Beyond Skyway, KatoombaCredit: Cam Jones Imagery
Man atop the Scenic Skyway cabin as part of the Beyond Skyway experience at Scenic World, Katoomba.
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Scenic World in the Blue Mountains has been inducted to the Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame for reaching 20 years as a certified Advanced Ecotourism attraction; and has been certified carbon neutral for its services as a tourist attraction by Climate Active.
As a business on the edge of, and porous to, a World Heritage-listed National Park, Scenic World is just as passionate about preserving the natural environment as it is welcoming almost 1 million visitors a year to experience its iconic attractions.
Scenic World is home to one-of-a-kind experiences in Australia and globally:
- The Scenic Railway holds the Guiness Book of Record for the steepest railway.
- The Cableway is the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere.
- The Skyway is Australia’s first cable car, and today is the largest aerial cable car which can carry 84 passengers.
- Beyond Skyway is a world-first adventure whereby up to four guests can enjoy an unimpeded 360-view of the Jamison Valley from on top of the Skyway.
- The Walkway is the longest elevated rainforest boardwalk in Australia.
- The Buunyal tour is an authentic Indigenous experience on Gundungurra Country curated by Uncle David King.
The Scenic Cableway, Scenic World Credit: Scenic World
People view Mount Solitary on the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, the Scenic Cableway
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The Scenic Cableway, Scenic World Credit: Scenic World
People view Mount Solitary on the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, the Scenic Cableway
The Buunyal (Sun) Tour, Scenic Credit: Scenic World
Uncle David King, a Gundungurra Custodian, with a group of kids in the rainforest on the Buunyal tour
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The Buunyal (Sun) Tour, Scenic Credit: Scenic World
Uncle David King, a Gundungurra Custodian, with a group of kids in the rainforest on the Buunyal tour
As well as its engineering feats, Scenic World has designed its rides to maximise efficiencies; and has implemented a suite of sustainability initiatives to target waste, water and electricity use, and encourage guests to catch public transport or jump on the carbon-neutral Explorer Bus to see the sights, among other initiatives.
Reflecting on the Scenic World’s recent sustainability accolades, Anthea Hammon, Managing Director of Scenic World and Vice-President of Blue Mountains Tourism said:
“Our sustainability journey spans decades and started in 2004 when Phillip Hammon first gained Ecotourism certification for Scenic World.
“The very reason Scenic World exists is to share our unique natural environment with people who want to visit us; and we work hard to protect this place, which is home to hundreds of unique animals and plants, and a delicate ecosystem.
“We are especially pleased by the sustainability initiatives we’ve implemented over the years, but the job of protecting this fragile environment is never done.
“A commitment to sustainability takes time and a team effort. There’s always much more that can be done to minimise our environmental footprint and that of our visitors, which is why being in Ecotourism Australia’s Hall of Fame and attaining Climate Active certification makes me especially proud.
“These ‘badges of honour’ push us to always do better, be better and think better about the incredible environment and continually improve and evolve our sustainability efforts.”
Blue Mountains Explorer Bus, Katoomba and Leura Credit: Blue Mountains Explorer Bus
A group of people alongside the carbon-neutral Explorer Bus at Narrow Neck lookout in Katoomba
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Blue Mountains Explorer Bus, Katoomba and Leura Credit: Blue Mountains Explorer Bus
A group of people alongside the carbon-neutral Explorer Bus at Narrow Neck lookout in Katoomba
The Scenic Walkway, Scenic World Credit: Scenic World
A family looks at the rainforest canopy along the longest elevated boardwalk in Australia, the Scenic Walkway
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The Scenic Walkway, Scenic World Credit: Scenic World
A family looks at the rainforest canopy along the longest elevated boardwalk in Australia, the Scenic Walkway
Scenic World has Advanced Ecotourism certification and was inducted into Hall of Fame in June 2024. The Hall of Fame recognises businesses that have achieved 20 years of certification and their long-term commitment to ecologically sustainable tourism, which fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.
Climate Active certification, which Scenic World attained in March 2024, means it has made choices and changes in how it operates to make sure its carbon emissions are accounted for and balanced to become carbon neutral. Scenic World offset 9kg of CO2 (equivalent to 4488 tons) per each person who visited in the 2022 calendar year and will continue to do this for each year after.
In addition, Scenic World offsets the carbon emissions from all its visitors’ travel (to and from Scenic World).
Each year Scenic World invests in projects around Australia and the world that reduce or remove carbon from the atmosphere to offset the emissions that it cannot eliminate. Many of these projects also have added environmental and community benefits.
The Scenic Railway, Scenic World Credit: Scenic World
People travel into the Jamison Valley on the world’s steepest railway, the Scenic Railway
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The Scenic Railway, Scenic World Credit: Scenic World
People travel into the Jamison Valley on the world’s steepest railway, the Scenic Railway
Scenic World, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Cablecar at Scenic World, Katoomba
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Scenic World, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Cablecar at Scenic World, Katoomba
Some of Scenic World’s sustainability initiatives:
- Electricity generated by the Railway and Cableway as they descend is fed back into the grid, helping to offset electricity used as they ascend.
