I saw the beauty of the Blue Mountains from new heights – here’s why you should too

Since it began traversing high above the busy canopy of the Jamison Valley back in 1958, the Scenic Skyway has gone on to become a bit of an Aussie legend. With front row seats to epic views of the Three Sisters and Katoomba Falls, it’s easy to see why.

On a visit to the Blue Mountains’ Scenic World, I’m lucky enough to spend a few hours at the world-famous attraction and get the full experience – including the next-level Beyond Skyway which is not for the faint of heart (but more on that later).

After a speedy hour and a half drive out of the city (or those without a car can also take a direct two-hour train from the CBD), we arrive in what feels like a totally different land. Towering eucalyptus forests that give the area its dreamy blue haze (and name) are breathtaking – and that's just from down below. 

As the daily rush clears out, we’re ready to take things up a level (literally) and make our way to the Scenic Skyway. With a transparent floor and a 270 metre suspension height, the views are already stellar but as a certified thrill-seeker I can’t resist the chance to try the Beyond Skyway experience. 

Once the skyway closes to the public, a lucky few (who book ahead) get the rare opportunity to climb up a ladder through a hatch in the roof onto the top of the cable car for uninterrupted, 360-degree views. With a pounding heart and a double-check that my harness is secured, I take it all in. Suffice to say, my jaw drops. As day turns to dusk with the Three Sisters right in front of me, I indulge in the complimentary refreshments – mocktails up top and a glass of bubbles once I’m secured back in the cable car (there are also wine and beer options if they so tickle your fancy).  

But before I climb back down I take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this heritage-listed National Park and note how lucky I am to see it in all its glory. Oh, and also how lucky we all are to have it in our own backyard. 

While Beyond Skyway is such a spectacular experience that it warrants a trip to Scenic World in its own right, we also jam-pack our day with activities that would keep you entertained well through a weekend. A day-pass gives us access to the Scenic Walkway, a variety of short and long walks around the valley and also the Scenic Railway among other thrilling attractions.

Originally used as an old mining railway to haul shale up the cliff, the ride holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the steepest passenger railway in the world. Once inside we plunge down through a rock tunnel into the Jamison Valley and rainforest below to the theme song of Indiana Jones at a hair-raising 52-degree incline – because who said adventure just belongs on movie screens? 

If you opt for add-ons, we have an enriching experence on the in-depth Buunyal Tour with Uncle David King, a Gundungurra Elder. Across the two and a half hours, he generously imparts all his knowledge about land and Country as we take the scenic route and gain a whole new perspective. We deepen our understanding of Country and hear all about traditional connections with the native plants and animals that make up this beautiful pocket of Australia. 

The Scenic Skyway is a 90-minute experience and available to book from Thursdays to Sundays for $349 per person or $369 for a flexible date ticket. Book yours here.