SEE THE DARKNESS COME ALIVE

An all-new immersive experience in the Blue Mountains – Nocturnal – opens this weekend at Scenic World

For almost 80 years, people from around the world have visited Scenic World to experience the wonders of the Blue Mountains. Now, for a limited time only, they can experience the iconic rides at night, and immerse themselves in an incredible light show from 12 April until 4 May 2024.

A first for Scenic World and the Blue Mountains, Nocturnal invites guests to immerse themselves in the moment as they wander along a LUNA Light Journey* beneath the rainforest canopy in the Jamison Valley. You’ll discover light installations and holograms that illuminate parts of the forest and reveal creatures of the night, leaving you enchanted by the darkness.

The kids can also search for hidden clues along the LUNA Light Journey to uncover the Gundungurra Creation Story – the Dreamtime story of how this part of the Blue Mountains was formed millions of years ago.

Also unique to Nocturnal, all Scenic World’s rides will be open at night for the first time. Guests can ride into the valley on the world’s steepest railway, the Scenic Railway, glide up the escarpment in the dark on the steepest aerial cable car in the southern hemisphere, the Scenic Cableway, and see the floodlit Three Sisters on the Scenic Skyway as they travel between clifftops 270 metres above the rainforest.

Scenic World’s Managing Director, Anthea Hammon, whose grandfather established Scenic World in 1945, recalls how she used to go down into the valley as a child and what an impact the complete darkness had on her.

“I always thought it would be amazing to be able to share the valley with people at night, and Nocturnal does just that – with moments of dazzling light and moments of total darkness,” said Anthea Hammon.

“As you walk along the boardwalk, the interactive experience with lights and holograms takes you on a journey. Our Starlight installation will especially leave you feeling like you’re being transported somewhere else but with the sounds of the Jamison Valley at night still in your ears – it’s something to be seen to be believed,” she said.

LASERVISION’s CEO, Shannon Brooks, whose team produced, installed and will operate the LUNA Light Journey in the Jamison Valley, believes the canopy setting is truly special.

“I was taken aback by the visuals (of Nocturnal), the density of the rainforest canopy has provided us with one of the most naturally spectacular canvasses to produce a LUNA Light Journey in,” he said.

Uncle David King, a Gundungurra Custodian and Indigenous Engagement Officer at Scenic World, curated a Welcome to Country light plinth in Gundungurra language for Nocturnal.

“Nocturnal highlights the importance of the night sky in Indigenous culture,” said Uncle David King, “The light plinth is a Welcome and is like a blessing – that you are invited to enter and journey on this place on Gundungurra Country. The plinth tells a nighttime story – the Seven Sisters dreaming, the journeys of the night animals, pathways across Gundungurra Country and the connection to creation,” he said.

Nocturnal runs from 12 April to 4 May 2024 on select nights, including every night in the school holidays. Visit scenicworld.com.au for dates, session times and tickets.

*LASERVISION’s LUNA Light Journeys span Australia, enhancing towns, cities and tourism operators’ reputation as event destination, while simultaneously enthralling the region.