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What is the steepest passenger railway in the world?

January 8, 2026 by MySydneyDetour Leave a Comment

By MySydneyDetour • Updated January 7, 2026

Are you a train enthusiast looking for an adventure? Do you want to experience a thrilling railway journey with breathtaking views? Look no further than the steepest passenger railway in the world, located in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia.

Table of Contents

  • The Blue Mountains Railway
  • The Steepest Passenger Railway in the World
  • The Journey

The Blue Mountains Railway

The Blue Mountains Railway is a popular tourist attraction that offers a unique experience for train enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The railway is a historic engineering marvel that was built in the late 19th century to transport coal from the Katoomba coalfields to the port of Sydney. Today, the railway is a popular tourist attraction that takes visitors on a scenic journey through the Blue Mountains.

The Steepest Passenger Railway in the World

Katoomba Scenic Railway

The steepest passenger railway in the world is the Katoomba Scenic Railway, located in the Blue Mountains. The railway is a funicular railway, which means that it is powered by a cable system that pulls the train up and down the steep incline. The railway has a maximum gradient of 52 degrees, which makes it the steepest passenger railway in the world.

The Katoomba Scenic Railway was originally built in 1878 to transport coal from the Katoomba coalfields to the port of Sydney. In 1945, the railway was converted into a tourist attraction, and today it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Blue Mountains.

The Journey

The journey on the Katoomba Scenic Railway is a thrilling experience that takes visitors on a steep descent into the Jamison Valley. The railway has three different routes that visitors can choose from, each offering a unique experience.

The first route is the Scenic Railway, which takes visitors on a steep descent into the Jamison Valley. The journey takes approximately 5 minutes, and visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the valley as they descend.

The second route is the Scenic Skyway, which takes visitors on a cable car ride over the Jamison Valley. The cable car ride offers panoramic views of the valley and is a great way to see the Blue Mountains from above.

The third route is the Scenic Walkway, which takes visitors on a 2.4 km walk through the Jamison Valley. The walkway offers stunning views of the valley and is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains.

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