What is the Zig Zag Railway?
The Zig Zag Railway is a heritage railway near Lithgow in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. It runs on a historic section of track built in the 1860s to carry trains down the steep western escarpment.
Engineer John Whitton designed the original Lithgow Zig Zag, which opened in 1869. Trains climbed or descended the steep slope by reversing direction on a series of switchbacks, passing over sandstone viaducts and through tunnels.
The Zig Zag was used by the main western railway until 1910, when a new route with tunnels replaced it. The old track was later restored by volunteers as a tourist railway, which opened in 1975.
Fire and reopening
The railway was badly damaged by the 2013 State Mine bushfire, which destroyed workshops and rolling stock, and further affected by later fires. After years of rebuilding by volunteers, it reopened to visitors.
Heritage steam and diesel trains carry passengers along the zigzags, with views of the valley and the stone viaducts, which are among the oldest railway structures in Australia.
The Zig Zag Railway is a short drive from Lithgow and is popular with families, railway enthusiasts and visitors to the Blue Mountains.
Did You Know?
John Whitton is often called the father of New South Wales railways.