Scenic World is celebrating Sydney WorldPride 2023 with a number of events taking place during the festivities from 10 February – 5 March 2023. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy uninterrupted 360-degree views above the Jamison Valley atop the Progress Flag, strut the runway of the Scenic Skyway with a Drag Queen, ride the world’s steepest railway with a Drag King, and more.
As part of Sydney WorldPride’s Rainbow City project, Scenic World is hosting one of the 45 rainbows which will be live during the festival. In a world-first spectacle, visitors to the Blue Mountains will see the Scenic Skyway wrapped in the Progress Flag. Suspended 270m above the ancient ravines of the Jamison Valley, the Skyway will be seen travelling back and forth against the backdrop of the iconic Three Sisters and majestic Solitary Mountain.
“Showcasing the Progress Rainbow in a regional centre like the Blue Mountains is a privilege – visitors during Sydney WorldPride can experience more of our beautiful country without leaving the celebrations, and our local LGBTQIA+ community can feel part of the bigger celebrations,” says Scenic World Managing Director, Anthea Hammon.
“We’re also proud to be partnering with Platform Youth Services to raise funds for youth at risk so they can be included in this year’s Mardi Gras celebrations, as well as to have limited-edition merchandise designed by Bradley Pinkerton as part of our fundraising efforts,” she said.
The Skyway Pride Ride
Experience the world’s only rooftop cable car adventure adorned with the Progress Flag on the Beyond Skyway Pride Ride. Beyond Skyway is a world-first, premium experience, which allows up to four guests to enjoy twilight views 270m above the rainforest canopy. The Pride Ride Beyond Skyway is an intimate experience perfect to mark a special occasion or simply to create once-in-a-lifetime memories. Sessions include long-lens photos* so guests celebrate Sydney WorldPride with the most amazing memento to go with the incredible experience itself. (*Note: In low visibility conditions, the cost of the photo package will be refunded).
Ride the steepest railway with Drag Queens and Kings
Enjoy performances from local Drag Queens and Kings on the 18th and 19th of February as they ride the world’s steepest train, walk the Progress Skyway runway and roam the rainforest.
“Celebrating pride in the Blue Mountains fills me with hope, happiness and optimism,” says Elle Virus, Drag King and Blue Mountains resident.
“It reassures me that the world is changing for the better and gives me the space to respect and admire all those that came before us, who had to battle to be their authentic self, and those who continue to facilitate change,” says Elle.
Show your support for youth at risk
Scenic World is working in partnership with Platform Youth Services, a local Specialist Homelessness Services that works with young people who are at risk of, or who are experiencing homelessness.
As part of Sydney WorldPride, Platform is raising funds to give local LGBTQIA+ young people the chance to experience a Mardi Gras Viewing Party.
“The amazing donation from Scenic World will assist us to support all LGBTIQIA+ young people to feel connected and celebrate WorldPride with their community,” says Emma Jordan from Platform Youth Services.