After nearly a year and a half of talking about taking Virls to the Blue Mountains, we finally made good on the plan this April—and honestly, since it's only a two-hour drive, the delay had far more to do with procrastination than geography. Classic.
As tradition with all good Blue Mountains sojourn dictates, we kicked things off at Echo Point, where the Three Sisters pose patiently for yet another round of tourist selfies. From there, we wandered over to Scenic World—because nothing says "communing with nature" quite like hanging over a cliff in a glass box. We ticked off our usual rides: the Scenic Railway (still terrifying), and the Scenic Skyway (even more terrifying, and far higher). Strangely, this was somehow our first time on the Scenic Cableway—how we missed it before, I’ve no idea. Maybe I was too distracted, or just had enough already given a massive dislike of heights.
In a surprising throwback to my school days (circa the ancient times), I even walked out to the old mine entrance from the lower Cableway station. Either they’ve seriously upgraded the experience since then, or my childhood memory was just wildly unimpressed by anything that didn’t involve a tuckshop. Either way, it was far more engaging than I remembered—and a nice way to round out a day of hanging off the sides of cliffs in style.
The mine will be covered both here on the blog, and the Semi-Retired Foamer YouTube Channel.
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Echo Point
Echo Point in Katoomba is one of the most iconic lookout spots in the Blue Mountains region of New South Wales, Australia. It offers a panoramic view of the dramatic Jamison Valley and is the most popular vantage point for viewing the famous rock formation known as the Three Sisters. Located just a short walk from the Katoomba town center, Echo Point is easily accessible and attracts visitors from around the world who come to experience its breathtaking scenery.
The Three Sisters are a trio of towering sandstone peaks that hold significant cultural importance to the Gundungurra and Darug peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the land. According to Aboriginal legend, the rock formation represents three sisters who were turned to stone to protect them from harm during a tribal conflict. This story adds a rich layer of cultural heritage to the already stunning natural beauty of the site, making Echo Point not just a scenic spot, but also a place of storytelling and tradition.
In addition to the views, Echo Point serves as the starting point for several popular walking tracks, including the Giant Stairway, which leads adventurous hikers down into the valley floor. The site is equipped with visitor facilities, including information centres, dunnies (Aussie for toilets/CR), cafes, and viewing platforms designed to handle large crowds while preserving the surrounding environment. Whether you're there for a casual visit or a more immersive bushwalking experience, Echo Point offers a gateway into the awe-inspiring landscape of the Blue Mountains.
If you can't be bollocked driving there, a very regular bus service operates from the Katoomba Railway station.
Excited top have arrived at Echo Point, with Virls and Ef Ef able to finally meet three local sisters.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
There is no doubting the views from Echo Point is breathtaking.
Photo: Brad Peadon
The famed Three Sisters. But is that a lesser known offspring to the right of them?
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
3753 on the local bus service from Katoomba railway station to Echo Point and Scenic World
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
TV-644 on the 'Blue Mountains Explorer' service that visits various places of interest around Katoomba and Leura.
Photo: Brad Peadon
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Scenic World
Scenic World in Katoomba is a premier eco-tourism destination nestled in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, just a two-hour drive (ghastly traffic dependent) from Sydney. Established in 1945 by local entrepreneur Harry Hammon, the attraction transformed a former coal mine into a family-owned adventure park that showcases the region's natural beauty through innovative transport experiences. The site offers four main attractions: the Scenic Railway, Scenic Skyway, Scenic Cableway, and the Scenic Walkway, each providing unique perspectives of the surrounding rainforest and sandstone cliffs.
The Scenic Railway is renowned for being the world's steepest passenger railway, descending 310 meters into the Jamison Valley at a 52-degree incline. Originally constructed in the 1880s to transport coal, it now offers visitors a thrilling ride through lush rainforest. The Scenic Skyway, introduced in 1958, is the largest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring a glass-floored cabin that provides breathtaking views of Katoomba Falls and the Three Sisters rock formation. The Scenic Cableway, operating since 2000, transports passengers 510 meters down to the valley floor, offering panoramic vistas of Orphan Rock and Mount Solitary.
For those preferring a more grounded experience, the Scenic Walkway is a 2.4-kilometer elevated boardwalk that meanders through ancient rainforest, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the area's rich biodiversity. Scenic World also hosts seasonal events, such as the 'Nocturnal' light walk, which illuminates the rainforest with laser lights and holograms (this guff is very much recommended), offering a magical experience after dark. Open every day of the year, Scenic World provides a range of dining options, including EATS270 and the Terrace Café, both offering outdoor seating with stunning views of the valley.
The same bus service also operates here via Echo Point.
I am told this strange looking thing is called Shelf Fungus.
Photo: Brad Peadon
The gang has just arrived at Scenic World and looking forward to spending some money.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Original cable car from the Skyway. This was far smaller than the massive one used today which is believed to be the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Photo: Brad Peadon
That elevated guideway thing is the 'Orphan Rocker', a rollercoaster that was built, but never opened.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Ingersoll Rand compressor, and a steam winch, preserved near the entrance.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Virls checking out the autumn trees.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
Just inside the Scenic World entrance.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
Scenic World shop with no shortage of things to purchase.
Interesting to see the two mock up coal skips in the above image.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Headed on over to catch the Skyway across.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Virls partaking in the amazing views from the cable car.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
Gives a good indication of the sheer size of this cable car compared to the original shown above.
No idea how the small one would have coped with the massive loadings seen there on this day.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Katoomba Falls from the Skyway.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Cable car heading back to Scenic World after our trip across.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and three below.
Following the cable car trip, we decided to go for a walk along the 'Prince Henry Cliff Walk' to see what was to be found.
The waterfall is the Katoomba Falls we saw from the cable car before.
Photos: Brad Peadon
The gang showing off where we had just walked.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and three below.
A bit of a walk (for an ol buggar like me) down some stairs lead us to the bottom of this lovely waterfall .
Photos: Brad Peadon
Group shot at the bottom of the falls.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Virls doing some modelling for 'Semi-Retired Foamer'.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
The river that runs off from the waterfall above.
Photos: Brad Peadon
More bushwalking.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Captured while heading back to catch the Skyway again.
Photo: Brad Peadon
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More video of the day will be coming to the channel soon.
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Virl Virls, Tin Tin, Nhings, and Ef Ef.
Wayne Eade, Stephen Joseph Miller, and Nikki Stacey.
The awesome and friendly staff of Scenic World.
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Your link to all the things we have to entertain you.
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