Scenic Railway & Sydney Zoo: An Expert Review
So, thinking about seeing the Blue Mountains and cuddling up to a koala all in the same day? The “From Sydney Blue Mountains Scenic Railway Sydney Zoo” tour sure does sound like quite an adventure, doesn’t it? We can check it out together, that is, sort of weighing the pros and cons to see if this experience measures up to the hype. After all, any time you blend a little wilderness exploration with some animal encounters, very like your expectations are pretty high. Right? You’d want to make the most of both attractions. I get it.
What to Expect from the Scenic Railway
First things first, very naturally you’re drawn to the Scenic Railway. Is that right? Located, very specifically at Scenic World in Katoomba, it touts itself as the steepest passenger railway on Earth! Quite an accolade, anyway. You would think, so if you are up for a bit of a thrill, this part might be a highlight for you. What happens is you go hurtling down into the Jamison Valley on a train with ridiculously inclined seats. Very steep, truly. And frankly, it can be a bit much if you are scared of heights. Just saying. You will drop 310 meters very quickly, right through a cliff face tunnel. In fact, you can change the incline. Too cool, yeah? Still, be ready to have your stomach drop. Then what you have to remember is you need to get back up! It only lasts a few minutes. That, and if trains aren’t actually running. You might also want to prepare yourself that, the Scenic Railway has that reputation for long lines. Like very long.
What to Love
So, if it is any good, you get fantastic panoramic views during your ride. Is that right? The kind that makes you want to snap a million pictures. As a matter of fact, the carriages offer glass roofs too it’s almost, so you have views going in every possible direction. The ride ends at the bottom of the valley, then what happens is, very typically, there is an awesome rainforest. To consider, there are boardwalks which means you can walk the area easily. Anyway, there are themed areas down in the valley, like the historic coal mine, that tend to be interesting for people too it’s almost. In a way you get a brief look at a small part of the Blue Mountains that some people may miss otherwise.
Potential Downsides
Be aware too it’s almost, that this thing can get seriously busy. Really busy. The kind of busy, where you spend more time waiting than actually experiencing the ride. We can talk about other aspects as well. Frankly, there is an additional cost for everything at Scenic World. What tends to happen is the tickets don’t always come cheap and that adds to the expense.
Experiencing Sydney Zoo
Moving onto Sydney Zoo! By the way, you might already have a good image of it. Is that right? Instead of the iconic Taronga Zoo (which faces the Harbour) this one is way out west. Basically, a day at Sydney Zoo seems really geared for animal encounters of pretty much every variety. The chance to meet creatures of all types and stripes is one to consider, too it’s almost. Seriously. What is interesting is that unlike other older zoos, it claims to offer some interesting, cageless exhibit experiences. A really fantastic range too it’s almost, I think. If that makes it interesting, well, then keep reading!
Animal Encounters and Exhibits
If you do happen to visit, as I was saying, the Sydney Zoo definitely showcases a big collection of species. Is that right? Of course! What you find is, like, Australian wildlife – koalas, kangaroos, wombats! Anyway, you get to see other critters too it’s almost, like lions and tigers (Oh my!), monkeys and bears (but not together!), and heaps of birds in their aviary. A really immersive experience which is nice. By the way, the zoo places, arguably, a huge focus on what goes on behind the scenes. The whole experience can provide insights, such as into the care and conservation of these animals, something good to see as well, clearly.
Potential Drawbacks
Just so you are ready, remember the Zoo can be crazy busy on weekends or school holidays. In a way you need that info to plan your trip. Also it may be really far away. The distance. It seems pretty far from the center of Sydney so you do need to take that into account. Transportation Logistics. Depending. But in some respects you might prefer a guided tour if you’re short on time and you don’t really want the hassle of renting a vehicle.
The Combined Tour: Is It Worth It?
Okay, what if we bring these both together? It is often wondered if a combination tour going from the Blue Mountains Scenic Railway all the way out west to Sydney Zoo will all pan out and fit seamlessly together. Now, if we consider things carefully, very like you’ll enjoy elements from both attractions! Right? Depending. Let’s look closely. You do get the thrill of that super-steep railway descent into the rainforest. And what I will say, actually, is you have the opportunity to admire the biodiversity over at Sydney Zoo, including all the big cats, apes and all kinds of animals.
Factors to Consider
If you’re up for it, basically, you have to think hard about what things actually matter. Alright? Like spending the entire day riding in a coach, because they have long distances that can sometimes get tiring. Basically, there are huge travel distances in the way. That can, for example, take the shine out of a visit! Also remember you may want a closer, and very in depth focus if you are heading to both locations. Just imagine trying to take everything in properly without feeling too rushed. I get it.
Time Management is Key
Now you want to know about this, but it’s pretty clear that a single-day trip for both these destinations could definitely mean sacrificing quality time. A little. Is that right? As a matter of fact, depending on traffic conditions and how the tour organizes its timings, that seems like it might, possibly, be a whirlwind type of visit. That said, just remember that you have other alternatives as well.
Alternatives to the Combined Tour
As I was saying, perhaps you would like something else other than the organized tour. What can you do? What could you do? Just consider other options! Consider making them separate trips for this year! Or, to be more specific, for instance you may enjoy exploring just what takes your fancy for any certain location. To give another example: You get an authentic chance at learning lots! Very specifically about animals or hiking paths. This may also be helpful to read up.
Spend More Time in the Blue Mountains
Now you have this information! Spending extra time out near the Blue Mountains, of course, very definitely gives you more opportunities to really hike or explore! As a matter of fact, there’s way more to do out there than just that Scenic Railway ride. And like you, in some respects, that feels pretty limiting. And there’s plenty more. Actually what happens, it really helps you better grasp indigenous cultures. A great choice. You would get way closer! Instead of that train.
Visit Taronga Zoo Instead
The thought occurs: why not Taronga Zoo! I mean instead. Right? Here are a few pointers to get the message across about why this would, maybe, just make sense to you. First you have easy transport links on this location, like ferries that provide gorgeous Harbour views of Sydney. Secondly you get very iconic species as well, just like its competitor in western Sydney. That zoo’s harbour side views really sell it, don’t you think? Now if, to be honest, you are short for time, it may really come out ahead.
Planning Your Trip: Recommendations and Tips
If, frankly, you have got your heart set on combining a day tour of those two things! Just go carefully with some advance planning. Right? What actually makes sense is if you check for transport arrangements and see traffic estimates. Very probably before setting your sights on this very tough choice of adventure day that spans east and west from central Sydney.
Essential Tips for Blue Mountains and Sydney Zoo
Basically make bookings ahead! So as to secure your spots, that and to make sure they can still manage entry, very similarly if we are facing super crazy busy holidays! That way, that gets it underway for all of you!
- Comfortable Walking Shoes
- Weather-appropriate Clothing
- Sunscreen and Hat
- Reusable Water Bottle
What I thought of this tour option
The blend to both attractions may present, literally, some huge appeal. You may discover nature on high, plus animals down on their natural habitat! Yet the day would still present huge challenges just due simply from time and hectic travel. You want to have those challenges met? Great.
The Takeaways of Combining Two Huge Attractions!
The scenic spots might, almost, get the limelight as tourist attractions. But time and focus would usually tell the story on their true nature to a greater number of you folks!