Nocturnal: Inside immersive new light walk taking over the Blue Mountains

As the sunset dips below some of Australia’s most iconic mountain ranges — a new light has emerged. But visitors have just days to experience it.

As the sunset dips below some of Australia’s most iconic mountain ranges — a new light has emerged in the depths of a valley that runs through the Blue Mountains.

But visitors have just weeks left to experience the magic.

Until mid-May, the breathtaking World Heritage listed site will be home to an immersive light experience never before featured in the region.

Dubbed ‘Nocturnal’, the immersive laser light encounter at the base of the world’s steepest railway is a treat for both young and old.

After travelling down the tracks into the depths of the Jamison Valley (not for the faint-hearted — my stomach dropped even in the cocoon of darkness) the journey starts slow with just a few flicks of light flanking the boardwalk.

Inside the new Nocturnal walk in the Blue Mountains.

Nocturnal in the Jamison Valley is an experience not to be missed.

While the walk itself would take you little more 10 minutes by day, at night — you’ll want to carve out at least triple that amount to take in the entire experience.

An immersive experience like no other, Nocturnal is a first for the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains.

Light installations and holograms illuminate parts of the forest and reveal creatures of the night such as giant spiders and sugar gliders, all against the darkness of trees, shrubs and rock walls.

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.

The Nocturnal walk in the Blue Mountains at Scenic World is an incredible experience.

“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,” Ms Hammon said.

“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.”

While the experience isn’t cheap — at $55 for an adult and $40 for a child — walking through a field of glowing flowers while meandering beneath light trees and even discovering hidden holographic creatures is well worth it.

To get to Nocturnal, you’ll need to jump on board the steepest railway in the world.

At night, you don’t realise how steep the railway is to get to Nocturnal until you see it in the daylight.

The walk, which can only be experienced until May 11, has already taken over social media with amateur photographers and videographers trying to capture the wonder of the valley.

“I really enjoyed this experience and would highly recommend it,” one wrote.

“The feel is magical and Blue Mountains makes it more special.”

But like most things, you’ve got to see it to really experience it. And also pack a camera (I took along the new GoPro Hero 12 to get a mountain of great shots) so you can make memories that last.

@nomadicfoodiereeth ✨Magical Light Festival of Blue Mountains ✨@scenicworld_aus has turned in to a dreamy wonderland of lights celebrating the first light festival of Blue Mountains- NOCTURNAL. 🚊You can now ride the world steepest railway and ascend from the valley on a cableway in glowing dark 🌳Experience the rainforest in the serenity of dreamy lights 🚟 ✨Nocturnal is an immersive, sensory and interactive experience which includes all Scenic World rides after dark. ⛰️This is the best way to experience Blue Mountains till the first week of May. Feel the enchantment as you journey on the Scenic Railway, Cableway, and Skyway as twilight blankets the Jamison Valley. Traverse through a field of blossoms, wander beneath softly lit trees, and encounter hidden creatures while embracing the marvels of the rainforest. ✨NOCTURNAL ⛰️ 🗓️ Till 5th May ⏰ 5 to 7:30 PM 🎟️ Adults $55 Kids $40 🧑‍🧑‍🧒 Family Friendly Experience 👩‍🦽‍➡️Wheel Chair accessible for cableway and skyway. 💃Follow @nomadicfoodiereeth to explore the Best Eats & Trips of New South Wales #nocturnal #bluemountains #visitnsw #NewSouthWales #australia #sydneyguide #sydneysider #australia @New South Wales ♬ Beautiful Things - Benson Boone

Where to stay

If you’re visiting Nocturnal, it’s best to make a weekend out of the experience — especially if travelling with kids (who arguably will enjoy the immersive experience the most).

Hands down, the ultimate paradise for families is nearby Fairmont Resort in Leura.

PThe main foyer of the Fairmont in Leura is a perfect spot to grab a drink and unwind.

I’m not sure I have experienced a hotel quite like it. With multiple restaurants, pony rides on site, tennis courts, an insane amount of adventure and inflatable parks — oh and did I mention an ice-skating rink? This resort has everything to keep the whole family busy for days on end.

Ubika Day Spa inside the Fairmont Resort & Spa, Leura in the Blue Mountains, is the ultimate place escape it all. Picture: Anna Kucera.

