By now, you’ve probably heard the news. The Great Western Highway has been closed at Victoria Pass, after active monitoring detected significant cracking and movement in the substructure of Mitchells Causeway – the historic convict-built bridge dating back to 1832. Repairs are expected to take at least three months, with all traffic now diverted along the Darling Causeway.
It’s a headache for thousands of travellers. Around 11,000 extra vehicles are now being funnelled through the region every day and if you’re one of them, we’ve got good news: your new route takes you right past one of the Blue Mountains‘ most iconic experiences.
Turn the Detour Into an Adventure
Bells Line of Road offers a clear run to the Central West, winding through UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscapes with plenty of reasons to pull over along the way. And right here at Clarence, just off Bells Line of Road, sits the legendary Zig Zag Railway, a living piece of Australian history that’s well worth building into your journey.
Whether you’re a family heading west for the holidays, a truckie making the long haul, or a Blue Mountains local navigating the new normal, Zig Zag Railway is the perfect place to stop, stretch your legs, and actually enjoy the trip.
What’s Waiting for You
Ride a piece of history: climb aboard one of our heritage steam or diesel trains and experience the famous zig zag line that once carried the nation’s rail traffic over the Great Dividing Range. It’s a genuine once-in-a-lifetime ride for kids and adults alike.
Refuel at our café: grab a proper coffee, a homemade meal, and take a breath before pushing on. After sitting in detour traffic, you’ve earned it.
Soak in the scenery: set against the dramatic backdrop of the Lithgow Valley, this is the kind of stop that turns a frustrating diversion into a memory you’ll actually want to talk about.
Browse the gift shop: pick up a souvenir or a little something for the family out west.
Plan Your Stop
We’re located at Bells Line of Road, Clarence NSW – directly along the detour route. There’s ample parking for all vehicle types, and trains run on weekends and selected days throughout the week.
The highway closure is temporary. The Zig Zag experience is unforgettable – don’t just pass through, stop and make it part of the journey!
