Is the Scenic Railway Safe? What to Expect on the Ride

If you’ve done any research on the Blue Mountains, chances are the Blue Mountains Scenic Railway popped up pretty quickly. With claims of being the steepest railway in the world, it draws in curious travelers and thrill seekers from all over. And to be fair, it looks a little wild.

A glass-roofed train car tilted at a sharp incline, plunging into the rainforest below? It sounds more like a theme park ride than a mountain experience.

So let’s get the most common question out of the way.

Is the Scenic Railway Safe?

Yes, the scenic railway in the Blue Mountains is very safe.

It’s part of Scenic World in Katoomba, a long-established attraction that welcomes thousands of visitors each year. The railway is regularly inspected, maintained to the highest engineering standards, and operated by trained professionals.

You’ll ride in enclosed carriages with seatbelts and optional tilt settings, so you can control just how steep your journey feels. For those who want the full dramatic effect, you can crank your seat forward into the "Cliffhanger" setting. If you’re not into that kind of thrill, choose the “Laid-Back” position for a gentler ride.

It’s suitable for most fitness levels, though visitors with severe mobility issues or claustrophobia may want to sit this one out.

What the Ride Is Like

From the moment you board the scenic railway in Katoomba, NSW, you know it’s going to be a unique experience. The glass roof above you lets in filtered light from the rainforest canopy. As you begin the descent, the track dips steeply—so steeply, in fact, that many riders are reminded they’re on the world's steepest train.

It’s a short blue mountains train ride, lasting around five minutes, but it packs in plenty of visual drama.

Once at the bottom, you step out into a lush rainforest setting, where you can wander a scenic boardwalk and enjoy interpretive signs about the history and ecology of the area. Many visitors take the railway down, then ride the cableway or skyway back up to the top.

Some even combine it with a short train walking lookout experience, where you can pause and soak up sweeping views of the valleys.

It’s a fun, fast-paced way to experience the vertical beauty of the Blue Mountains Australia train.

Scenic World vs a Guided Tour Experience

The Blue Mountain train is a cool bucket-list ride, but it’s only one small piece of what the Blue Mountains region has to offer. If you're hoping to see waterfalls, hidden valleys, native wildlife, and truly breathtaking landscapes, a guided tour is the way to go.

At Picture Me Sydney, we focus on full-day experiences that give you a deeper, more personal connection to the area. You won’t just ride through the trees. You’ll walk among them. You’ll stop at places like Wentworth Falls, Echo Point, Grose Valley, and the Three Sisters at sunset, when the crowds are long gone and the light is golden.

Our small-group and private tours also include a VIP koala and kangaroo encounter, where you’ll have the chance to meet native wildlife up close in a relaxed, natural setting. It’s a memory many travelers say becomes the highlight of their entire Australian trip.

Want to see everything we offer in the region? Explore our full tour lineup here.

Getting There by Train

For many travelers, part of the adventure is the journey. Taking the train from Sydney to Blue Mountains Australia or the Blue Mountains train Sydney is one of the most scenic commutes you can imagine.

The Sydney to Katoomba train or the train from Sydney to Katoomba Australia drops you off right at Katoomba railway station, just a short distance from Scenic World itself. From there, you can grab Blue Mountains Scenic Railway tickets and head straight into the action.

It’s a stress-free way to travel, avoiding traffic while enjoying rolling countryside views along the way.

Don’t Miss Sydney While You’re At It

Most travelers heading to the Blue Mountains are basing themselves in Sydney, which is already packed with jaw-dropping sights, coastal views, and fascinating stories. So why not explore both?

Our Ultimate Full-Day Sydney Highlights Tour is designed to give you a complete experience of the city. You’ll visit iconic landmarks, secret coastal trails, and scenic lookouts, plus you’ll get professional photos taken along the way. Think of it as a local’s guide to the city, mixed with a mini photo shoot.

You can also browse more of our Sydney destinations to see what fits your vibe best.

Should You Ride the Scenic Railway?

If you’re curious and love a bit of adrenaline, the Scenic Railway is absolutely worth trying. It’s safe, well-run, and undeniably cool to say you’ve ridden the steepest train in the world. But it’s just one part of the story.

For those who want a deeper, more immersive experience of the Blue Mountains, we recommend pairing it with, or opting instead for, a guided tour that goes beyond the rails. You’ll see more. Do more. And remember more.

Whether you’re into photography, wildlife, waterfalls, or dramatic clifftop views, we’ve designed our tours to bring out the best of this incredible region.

View our tours and start planning your Sydney and Blue Mountains adventure today.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Scenic Railway in the Blue Mountains