The Zig Zag Railway - John Whitton, chief engineer of the NSW Government Railways, designed a 'Zig-Zag' line - a series of gently sloping ramps in the form of a letter 'Z' - which alternately push and pull trains down the escarpment.
Located 10 km east of Lithgow, at Clarence, the Zig Zag Railway, passes over three wonderful sandstone viaducts and through two hand-hewn tunnels plus a cutting. The views during its descent from the Blue Mountains into the Lithgow Valley are striking..
By the beginning of the 20th century rail traffic over the Blue Mountains was heavy and the single track was inadequate. A ten-tunnel line was constructed through the escarpment and completed in 1910 bypassing the zig-zag line.
Nowadays steam trains operate on weekends, public holidays and most school holidays. A diesel-powered vintage motor runs during the week and includes a tour of the workshop and gives you more time to study the viaducts and scenery.
Visit the Zig Zag Website for more information
Lithgow, Hartley
Town and Around Website
Lithgow, Hartley early 'explorer country' in NSW Blue Mountains & Central Tablelands
including Little Hartley, Hartley Vale, Glenroy, Hampton, Portland, Rydal, Marrangaroo & Wallerawang
See what LITHGOW & HARTLEY NSW have to offer when you visit....... <Click Here>
Zig Zag Railway
Special Events at Zig Zag Railway..
Follow the link below to check out dates, times, booking forms for some of these Special Events -
- Wizards Express - Enjoy the magic and the mystery of the Zig Zag Railway’s Harry Potter themed Wizards Express - two hours of magical fun & laughter combined with a train ride.
- Friends of Thomas - See Thomas the Tank Engine and friends - Have a Steam Train ride, explore 'Kingsley' the tank engine, jumping castle, merry-go-round, face painting, heaps of photo opportunities & more.
- Charter the Blue Train for your Special Event - the Blue Train consists of SA & Qld Carriages dating from 1889
- Special Dinner Trains...