- In 2017, the Skyway cabin was designed to increase capacity without extra energy requirements.
- The elevated Walkway was constructed to replace existing walking tracks that caused erosion and no trees were damaged or removed during construction. This is still the case at Scenic World unless needed for regenerating the ecosystem and visitor safety.
- All organic food waste is processed and taken offsite to be turned into fertiliser for farms.
- Food wastage output is consistently below the industry standard of 5%.
- All food and beverage packing and utensils, including coffee cups are biodegradable or compostable.
Scenic World, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying a cablecar ride at Scenic World, Katoomba
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Scenic World, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying a cablecar ride at Scenic World, Katoomba
Blue Mountains National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of the morning mist in the World-Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park
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Blue Mountains National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of the morning mist in the World-Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park
MEDIA CONTACT:
Maya Kay, Communications & Engagement Manager, Scenic World
Phone: +61 424 195 878
Email: mayak@scenicworld.com.au
About Scenic World
Scenic World, located in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, is home to the Scenic Railway, the world's steepest railway, the iconic Scenic Skyway which travels 270 metres above the rainforest, and the Scenic Cableway, the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, along with kilometres of elevated boardwalk beneath the rainforest canopy. Scenic World is certified carbon neutral for its services as a tourist attraction by Climate Active and has been inducted into Ecotourism Australia’s Hall of Fame for 20 years as an Advanced Ecotourism certified attraction. Scenic World is a third-generation family-owned business established in 1945, and the most visited privately-owned tourism attraction in Australia.
Facebook: ScenicWorld Instagram: ScenicWorld_aus TikTok: scenicworld
Website: scenicworld.com.au
About Beyond Skyway
Beyond Skyway is a world first rooftop cable car adventure and is truly like nothing else on earth. The Beyond Skyway experience opens after the rest of Scenic World closes and takes just four guests on the Scenic Skyway out into the middle of the Jamison Valley. Once on the roof, with no glass or fences to restrict the 360-degree view 270 meters above the ancient rainforest canopy, the immersive experience is both exhilarating and completely serene. Beyond Skyway is the ideal experience for people celebrating a special occasion, outdoor enthusiasts, aspirational travel seekers, and those searching for that picture perfect moment.
Website: beyondskyway.com.au
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Vivid Sydney 2024Credit: Destination NSW
The 'Nest' installation at the Stargazer Lawn, Barangaroo during Vivid 2024. Artist: Leila Jeffreys & Melvin J. Montalban. An expansive circular structure welcomes you to bear witness to the ritualistic mating dance of the Brolga, one of only two species of crane native to Australia. Projected onto a transparent surface, the huge bird apparitions appear to float in the air and are visible from both out and inside the Nest.
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Calling All Dreamers: Vivid Sydney Wants You
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
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Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest multi-artform festival, is calling on the best creative minds to submit ideas for next year’s event.
Vivid Sydney 2025 will take place from Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June 2025, with a program centred around the theme of Vivid Sydney, Dream.
Artists, musicians, thought leaders and food creatives are encouraged to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the opportunity to be part of Australia’s largest event and showcase their work to a mass audience across the festival pillars of Light, Music, Ideas and Food.
Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “Since 2009, Vivid Sydney has grown to become Sydney’s vibrant cultural showpiece, driving significant visitation to Sydney and regional NSW and positioning our state as the arts and creative industries capital of the Asia Pacific.
“Vivid Sydney is more than a light show, it is Sydney’s living legacy that captures imaginations and shares with visitors and locals alike the very best talent from our creative, entertainment and hospitality industries.
“I encourage the brightest talents to join Destination NSW in creating an event that elevates the Harbour City as the Asia Pacific’s leader in world-class cultural experiences.”
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying a night out at Machine Hall during Vivid 2024
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Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying a night out at Machine Hall during Vivid 2024
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said: “Vivid Sydney 2025 is pushing the creative boundaries across our theme of “Dream” to deliver another unforgettable global celebration.
“Dreaming is something we all do. It’s as old as time and as universal as life itself. Dreams don’t discriminate – they are borderless, ageless and endless. They can be personal or public. When shared, our dreams can become a movement. They can inspire, motivate, spark excitement and connection.
“The whole world dreams, it is something we have in common, something that unites us. Our human story is embedded in dreams, they help explain our existence and our past.
“We want the very best in homegrown talent to be part of our vibrant Vivid Sydney event program, with a unique opportunity to foster community connection, spark imagination and showcase the multitude of ways creativity can enrich our lives.
“Each year Vivid Sydney aims to deliver unparalleled artistic brilliance and we look forward to welcoming the inspirations within our community that will help shape Vivid Sydney 2025 into a show-stopping cultural phenomenon.”
The Vivid Sydney EOI outlines opportunities for artists, designers, creative industry professionals, equipment suppliers, architects, engineers, promoters, restaurants, event companies, chefs, producers and educational institutions to present their ideas, designs, concepts and interest for inclusion in the annual event.
Light and Cross Art Form EOIs will close on Monday 2 September 2024 with Ideas, Music and Food closing on Friday 27 September 2024.
