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Local Attractions
Information about Geography, Plants, Animals and Birds.
Workies - Locals and visitors alike will find there’s something for everyone at Lithgow’s largest and longest serving club.
Glow-Worm Tunnel - Bush walk about 40 minutes drive north of Clarence on a dirt road. Take a torch and wear sensible shoes.
Wolgan Valley Heritage Trail - A spectacular walk or mountain bike ride from Zig Zag Railway to Newnes in the Wolgan Valley, along the disused Wolgan Valley Railway track bed.
Wolgan Valley Railway - History of the railway.
Lithgow - There are pages on History, Heritage and Walks.
State Mine Heritage Park and Railway - Mining Museum at the old State Mine, and a tourist railway being established on the former State Mine Colliery Branch Line.
Eskbank House - Former Mine Owner's House now a museum, with many 19th century artefacts from the house and Lithgow area, newly refurbished 2001.
Small Arms Factory- A very comprehensive collection of machine guns, rifles, pistols and related items from around the world. Well presented by former employees.
The Blue Mountains Railway Society - The Blue Mountains Railway Society is a 5" gauge operating model railway in Blaxland.
Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens - Year-round displays of colour, with spectacular mountain views, temperate gardens, part of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, about 30 minutes drive towards Sydney on Bells Road. The Wollemi pine is being cultivated here and an example on display.
Mount Wilson - Mountain village about 30 minutes away, off Bells Road towards Sydney. Old homes with mature gardens, some open to view, Cathedral of Ferns, tearooms. Striking mixture of native and European trees and shrubs.
Hartley Historic Site - about 30 minutes drive on Great Western Highway, 10 km east of Lithgow. First township on the western side of the Blue Mountains, built in 1830s, with Courthouse, Churches - Anglican and Catholic, historic hotels and houses, guided tours of the Courthouse by National Parks and Wildlife Service. When the railway bypassed it in 1869, it fell into disuse which allowed many of the original buildings to survive, instead of being replaced.
Hartley Vale - Former site of kerosene shale mining, at the base of Mount York where several of the early routes down the Blue Mountains ended - they are now bush walks.
Jenolan Caves - 9 spectacular limestone caves, about 1 hour's drive from Zig Zag Railway. Guided Tours, refreshments, picnic areas.
Accommodation
Lithgow - about 10 mins drive. There are many places to stay including hotels, motels, bed and breakfast, caravanning and camping.
Zig Zag Motel - With a 4 star rating , the Zig Zag Motel features 36 ground floor deluxe and standard units to suit your budget.
Lithgow Tourist and Caravan Park - 02 6351 4350, Fax: 02 6351 4384. Self contained ensuite cabins with TV & microwave, heated on-site vans, powered sites, powered and unpowered campsites, camping. BBQ, games room, playground, shop. Linen hire available. Weekly discounts. Email: Booking Enquiries
Dargan - Hatters Hideout - luxury lodge near Clarence with views over Wollemi Wilderness and 8 acres of private Blue Mountains nature reserve. Rent a cave, rocksports, bushwalking, nature tours, leather hats and artworks.
02 6355 2777
Hartley Vale - 15 minutes from Zig Zag Railway
Mount Victoria - 20 minutes from Zig Zag Railway. Several Hotels and Motels
Cedar Lodge Cabins - 42 Great Western Highway, Mount Victoria. Mount Victoria General Store and Newsagency sells freshly made sushi daily. Featured in October 2006 Qantas Magazine under the heading Taste Drive in the Blue Mountains.
Blackheath - Weroona - Modern cottage in the Megalong Valley. Tel: 0437 875 158 or email: Booking Enquiries
Jenolan Caves - Caves House Hotel, Jenolan Caves Cottages. About 75km - 2 hours - from Zig Zag Railway.
Katoomba & Echo Point Villas - Both near the world famous Three Sisters.
Leura & Hurlstone - Historic 1902 Blue Mountains retreat, self contained garden apartment for up to 4 people.
Wotif & Rates To Go - For a variety of Blue Mountains Accommodation and last minute deals.