The Zig Zag Railway
Experience
What You'll See
All Aboard a Steam Train Through Time
Ride a heritage steam train through the breathtaking Blue Mountains and step back into a bygone era. The Zig Zag Railway ride is more than transport — it’s time travel.
What You'll See
Unforgettable Family Fun in the Blue Mountains
Whether you’re 5 or 95, a ride on Zig Zag Railway is a family day out everyone will remember. It’s one of the top kid-friendly Blue Mountains activities, complete with steam, smiles, and scenery.
What You'll See
Scenic Views & Natural Wonder Along the Journey
Our line winds through sandstone cliffs, lush forests, and sweeping valleys. It’s a scenic train ride unlike any other in Australia — a feast for your eyes and your soul.
What You'll See
History That Comes Alive
Originally built in the 1860s, this historic train journey helped open the Blue Mountains to the world. Every journey today tells the story of ingenuity, grit, and rail heritage.
OPTION 1
ARRIVING BY CAR
CLARENCE TO BOTTOM POINTS
RETURN – 90 minutes
- Park at Clarence Station and check in.
- Board for the descent down the Great Lithgow Zig Zag.
- Stop at Top Points for locomotive run-around (10–15 mins).
- Continue to Bottom Points for another run-around (10–15 mins).
- Return to Clarence via Top Points.
- Toilets at all stations, please note there are none on board.
OPTION 2
ARRIVING BY tRAIN
BOTTOM POINTS TO CLARENCE
RETURN – 1hr 45 minutes
- Arrive via NSW TrainLink’s Blue Mountains Line.
- Sit in the last carriage; ask guard at Mt Victoria to stop at Zig Zag station (stairs only, no wheelchair access).
- Walk 5 minutes from platform to Bottom Points and check in.
- Travel to Top Points and Clarence Station; visit café and shop.
- Return to Bottom Points via Top Points.
Check timetables. - Weekend services connect directly, but track works may affect availability.
OPTION 3
ARRIVING BY Car
Clarence to Top Points
RETURN – 45 minutes
- 45-minute return journey from Clarence to Top Points and back.
- Enjoy crisp mountain air and stunning Blue Mountains scenery.
- Perfect for couples, families, and rail enthusiasts.
- Limited seats – book online early.
Points of Interest
Zig Zag Railway traverses the lands of the Wiradjuri Aboriginal Nation. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respect to elders past, present and emerging.
The railway runs through the Great Zig Zag Railway and reserves – which is one of Australia’s oldest reserves. In 1881 – Twenty year before federation, the colony of NSW realised the magnitude of the engineering and spectacular scenery that has been preserved for nearly 150 years. Zig Zag Railway now manages the reserve on behalf of the people of NSW.
We welcome visitors from around Australia and all around the world. We look forward to sharing our heritage for the benefit of future generations.
OUR FLEET
locomotives and Rolling stock
The locomotives and rolling stock at Zig Zag Railway have been acquired at different times from multiple sources, in various states of repair. Since the inception of the Zig Zag Railway Co-Operative, a significant part of the operation has been involved in maintaining and restoring our fleet.
Photo Gallery
Reviews
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Great day out , highly recommended
bundybear1act
Wonderful experience. Everyone should try once to check out locomotive history and steam engine
jss sidhu
A belated thank you to the fabulous team who on the 1st August helped us with our own little train... read more
Sooz
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Wonderful step back in history. Would be better if the cafe and shop accepted cash.
Ian Abbott
What a great experience! It’s wonderful that this piece of history is still running, and all due to a dedicated... read more
Jennifer Morton
Worth the 3hr drive (one way). The weather wasn't the best, so we missed out on some of the views.... read more
Julie B
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What a great place to visit. The weather was terrible, wet and cold, but the train ride warmed you. We... read more
Paul Scholberg
A must-visit attraction if you’re travelling near/around the Blue Mountains for a couple of days. The trains and scenery are... read more
Raymond Manning
One of the best historic railways I've been on. Get to see the changing of the engine as the train... read more
C X
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Great little steam train trip , when I went it was damp n cold but still a great experience and... read more
Damian Adie
Festival weekend so big crowds and train trips fully booked out..lots of family fun but options quite expensive
Brett Childs
We had an absolutely fantastic day at the Zig Zag. Taking a beautiful old steam train along stunning Blue Mountains... read more
William de Montemas
Rate: 5/5
Fiona K
a week ago
This was a great winters day out. Easy to find and park. Informative train trip up and down. Comfortable seat in the old carriage. Beautiful views. Great Cafe with a good selection of food and drinks. An old train carriage is on site to sit and enjoy your lunch.
Rate: 5/5
Fiona K
a week ago
This was a great winters day out. Easy to find and park. Informative train trip up and down. Comfortable seat in the old carriage. Beautiful views. Great Cafe with a good selection of food and drinks. An old train carriage is on site to sit and enjoy your lunch.
Rate: 5/5
Fiona K
a week ago
This was a great winters day out. Easy to find and park. Informative train trip up and down. Comfortable seat in the old carriage. Beautiful views. Great Cafe with a good selection of food and drinks. An old train carriage is on site to sit and enjoy your lunch.
Rate: 5/5
Fiona K
a week ago
This was a great winters day out. Easy to find and park. Informative train trip up and down. Comfortable seat in the old carriage. Beautiful views. Great Cafe with a good selection of food and drinks. An old train carriage is on site to sit and enjoy your lunch.
Rate: 5/5
Fiona K
a week ago
This was a great winters day out. Easy to find and park. Informative train trip up and down. Comfortable seat in the old carriage. Beautiful views. Great Cafe with a good selection of food and drinks. An old train carriage is on site to sit and enjoy your lunch.