This year’s Vivid Sydney attracted 2.42 million attendees, making it the third largest on record. Highlights included a record-breaking opening night and the busiest single night in the festival’s history on Sunday 9 June.
While Vivid Sydney 2024 attracted millions of people from across Australia and the globe, it also had a profound impact on the creative minds who helped bring the event to life, including Sydney’s retail, hospitality and accommodation sectors.
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Shifting Perspectives at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024
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Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Shifting Perspectives at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024
Leila Jeffreys the artist behind popular Vivid Light 2024 installation Nest said: “Thank you to Festival Director Gill Minervini and all at Vivid Sydney for giving me and my artistic collaborator Melvin J. Montalban the opportunity to create art on a scale that we could not have achieved on our own.
“I visited Nest many times throughout the festival and was always moved to see people from all walks of life and ages stand together to witness the courtship dance of the Brolga, a moment where we all felt the link between the natural world and the human journey.”
Tekno Train creator and composer Paul Mac said: “When I set out to create Tekno Train I wanted to make an experience that fused my love of techno and trains with lights and to share this joy with as many people as possible. The positive reactions I have received from people on the train, as well as the drivers, guards, and random folks on social media has absolutely blown me away.
“Vivid Sydney 2024 has been an unexpected career highlight, and I am forever grateful to everyone who helped bring this together.”
Club Broadway MC & Music Producer DJ Dan Murphy said: “Bringing our Club Broadway show to a Vivid Sydney audience has been an absolute joy. We loved making our show accessible to a whole new audience who love the world of musical theatre.
“Vivid Sydney is such an amazing and important festival for our city, and we were thrilled to be on the program. From old to young, we had them all on the dancefloor for Club Broadway at Tumbalong Park. The night was absolutely magical and a great way to celebrate our community.”
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Sex Work; A Social History Walking Tour at Elizabeth Bay for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024. This fascinating walking tour is an invitation to see the area and profession in a new light. Led by writer, performer and Kings Cross local Vashti Hughes and the Inner City Legal Centre's Managing Solicitor Katie Green, you will be immersed in the sights, history and contemporary challenges of sex work in Australia's most famous redlight district.
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Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Sex Work; A Social History Walking Tour at Elizabeth Bay for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024. This fascinating walking tour is an invitation to see the area and profession in a new light. Led by writer, performer and Kings Cross local Vashti Hughes and the Inner City Legal Centre's Managing Solicitor Katie Green, you will be immersed in the sights, history and contemporary challenges of sex work in Australia's most famous redlight district.
Service and Creative Skills Australia (the Jobs and Skills Council for Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism and Hospitality) CEO Natalie Turmine said: “Vivid Sydney showcases brilliantly our talented and vibrant creative arts, tourism and hospitality workforce, demonstrating the wealth of exciting career opportunities available in this sector.
“Thank you to all the creative artists, technicians, performers, hospitality staff and event organisers for delivering another successful Vivid Sydney.”
Plate it Forward CEO and restaurateur Shaun Christie-David said: “Vivid Sydney shows the diversity of Sydney, shining a positive light on our city, culture and produce. As a social enterprise hospitality group, it was a privilege to partner with Vivid Sydney to bring the 2024 festival theme humanity to life through food. Food is all about sharing, love, respect and community.
“There is so much pride, joy and power that can be found in food, it is a platform to celebrate culture, make meaningful connections and create jobs. Through working with Vivid Food and selling more than 1000 tacos, more than 1500 meals will be donated to community kitchens for people in need.”
Tourism & Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said: “Between the lights, the music, the ideas, the food and the incredible vibe…Vivid Sydney has once again delivered a spectacular event for visitors and locals of all ages, with the big winners being local tourism and hospitality operators.”
“The bright lights of Vivid Sydney have showcased first-class hospitality, creativity and our beloved Sydney CBD and Harbour icons to audiences across the globe, demonstrating the value and huge potential of this event and the need to continue investing in world class events.”
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line during Vivid 2024. It's back and blazing brighter than ever. Vivid Fire Kitchen returns, igniting its new home at The Goods Line with flame-seared street food from around the globe. Come and enjoy the universal language of BBQ, the best NSW produce and the diversity of Sydney's food scene as we gather round the fire once again.
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Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line during Vivid 2024. It's back and blazing brighter than ever. Vivid Fire Kitchen returns, igniting its new home at The Goods Line with flame-seared street food from around the globe. Come and enjoy the universal language of BBQ, the best NSW produce and the diversity of Sydney's food scene as we gather round the fire once again.
Accommodation Australia’s Michael Johnson said: “Once again, the juggernaut that is Vivid Sydney illuminated the city, shining a light on the beauty and culture of the city.
“Over the course of the event, hotels in the CBD enjoyed 75 per cent occupancy with bookings reaching as high as 90 per cent on weekends. There is no denying major events such as Vivid Sydney, that have the capacity to draw a high level of overnight visitation in the middle of winter, create an incredible boost for the city’s visitor economy.”
Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.
For more information and to submit an Expression of Interest for Vivid Sydney 2025, go to www.vividsydney.com