For parents seeking the perfect school holiday outing, the ideal recipe is simple: an activity that is active, stimulating, and genuinely fun for both children and adults. On a recent trip, my family put this theory to the test with a visit to Scenic World in Katoomba, New South Wales, to experience its celebrated Dinosaur Valley and the brand-new Dino Aquarium. The verdict? It delivered spectacularly on every count.
A Prehistoric Playground in the Jamison Valley
Scenic World is renowned as the ultimate Blue Mountains adventure, drawing visitors daily with its thrilling rides that offer breathtaking views of landmarks like the Three Sisters. The journey begins with a descent into the Jamison Valley via the famous Scenic Railway, the world's steepest passenger railway with a 52-degree incline, or the Scenic Cableway. At the base, the lush bushland transforms into Dinosaur Valley, an immersive experience included in the price of the Scenic World Unlimited Discovery Pass, with tickets from $61 for adults and $36.60 for children.
For several years, the Lillipilli Link trail has been taken over by animatronic dinosaurs during the summer holidays, and this year's event runs until January 26, with plans to return next summer. The experience has been enhanced for 2026 with the exciting addition of the Dinosaur Aquarium. Along the accessible boardwalk, families embark on a real-life game of hide-and-seek, spotting moving, roaring dinosaurs tucked among the trees and rocks.
Interactive Exploration and Underwater Wonders
Young explorers are handed a complimentary Dinosaur Valley Passport on arrival, encouraging them to tick off each creature they find. The trail features favourites like the stegosaurus and T-rex, plus a dedicated section for Australian dinosaurs such as the minmi. The adventure is audibly brought to life by children's TV star Andy Day, whose audio commentary at speaker stations provides engaging facts.
After exploring the valley at their own pace, families ride back to the main centre to discover the new Dino Aquarium. While not a true aquarium, this immersive installation uses clever lighting, sound, and animatronics to recreate a prehistoric underwater world, featuring creatures like the mosasaurus. Throughout the day, resident Dino Rangers enhance the experience with meet-and-greets, often holding 'newly hatched' dinosaur puppets.
Thrilling Rides and Roarsome Refuelling
While the dinosaurs were a clear highlight, the iconic Scenic World rides provided a very close second. The historic Scenic Railway continues to thrill, while the Cableway and Skyway offer more gentle but equally fun journeys with unparalleled views. The Skyway, which crosses high above the valleys, even features a glass bottom floor for brave visitors to peer directly down at the landscape below.
When hunger strikes, The Dino Diner serves up feasts for hungry explorers. For those wanting to commemorate the day, the gift shop sells a Junior Ranger Kit for $19.99, along with plenty of dinosaur-themed souvenirs. Our family left with our 'dinosaur-shaped holes' thoroughly filled, agreeing that this was a school holiday activity thousands of years in the making. It's a must-visit adventure before this prehistoric exhibit goes extinct.
