Scenic Railway to the Landslide

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Time 2 hrs 30 mins
Return 2.7 km Return
Climb 353 m
Grade 3 Moderate track
Bus Car
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A great walk for those exploring Scenic World as it passes the old coal-mining sites of Katoomba. Following the base of the cliffs the views are largely shrouded until breaking out into the open at the Landslide. As you walk, be sure to look up and see if you can spot any abseilers, especially in the Malaita Point area.

Scenic World

Scenic World
Scenic World is one of the most renowned tourist attractions of Katoomba and the Blue Mountains. Located on the cliffs of the Jamison Valley , visitors can enjoy a ride on the Scenic Railway (the world's steepest incline railway) or the Scenic Cableway, into the Jamison Valley, and explore the Scenic Walkway from the base. Alternatively, the Scenic Skyway offers a bird's eye view over the valley, with a glass floor to enhance the experience. Scenic World also features a revolving restaurant, a cafe and a kiosk, in addition to the documentary theatre and souvenir shop. Rides can be purchased, starting from $16 for adults and $10 for children, and combination or family passes are available. More info.

(0km) Scenic World → Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform)

distance 300 m time 26 mins climb 8m descent -210m Very easy
From Scenic World, this walk goes down the cliffs using the Scenic Railway. Hang on tight! This 415m-long journey is the world's steepest railway. At the bottom, the track comes to a great viewing platform of the valley. Use of the railway costs $10 for adults and $5 for children one-way. Last train normally at 4:45pm (opens at 9am) More info.

(0km) Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform) → Int of Scenic Railway Boardwalk and Landslide Bush Track

distance 190 m time 6 mins climb 25m descent -17m Very easy
Turn left : From the bridge over the bottom of the Scenic Railway, this walk follows the signs to 'scenic walkway', passing a replica of a mining cart, as well as an old mine. Just past this, the walk comes to a pipeline that runs down the hill collecting fresh water, signposted as drinkable. Continuing past the old mine shafts along the boardwalk, this walk comes to an intersection with a bush track going slightly off to the right. This is signposted as the way to the Landslide.

(0km) Int of Scenic Railway Boardwalk and Landslide Bush Track → Landslide

distance 1.2 km time 40 mins climb 150m descent -161m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the wide track and signposts towards the 'landslide'[2] (keeping the cliffs on the right). The walk winds along a bush track with small boulders strewn along it. There are a number of old mine shafts just off the track and some interesting historical items. The track continues under Malaita Point before breaking out of the vegetation to a worthy view of the valley, just before the landslide. As the track comes to the old landslide site, it become rougher with plenty of boulders over the track. There are also excellent views of the cliffs above and the landslide as the vegetation is quite sparse here.

The Landslide

The Landslide
'The Landslide' is a large rockfall going into the valley approximately 100m. There is a good vantage point for the landslide from under the cliffs to the east, and a great but more distant view from Narrow Neck lookout. The landslide occurred in 1931 after a few days of rumbling. There has been much debate as to whether this event was helped along by erosion and coal mining in the area at the time.

Maps for the Scenic Railway to the Landslide walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Six Foot Track1:50 000 Map SeriesSix Foot TrackNSW-six-foot-track
Katoomba1:25 000 Map Series89301S KATOOMBANSW-89301S
Katoomba1:100 000 Map Series8930 KATOOMBA8930

Cross sectional view of the Scenic Railway to the Landslide bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Scenic Railway to the Landslide

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Scenic Railway to the Landslide

Altitude analysis for Scenic Railway to the Landslide

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

Length2.7 km
Time2 hrs 30 mins
.




Grade 3/6



Moderate track
AS 2156.1GradientShort steep hills (3/6)
Quality of trackFormed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
SignsDirectional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience RequiredSome bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
WeatherWeather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
InfrastructureLimited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

Around 1.2km of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 490m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 1.2km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 490m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 1.2km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 490m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 1.2km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 490m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 1.6km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 1.2km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 490m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Scenic Railway to the Landslide walk.

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Scenic Railway to the Landslide walk.

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Scenic Railway to the Landslide walk starts and ends at the Scenic World (gps: -33.728585, 150.30095)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Central Tablelands weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Blue Mountains National Park

Attracting over 3 million visitors annually, Blue Mountains National Park holds some of Australia's most spectacular and diverse wilderness areas. Explore the Grose Valley, with its sheer sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and scenic walking, or enjoy the famous views of the Three Sisters. Easy access makes a day trips very worthwhile, but with such diversity it would be great to stay in one of the many B&B's and spend a few days soaking up the region.

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