Zig Zag Railway

The Zig Zag Railway is a heritage narrow-gauge railway located at Clarence near Lithgow in New South Wales, on the western edge of the Blue Mountains. Originally built in 1869 as part of the Main Western railway to traverse the steep Lapstone escarpment using a distinctive zig zag formation, it is notable for its historic steam and diesel locomotives, sandstone viaducts, tunnels and steep gradients. Re-established as a tourist railway in 1975, it offers scenic heritage train journeys.

Visitors can expect a heritage train journey on restored steam and diesel locomotives travelling the historic zig zag formation between Clarence and Bottom Points. The route includes sandstone viaducts, tunnels, steep gradients and bushland scenery on the western escarpment of the Blue Mountains. Stations at Clarence, Top Points and Bottom Points are restored heritage structures with viewing areas, photo opportunities and interpretive displays about railway engineering and history.

Built in 1869 as part of the Main Western Railway to cross the Blue Mountains, the Lithgow Zig Zag was an engineering solution using reversing points (zig zags) to climb the steep escarpment with a 1 in 42 gradient. It included stone viaducts and tunnels and operated as the main line until 1910 when it was bypassed by the Ten Tunnels deviation. Preserved by enthusiasts, it reopened as a heritage tourist railway in 1975 and is listed for its significance in NSW railway history.

The railway is a significant example of 19th-century railway engineering in Australia and an important heritage tourism attraction for the Lithgow and Blue Mountains region. It preserves operational steam heritage, demonstrates early colonial transport development, and contributes to local cultural identity and heritage education.