About
Katoomba Railway was originally constructed in the 1880s to
facilitate mining in the Jamison Valley, originally hauling coal
and oil shale from the bottom of the valley up to the escarpment
above. Locals soon began to see its potential as a tourist
attraction, and from 1928 to 1945 the train was used for its
intended purpose carrying coal during the week, with passengers
using the train for leisure purposes at the weekends. After the
coal mine was permanently closed in 1945 the Katoomba Scenic
Railway remained open as a tourist attraction, and it remains
popular to this day, with tourists travelling from all over the
world to experience this historic, record breaking journey.
The Katoomba Scenic Railway is located in the town of Katoomba
in the Blue Mountain region in New South Wales, around 64 miles
west of Sydney. The town of Katoomba is popular with tourists due
to its attractive mountain scenery, including the famous rock
formation known as The Three Sisters which is viewable from Echo
Point, around 1.5 miles south of the main town.
The entire Katoomba Scenic Railway closed in 2013 for
modernisation work on both the carriages and tracks. These updates
saw customised seats installed in the carriages, which give
passengers the option to adjust their seated position by up to 20
degrees. Passengers can choose from three different seating
positions when making this trip, all offering varying degrees of
tilt. The 'Original' 52 degree incline is the standard option, and
gives the most accurate representation of the original 19th century
journey, while two added options allow passengers the choice to
further customise their trip. The 'Cliffhanger' tilts passengers
forward to ride at an exhilarating 64 degree incline, perfect for
thrill seekers, while the 'Laid Back' option offers a more sedate
journey with the incline lessened to a more relaxed 44 degrees,
ideal for those seeking a more laid back ride.
A journey on the Katoomba Scenic Railway is a unique and
unforgettable experience. Once a 19th century novelty that
pre-dated rollercoasters, the railway is an exhilarating way to
view the stunning landscapes of Australia's east coast from a
unique vantage point. View the stunning sandstone cliffs up close,
catch glimpses of the densely forested Jamison Valley below and
take in the breathtaking views of the expansive rainforest, all on
this once in a lifetime rail experience.
