Train lovers will be pleased to hear that Zig Zag Railway, one of the Blue Mountains’ most iconic family attractions, is operating full steam, now running four daily rides, seven days a week.
Climbing aboard the steam engine and watching the puffs of smoke as it chugs down the mountainside in a series of switchbacks is genuinely exciting for kids and adults alike. Riding through the tunnels and across the historic viaducts is a highlight most families remember long after the day is over.
Currently on the detour route? The Great Western Highway has been closed at Victoria Pass since March 2026 due to structural damage at Mitchells Causeway, with repairs not expected to be finished until 2027. All highway traffic is being diverted via Bells Line of Road and the Darling Causeway, a route that runs right past Zig Zag Railway at Clarence. If a highway closure has you on the detour anyway, it’s a good excuse to stop, stretch your legs and turn the trip into a day out.
A Piece of Australian History
There’s something special about riding in a carriage with the windows open, breathing the fresh mountain air, and passing through tunnels and across viaducts carved from local sandstone back in the 1860s.
Zig Zag Railway first opened in 1869 and was considered one of the greatest engineering achievements of its era, connecting Sydney with western NSW at a time when the only alternative was a horse-drawn journey over the Blue Mountains by road.
In 1910, a faster deviation through a series of ten tunnels was completed, and the original Zig Zag line fell out of regular use. It wasn’t until 1975 that the Zig Zag Railway Co-operative, a volunteer organisation, reopened the historic section and reintroduced passenger services up and down the mountainside.
The line has faced setbacks since, including a major washaway and two bushfires in the region, but the volunteer co-op has consistently worked to rebuild and reopen this piece of rail history.
Good to know
When: For more information and to buy tickets, visit the Zig Zag Railway website. Tickets are online only and the railway regularly sells out, so it’s best to book ahead rather than plan on buying on the day.
Duration: The main journey, Clarence to Bottom Points return, is a pleasant 90-minute round trip that suits young families well. A shorter 45-minute option runs from Clarence to Top Points, good for families with less time or younger toddlers. Both make for a memorable day out for all ages.
Where: Zig Zag Railway is located at Clarence, about 11 minutes’ drive from Lithgow in the Blue Mountains region. Clarence Station has ample free parking at 840 Chifley Road, Clarence NSW 2790, large enough for all vehicle types.
There’s also an option to arrive by train via NSW TrainLink’s Blue Mountains Line, alighting near Bottom Points Station. Pre-booking is essential either way, and it’s worth arriving 30 minutes before departure to collect tickets.
Facilities: Toilets, a gift shop and a café are available at Clarence Station. The other stations have minimal or no facilities, so it’s best to use the bathroom before boarding.
Where to eat: The Zig Zag Railway Café is located at Clarence station, at the start of your Zig Zag journey. Here you can grab a coffee and a snack and also some souvenirs. You can take your food and coffee on the ride. There are picnic tables also for families to have a picnic lunch at Top Points Station and Bottom Points Stations but there no cafes at these stations, so be prepared.
What to wear: Dress warmly and bring a jacket. It gets cold in the mountains, especially with the train windows open.
While you are in the area: The Seven Valleys Region has much to offer. Amazing camping spots and 4WD tracks, a glow worm tunnel, breathtaking lookouts, Aboriginal art, National Parks and museums. You can find out more about the region by stopping into the Lithgow Visitors Centre for advice, or through their website.
Books for kids: There are many great books for adults on the Zig Zag Railway, but Spotto Books has created a book specifically for kids to use while riding aboard the historic railway.
The Zig Zag Railway Spotto Book was created specifically for riding the Zig Zag Railway and is filled with pictures of everything you will spot on the hour and a half return train ride.
There are pictures of things to spot at all the stations and while riding the steam train, like viaducts, tunnels, signals and parts of the locomotive. It’s fun and educational, and a great souvenir of your day.
The second half of the book is filled with all the wonderful places to visit and mark off whilst visiting the stunning Seven Valley Region. These include many breathtaking lookouts, the glow worm tunnel, Portland Silos, Lake Lyell and Lake Wallace. It can be purchased at Clarence Station Gift Shop where you pick your tickets up to ride or online on the Spotto website.
Volunteering: Zig Zag Railway runs on volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, or would like to donate please see their website.
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