are welcome to enjoy the Blue Mountains Cable Car ride. However, there are restrictions on prams and strollers.
It’s best to check the weather before heading out to Scenic World Blue Mountains as fog might obscure some of the scenery. If you travelling from Sydney it’s about a two-hour car ride, west of the city. You could use public transit to get there.
Recent upgrades to Skyway (or ‘Blue Mountains Cable Car’)
With about a 3 million dollar upgrade, the revamp of the Blue Mountains cable car does deserve some credit. Doppelmayr Garaventa, a world-class ropeway engineering company, carried out the renovations in 2018.
The newer cabins have 30% more space for the guests to move around it. The total number of people the new cabins can accommodate is 84 people. They also allow for better boarding and disembarking to lessen queues, especially during peak times. They have also included free Wi-Fi after hearing feedback from foreign visitors.
With that, hopefully, you have a better understanding of this very special experience you can enjoy by visiting the Scenic World Blue Mountains and the Blue Mountains Cable Car ride. Experience the world heritage site alongside nature, but never far from the comforts of civilization.
Blue Mountains is everyone’s bucket list of day trips from Sydney. If you are interested to book a Blue Mountains day trip from Sydney, you can contact Blue Mountains Tours by emailing info@urbanpassport.com.au or call us on (+61) 0498597873
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