When travellers ask me, What’s the famous train in the Blue Mountains, I still get a big grin on my face. They’re not asking about just any ordinary train – they’re talking about the Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest passenger train, which is hidden smack bang in the middle of the rugged blue mountains sandstone. I’ve been on it way more times than I can even count, and yet every time I get that same thrill of being on a rollercoaster, but instead of being on a coaster, it’s surrounded by 250 million years of geology just hanging out in the background.
A Short History of Rail in the Region
Before the Scenic World thrill rides came along, the railways in the Blue Mountains were all about graft and history. The first main line finally opened in 1867, linking up Penrith with Wentworth Falls – no easy feat given the sandstone cliffs, unpredictable weather & steep ridges. Two years on & the line had stretched all the way to Mount Victoria – a massive achievement in anyone’s books.
The engineers back then laid the same track that you can ride on today on the Blue Mountains Line, which is part of the Sydney Trains system – a network connecting the city to Lithgow. By the late 1800s, the coal miners around Katoomba built tramways to get coal out of the Jamieson and Kanimba Valleys – one of those tracks would eventually become what we now know as the Scenic Railway.
Every single bolt that holds the track together, every tunnel & sleeper on the track is a testament to the determination of the people who built it – a real reminder that Australia’s mountain railways were built with nothing but muscle and stubbornness.
The World’s Steepest Passenger Ride
The Scenic Railway is no ordinary train. It plummets down the escarpment at a 52-degree incline, which just so happens to be the world’s steepest passenger railway. Back in the 1880s, it was originally laid out to carry coal miners – & the odd brave soul – through the sheer walls of the Jamison Valley.
By 1945, the coal mine shut down & the Hammon family turned it into a tourist attraction. And that’s when visitors could ride the train through the rainforest into the valley below & take in the spectacular views of Orphan Rock, the Three Sisters and the Prince Henry Cliff Walk high above.
When youre on board its like a two minute thrill ride – part rollercoaster & part history lesson – an incredible combination of natural beauty & good old fashioned Aussie engineering knowhow.
Quick Stats — The Scenic Railway At A Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Scenic World, Katoomba |
| Length | 310 metres |
| Maximum Gradient | 52 degrees (128%) |
| World Record | Steepest passenger railway |
| Opened To the Public | 1945 |
| Original Purpose | Coal haulage for Katoomba Colliery |
| Travel Time | Approx. 4 minutes down, 4 minutes up |
| Operator | Scenic World (Hammon family, since 1945) |
Over 1 million people ride the Scenic Railway each year – that’s more than the population of Adelaide taking a nose-dive into the rainforest annually.
More Than Just A Ride
If you’re going to see the Scenic Railway, don’t just ride it and bugger off. Scenic World is a full-on eco-adventure park that turns geology into theatre. The site includes:
- Scenic Skyway – a glass-bottomed gondola 270 metres above the Jamison Valley.
- Scenic Cableway – a gentle 545-metre descent into the forest.
- Scenic Walkway – 2.4 kilometres of elevated boardwalk through ancient rainforest and old mine shafts.
It’s a masterclass in sustainable tourism – solar-powered infrastructure, minimal clearing and active replanting of native flora.
We’ve partnered with Scenic World for some of our Blue Mountains Tours itineraries because it’s that rare combo of thrill and conservation. You can have the experience and respect the land.
The Scenic Line: Sydney’s Heritage Gateway
Before GPS apps and rental cars, Sydneysiders got to the mountains via the Blue Mountains Line, part of the NSW TrainLink network. It’s still running today – a heritage-meets-modern commute from Central Station to Lithgow, through 26 stations and a lot of scenery.
Hop on at Sydney and you’ll pass through Penrith, Glenbrook, Springwood, Wentworth Falls, Leura and Katoomba – each a mountain village worth a stop.
Fun fact: 1,017 metres above sea level, Mount Victoria is the highest railway station in the Blue Mountains.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the journey:
| Segment | Approx. Travel Time | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney To Glenbrook | 1 hr | Entry to Blue Mountains National Park |
| Glenbrook To Leura | 45 mins | Villages, galleries, gardens |
| Leura To Katoomba | 5 mins | Access to Scenic World & Echo Point |
| Katoomba To Mount Victoria | 20 mins | Historic stations, cliff vistas |
Even if you’re not a trainspotter, the ride’s worth it — heritage stations, sandstone cuttings and 150 years of Aussie engineering.
Zig Zag Railway: Steam And Smoke In The Clouds
If steam engines and heritage railways get your heart racing, the Zig Zag Railway near Lithgow is your next stop. Built in 1869, this engineering marvel zigzags down the cliffs in a series of switchbacks — a clever way to conquer impossible gradients before tunnels were an option.
After being damaged by bushfires, the Zig Zag reopened in 2023, and the chugging rhythm of classic steam is back. It’s pure nostalgia — smoke curling into mountain mist, kids waving from carriages and volunteers beaming with pride to keep this piece of history alive.
From time to time, you’ll even catch themed weekends with heritage uniforms and old-school picnic hampers — a nod to when rail was the only way to get to the Wolgan Valley and Megalong Valley beyond.
How To Include Trains In Your Itinerary
Whether you’re after heart-thumping thrills or heritage charm, you can build your Blue Mountains trip around these three rail experiences:
- Start with the Blue Mountains Line – Depart Sydney early morning, breakfast at Leura Café, then explore the town.
- Head to Scenic World for the Scenic Railway – Book your Scenic Discovery Pass online and ride the Railway before the crowds hit.
- End with Zig Zag Railway – Drive or take a local connection to Lithgow for an afternoon of steam nostalgia.
Whether you’re catching public transport from Sydney Central train station, joining a Blue Mountains tour or road-tripping via the Great Blue Mountains Trail, the region’s railways are one of Australia’s most exciting ways to meet the mountains.
FAQ
What Is The Famous Train In The Blue Mountains?
The famous train is the Scenic Railway at Scenic World, officially the world’s steepest passenger railway.
How Steep Is The Scenic Railway?
It descends at a 52-degree incline, offering panoramic views over the Jamison Valley and Three Sisters.
Where Can I Catch The Blue Mountains Line?
From Sydney Central Station, with easy connections from Sydney Airport via the Sydney Trains system.
Is The Zig Zag Railway Open Again?
Yes — the Zig Zag Railway reopened in 2023 after restoration and is running steam trains.
What Else Can I Do Near Scenic World?
Walk the Scenic Walkway, Scenic Skyway and Scenic Cableway or visit the Norman Lindsay Gallery for a quiet afternoon in the gardens.