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 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 really something to be seen to be believed,” she 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/nocturnal for dates, session times and tickets.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Nocturnal:   

• Nocturnal is an immersive, sensory and interactive experience created in partnership with LASERVISION to celebrate nocturnal life the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. LASERVISION’s magical LUNA Light Journeys pop up in expected and unexpected towns and cities in Australia and this is the first time one is in the Blue Mountains.
• Nocturnal runs from 12 April to 4 May 2024 on select nights, including every night in the school holidays.
• Nocturnal tickets include all Scenic World rides and the LUNA Light Journey along the 10-minute rainforest boardwalk.
• The child ticket also includes the Gundungurra Creation Story quest with everything they need to uncover the clues - a spy pen, activity sheet and Nocturnal bandana. This quest was created especially for Nocturnal by Uncle David King, a Gundungurra Custodian, and Kelsie King, a Gundungurra woman and artist. 
• Nocturnal has been designed under consultation with lighting specialists and ecologists and in line with the Environmental Protection Act 1998 to ensure this experience has minimal impact on the surrounding environs. Scenic World values our fragile environment. and looks to create events and experiences that ensure the integrity of the environment.
• Tickets start from $55 for adults and $40.60 for kids. Kids under three are free.
• Visit com.au/Nocturnal for dates, session times and tickets ** The amount of darkness will vary depending on the session time but, Nocturnal offers something magical for everyone, whether you start your adventure earlier or later in the evening.

About Scenic World:

Scenic World, established in 1945, is in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains less than two-hour drive or train ride from the centre of Sydney. Scenic World 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’s interaction with the natural environment makes us a unique destination for the whole family. We are recognised as a Green Travel Leader by Ecotourism Australia and our services are Climate Active carbon natural certified. Scenic World is a third-generation family-owned and operated business and is the most visited privately owned tourism attraction in Australia.

Website: scenicworld.com.au Facebook: @ScenicWorld Instagram: @scenicworld_aus TikTok: @scenicworld  Youtube: @ScenicWorldBM

About LASERVISION:

LASERVISION are creators of unique and unforgettable sensory experiences. We harness the power of light, water, fire and other high-impact mediums to evoke the senses, connect audiences with their environments and create enduring memories. Our world-class entertainment solutions and client-first ethos are paramount in being able to celebrate our 40th year in 2024.

Nocturnal is a LUNA Light Journey produced by LASERVISION – these immersive and magical LUNA Light Journeys span Australia, putting towns and cities on the map as an event destination while simultaneously enthralling the region.

Website: Laservision.com.au Facebook: @LaservisionMegaMedia Instagram: @laservisionmegamedia Youtube: @LaservisionAustralia