Day #5: The Blue Mountains and the Scenic Skyway

From Broken Hill to the Blue Mountains
The Indian Pacific departs broken Hill and New South Wales around midday, bound for Sydney. The train journeys through the night, arriving at Mount Victoria Station (about an hour west of Sydney) in the morning. At Blue Mountains guest depart the Indian Pacific. The journey from this point to Sydney is via a chartered train from the New South Wales rail service. Guests are offered two different experiences on this stop--riding the Scenic Skyway offerings, or hiking the Prince Henry Cliff walk, two different ways of seeing the Jamison Valley.


The Blue Mountains Scenic Railway

The Blue Mountains Scenic Railway is renowned for being the steepest passenger railway in the world. Originally built in the 1880s to haul coal and shale up the rugged cliffs, it was later transformed into a thrilling passenger experience, transporting visitors down a sharp incline into the lush Jamison Valley. The journey begins as riders board carriages with panoramic windows that allow stunning views of the dense eucalyptus forests and dramatic sandstone escarpments. As the train descends at a remarkable 52-degree incline, passengers can choose their seat tilt, ranging from mild to “cliffhanger” mode for a heart-pounding experience. The railway’s immersive descent offers a unique, exhilarating way to explore the natural wonders of the Blue Mountains, with a variety of bushwalking trails waiting at the valley floor. Both the guided walking tour and the Scenic Skyway end at Echo Point.


Blue Mountains Cableway
The Blue Mountains Scenic Cableway is a heart-pounding experience, as travelers are suspended high above the lush Jamison Valley of the Blue Mountains. It offers passengers a panoramic view of rugged sandstone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and the iconic Three Sisters rock formation. The large, fully enclosed cabin glides smoothly along its trajectory, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey while showcasing the region's stunning natural beauty. As the world's steepest aerial cableway, it provides a thrilling descent into the valley below, where verdant rainforests and walking trails await exploration.


Blue Mountain Vistas
(Click to Enlarge)



Jamison Valley
Solitary Lookout
Katoomba Mine

Katoomba Falls
Three Sisters


The Blue Mountains Scenic Skyway

The Scenic Skyway in the Blue Mountains is a breathtaking cableway experience offering spectacular panoramic views of the region's rugged landscape. Suspended 270 meters above the Jamison Valley, the Skyway glides across a 720-meter span, providing passengers with an unparalleled aerial view of iconic landmarks like the Three Sisters, Mount Solitary, and Katoomba Falls. Its large windows and glass-bottomed floor create an immersive experience, allowing visitors to gaze down at the lush rain forest canopy and steep sandstone cliffs below. As the cable car moves, knowledgeable guides offer insights into the unique geology and history of the Blue Mountains, adding depth to the visual feast. The Scenic Skyway is not only a thrilling adventure but also a peaceful, scenic retreat, showcasing the grandeur of one of Australia’s most treasured natural wonders. Below is a video of the Scenic World offerings from a guest on the Indian Pacific Train

Scenic World Video
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