Passenger railways are an efficient mode of transport worldwide, from Japan’s iconic bullet train to London’s stuffy commuter journeys, to scenic routes across the Swiss Alps on the Bernina Express. They all have their purpose, but there’s one terrifying journey that descends at a hair-raising 52-degree incline.

The Scenic Railway in Australia holds the Guinness World Record for being the steepest passenger railway in the world. Nestled in the Blue Mountains in Scenic World, a popular tourist attraction, the railway travels at four metres per second, at a 52-degree angle, through cliff tunnels and the Jamison Valley.

Passengers can tailor their ride, adjusting their seat position up to 20 degrees and opting for a thrill-seeking ‘cliffhanger’ to descend the mountains at a terrifying 64-degree angle. However, there are more relaxed options available, including ‘laidback’ and ‘original’, which run at the standard 52-degree angle.

It’s certainly an adrenaline-inducing ride, but the route offers spectacular views of the sprawling rainforest and majestic mountain landscapes. Yet it wasn’t always a tourist attraction, and its nail-biting descent did serve a purpose.

The railway was originally built in 1878 as part of the Katoomba mining tramway, transporting coal and shale from the top of the mountain. In 1945, it was transformed into a tourist attraction and ride by Harry Hammon, with the Hammon family still owning and operating it today.

Since it opened, it’s estimated to have welcomed more than 25 million passengers seeking to ride the ancient, gravity-defying railway. In 2013, it underwent a refurbishment and introduced glass-roofed carriages, allowing visitors to marvel at the picturesque views in a unique experience.

One visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “The Scenic Railway is the best way to descend to the valley floor – thrilling, slightly terrifying, and an absolute must-do.”

A second commented: “What an excellent experience. Easy, comfortable train journey from Sydney Central Station. Took the local bus to Echo Point and then Scenic World for a good trip across a wonderful ravine on a glass-bottomed cable car, then a ride down on the steepest railway in the world, then a forest walk (either 10, 30, or 50 minutes) to ride another cable car up again. Amazing, natural, wild scenery!! Great value, helpful staff. Brilliant!”

The Scenic Railway can carry 84 passengers at a time, and it departs every 10 minutes. There is a scenic cableway for visitors to ride up to the top of the mountains from the forest below, followed by a vertical railway, as well as a scenic skyway and walkway for further adventures.

Noting the various attractions at Scenic World, a traveller wrote: “What an incredible experience! The staff are friendly, attentive, and genuinely caring, making every visitor feel welcome. The views along the railway and across the valley are absolutely breathtaking. While it’s a bit pricey, the stunning scenery and exceptional service make it completely worth it. Highly recommended!”

However, another voiced: “Scenic Railway was the only thing that was cool. Other rides were short and did not offer anything extra. Gets quite crowded and hard to see things outside from other rides.”

“A fantastic experience, though, prepare for crowds. The scenery here is simply breathtaking. A great way to see the rainforest,” one shared.

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