Scenic Skyway and Scenic Cableway
Scenic World runs two cable cars. The Scenic Skyway crosses the gorge between the cliff tops, high above the rainforest; the Scenic Cableway drops down the cliff face to the valley floor.
Both cabins carry 84 people, are enclosed against the weather and take wheelchairs and strollers. Each leaves about every 10 minutes.
Scenic Skyway at Scenic World: across the gorge
The Skyway opened in 1958 as Australia's first cable car and is billed as the largest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere. Its cabin glides 720 m across the gorge above Katoomba Falls to Skyway East.
Midway, a panel in the cabin floor turns from frosted to clear glass, and you look straight down at the rainforest 270 m below.
The views take in the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls and the Jamison Valley. At Skyway East you get off and queue again for the ride back. The current cabin, 30% larger than the last, was launched in November 2017.
Beyond Skyway: riding on the roof
Beyond Skyway puts you on the roof of the Skyway cabin as the day fades into dusk. Refreshments are served on the roof and a drink on the way back.
It is booked separately from the entry ticket on the Beyond Skyway site: A$349 for a fixed date or A$369 for a flexible ticket valid 12 months.
Scenic Cableway: down the cliff face
The Cableway opened in 2000 and runs 510 m from the main building to the valley floor, 200 m below. At 36° it is billed as the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere.
The cabin passes close to a sheer sandstone cliff, with views of the Three Sisters and Orphan Rock. On the entry ticket you ride it back up after coming down on the Scenic Railway. The cabin was replaced in 2018.
Skyway and Cableway questions
What is the difference between the Skyway and the Cableway?
The Skyway crosses the gorge at clifftop level and comes back. The Cableway goes down the cliff to the rainforest floor, where the Scenic Walkway starts.
Can I ride the Cableway down instead of the Railway?
Yes. Cabins leave from both the top and the valley stations, and the Cableway is the way down with a pram or a wheelchair.
How long are the queues for the Scenic World cable cars?
Up to 10 minutes on quiet days and 40–60 minutes on busy ones. You queue separately for each ride, including the return from Skyway East.
Is the Skyway glass floor the whole cabin floor?
No. A panel in the middle of the floor turns clear during the crossing; the rest of the cabin has a solid floor.