brief history ...

The Zig Zag Railway was built between 1866 and 1869. The plans for the line were signed by John Whitton who was at that time the Chief Engineer for Railways of the NSW Government.

Regarded as one of the engineering achievements of the Victorian age, The Zig Zag railway was the most effective solution of dealing with a very steep slope.

The Zig Zag consists of a series of sloping tracks forming the letter "Z" with reversing stations at Top and Bottom Points. The Top part of the 'Z' is Top Road, the middle part is Middle Road. Bottom Road is now only a short section leading to the Depot; the rest remains part of NSW State Rail network.

The track passes over three magnificent sandstone viaducts, through two tunnels. There are striking views over the surrounding countryside.

In 1972 the track and the rolling stock was reconditioned by a group of railway enthusiasts and The Zig Zag Railway Co-op Ltd was born. First trains started to run in 1975 on the Middle Road only. Top Road opened in 1988.

In the above picture you can see the locomotive No. 1072 - 4-6-2 ('Pacific'), express passenger engine. Built in 1956 at Walkers Ltd, Maryborough, Queensland for around 45,665 £.

tourist information ...

How to get there
By private or rented car. Zig Zag Railway, Clarence Station is 150 km west of Sydney in the Blue Mountains, 10 km East of Lithgow on Bells Line of Road. From Sydney CBD is approximately 2.5 - 3 hours drive. Free parking space available at Clarence Station. See map.

By train. From Central Station, Strathfiled or Parramatta, catch a train to Lithgow and contact the guard before departure to request a stop at the ZigZag Railway. Please note that the train, stops only on request.

Contact details:
Zig Zag Railway Co-op. Ltd.
P.O. Box 1, Lithgow, NSW 2790, Australia
Ph: +61 (0)2 6355 2955 AMPM Mo-Fri)
Ph: +61 (0)2 6351 4826 (timetable enquiries)
Web site: ZigZag Railway.

Hours of Operation:
With some exceptions steam services operate on weekends and Public Holidays, Wednesdays and NSW school holidays:
Departures from Clarence: 11.AM, 1.PM, 3.PM
The minimum return journey takes about 1.5 hours.

Please check the official web site for exact details. See ZigZag Railway.