Dinosaur Valley at Scenic World
Dinosaur Valley at Scenic World: A Roar-some Adventure for Families in the Blue Mountains
Ever heard your child wish they had a time machine to transport them back to the age of dinosaurs? You’re in luck because the Blue Mountains’ jurassic attraction, Dinosaur Valley at Scenic World, is back and just in time for the school holidays! Plus, this year, not only will you and the kids get to explore a prehistoric world of life-sized, moving dinosaurs, you’ll also get to learn some seriously cool dinosaur facts, thanks to Andy Day of Andy’s Prehistoric Adventures on ABC Kids!
So, grab your explorers’ hats, pack some snacks (and maybe a change of clothes for the inevitable dino-themed chaos), and read on as we check out Dinosaur Valley at Scenic World.
🦖 To celebrate the launch of Dinosaur Valley we’ve got 2x Family Passes to giveaway – each valued at $250! Keen to take your kids to this jurassic adventure? Click here to enter but be quick – entries close December 4.
What Is Dinosaur Valley?
Dinosaur Valley is an immersive attraction at Scenic World, one of the Blue Mountains’ most popular family destinations. Located in Katoomba, Scenic World is best known for its jaw-dropping views of the Three Sisters, the world’s steepest incline railway, and its sky-high glass-floored Scenic Skyway. But now, the good folk at Scenic World have added a whole new layer of excitement with Dinosaur Valley, an annual family-friendly, dino-themed experience that promises to bring you and your brood face to face with life-sized, roaring creatures from the Mesozoic era. It’s like stepping straight into a prehistoric jungle – without the risk of being chased by a velociraptor (or, at least, without the real threat).
Andy Day’s Dino Fun Facts
Got kids who love watching Andy’s Prehistoric Adventures on ABC Kids? Then they’ll love Dinosaur Valley’s ‘special guest’. Andy Day has left behind some of his favourite dinosaur facts and fun challenges – adding an extra touch to the jurassic experience. As you journey through Dinosaur Valley, you’ll find interactive ‘fun fact’ stations that feature Andy’s personal tips, trivia, and quirky dinosaur facts. Here are a few examples of what you can expect:
- Dinosaur Tracks: Keep an eye out for Andy’s fun fact about how dinosaurs walked and what their footprints tell us. Spoiler: Some dinosaurs walked like birds, others like lizards, and some even walked on all fours!
- Dino Food Facts: Andy shares fascinating details about what dinosaurs ate – from the terrifying T-Rex that chowed down on meat, to the gentle Brachiosaurus, which ate hundreds of kilograms of plants every day.
The Dinosaur Walk: A Journey Back in Time
From the moment you step into Dinosaur Valley, it’s clear that this isn’t your average nature walk. Follow the trail through lush rainforest and you’ll encounter massive, life-like animatronic dinosaurs that roar, move, and look way too realistic for comfort. Think of it as a family-friendly Jurassic Park, but with more shade, less danger, and much easier access to coffee (thank god).
The trail itself is about 1.3 kilometers long, which is perfect for families – it’s not too short that the kids will feel robbed, but it’s also not so long that you’ll be counting down the minutes before you can grab a snack. Along the way, you’ll meet 60 roaring and moving dinosaurs- ranging from the towering T-Rex to the lumbering Brachiosaurus. The dinosaurs are impressive, not just in size but in movement – some even have their jaws moving and eyes blinking, which is sure to delight (and maybe slightly terrify) the little ones. If your kids are anything like mine, they’ll be half in awe and half terrified, but that’s part of the fun, right?
The path is designed to be family-friendly and wheelchair accessible, so it’s suitable for prams and strollers, making it an easy choice for families with younger children. You can take your time as you explore, with plenty of rest stops along the way if you need a break.
Scenic World’s Other Attractions: A Full Day of Adventure
Let’s not forget that Dinosaur Valley is just one part of the overall Scenic World experience, so it’s worth planning a full day for your visit. If you’ve never been to Scenic World before, the Scenic Railway is a must-do. As the world’s steepest incline railway, it’s a wild ride that drops you down into the lush rainforest at the base of the Jamison Valley. Don’t worry – it’s much more fun than it sounds! The views are incredible, and there’s plenty of room for families to fit comfortably (though if you’re afraid of heights, we suggest keeping your eyes closed during the descent).
The Scenic Skyway, with its glass floor and panoramic views, is another great option for those who aren’t afraid of heights – and for those who are, it’s just as thrilling to look at from below! There are also plenty of opportunities for kids to run around and explore, as well as picnic spots for a relaxed family lunch.
The Dino Details: What Parents Need to Know
Accessibility
If you’re planning a trip with a stroller or pram – because let’s be honest, what toddler won’t want a wee nap or rest at some point? – you’ll be pleased to know that the Dinosaur Valley trail is wheelchair and pram accessible. The paths are well-maintained, and the whole experience is family-friendly, with plenty of seating areas for taking a break. If you have younger children – good news, there are plenty of places to stop, rest and nibble on a packed snack along the path.
Cost
A visit to Dinosaur Valley is included in the Scenic World entry ticket, so if you’re already planning to ride the Scenic Railway and take in the breathtaking views, it’s a great bonus. The prices vary depending on the season and the number of activities you want to do and start from $34.80 for a child (up to 15 years in age).
Tips for Parents
- Bring sunscreen and hats: While Dinosaur Valley is mostly shaded, some parts of the walk are exposed to the sun. Don’t forget sunscreen and sun hats, especially if you’re planning to spend a few hours there.
- Comfortable shoes: There’s a fair bit of walking, so we recommend everyone’s wearing comfy shoes (parents and grandparents especially!. The paths are mostly flat, but it’s still a walk through a natural setting, so it’s worth wearing something sturdy.
- Plan for a full day: Between the dinosaurs, the Scenic Railway, the Skyway, and the rainforest walks, you can easily spend half a day or more at Scenic World. It’s worth taking your time and enjoying all the attractions.
- Snacks and drinks: There are cafes at Scenic World where you can refuel, but it’s also a good idea to bring along some snacks (especially if you’ve got kids who need constant grazing). Don’t worry – there are plenty of benches and picnic spots to enjoy your treats.
Dinosaur Valley Quick Facts:
- Location: Scenic World, Katoomba, Blue Mountains – Dinosaur Valley runs until 16 February 2025
- Family-friendly: Yes – pram and wheelchair accessible (excluding Scenic Railway), interactive exhibits for all ages – click here for accessibility info.
- Ticket: Entry included with Scenic World admission, from $34.80 for children up to 15 years in age
- Duration: Allow 2-4 hours for the full experience
- Highlights: Life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, interactive dinosaur ‘petting’ experience, Scenic Railway, Scenic Skyway, Scenic Cableway, rainforest walks
- Perfect for: Dinosaur enthusiasts, young kids, families looking for outdoor adventure
⛰️ Want more? Read our review of Scenic World here.
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