Fairmont Resort in Leura, Blue Mountains, is just 90 minutes from Sydney’s CBD.

For the adults, a trip to the hotel’s day spa ‘Ubika’ will not disappoint — and with 16 treatment rooms and three dedicated to couples, you will be in for absolute luxury. But be organised, because despite the mammoth complex — appointments fly out the door.

Autumn is arguably the best time to visit the Blue Mountains, and with 25 acres of grounds — you’ll get plenty of steps in at the Fairmont in Leura.

Fairmont Resort in Leura is the ultimate kids paradise.

With 224 rooms, the resort is large and sprawls across some 25 acres including a golf course. Cosy and all with stellar views, the suites are a little on the older side but tie in with the character of the complex that’s been developed over its 36 years of life.

If you’re planning a quiet visit, avoid school holidays as the whole resort is swarmed by families. But even if you do, there’s plenty of quiet corners to retreat to and avoid the crowds.

Three ‘must-dos’ while in the Mountains

Just a 10 minute drive from Leura, you won’t be disappointed with a visit to Tempus in Katoomba.

Tempus is in a stunning old bank building in the main street of Katoomba.

Tempus is a great new dining spot in Katoomba.

Opening in 2020, the space is cosy and modern, fitted out with plenty of greenery and timber, the midweek cafe turns into a restaurant over the weekend — serving up a lunch menu that won’t disappoint.

Featuring local produce and a stellar wine list — go with the carefully curated set menu if you’re dropping in for lunch.

The new set lunch menu is a must try, featuring Kingfish and their first class roast potatoes.

Grab yourself a glass of 'Wine by Bob' sparking before you start the main course.

The sourdough, from local bakery Black Cockatoo, sets you up for three courses featuring octopus and kingfish or, if you’re opting for a vegetarian plate, an incredible brussels sprouts dish with a layer of hazelnut cream and roast pumpkin with lentils, pomegranate and tahini.

While the ingredients are sourced as locally as possible, so is the wine — and one glass not to miss is the White Pet Nat sparkling from Blackheath.

Tempus is a must-visit while in the Blue Mountains.

The menu is perfect to share (even if you have kids in tow) — making it a perfect stop after a visit to the Three Sisters.

A little further up the mountain in Blackheath, you can’t visit the region without grabbing a coffee (and a plate their off-the-charts corn fritters) from Hounslow.

Tucked away behind Gleebooks shop, the little nook of a cafe has a real locals vibe.

The owner Mikey is super welcoming, and the coffee is perhaps the best you’ll find on the mountain.

The specialty coffee by Grace and Taylor is worth the drive

You can't go past the gnocchi and spicy corn fritters at Hounslow for the ultimate brunch in the mountains.

Using beans from specialty coffee roasters Grace & Taylor, their brunch to lunch menu offers up something for every mood.

We went with the gnocchi and corn fritters (quite a combo, right) — and it was the perfect pairing for a brisk Sunday lunch.

Hounslow is located behind a book shop in Blackheath.

Hounslow are known for their burgers.

The gnocchi bowl was filled with wholesome ingredients of broad beans, mushrooms, peas and artichoke drenched in a white wine sauce while the fritters had a real kick to them with their hint of jalapeño.

The guys at Hounslow really live and breath their coffee, so be sure to leave room for a cup or two either before or after your meal.

Finally, as the weather cools down there’s no better place to warm up than a local brewery.

Mountain Culture has become one of the most popular craft beers in the country, and their Katoomba hangout is the perfect place to spend a Saturday afternoon sifting through their beer menu.

The cans are quirky, and there's plenty of them with the brewers creating three new beers each week.

Mountain Culture in Katoomba is just footsteps from some of the best walks and sights in the mountains too.

Rolling out three new brews each week, there’s a glass for every palate here (even if you’re like me and more partial to a wine).

The Mountain Culture brewery at Katoomba is a great place to spend a Saturday afternoon

Mountain Culture at Katoomba has a great vibe with a hearty menu to go alongside your tasting paddle. Just be sure to make room for a glass of their ‘Bicycle Day’ which for me, was a total standout.

This writer visited Nocturnal as a guest of Scenic World and Fairmont Resorts in Leura.