Extend Your Visit

Woman enjoying a view

New Onsite Stays — Rewild Right Here

We’re thrilled to welcome Into The Wild Escapes, our newest onsite accommodation partner. Experience the perfect fusion of heritage and serenity with minimalist, off-grid tiny homes nestled in nature—designed for couples, families, or anyone longing to reconnect with the wild. Each retreat features thoughtfully curated comforts like heating and air-conditioning, and is crafted to ease your escape without compromising on creature comforts. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or simply a peaceful pause surrounded by nature, Into The Wild Escapes offers a magical way to extend your time at Zig Zag Railway.

Man working on a train

Make an impact by volunteering

Railway Adventures, founded in 2012 by well-known Australian TV personality and self-confessed rail fan, Scott McGregor, has thrilled and delighted almost 1500 travellers on over 120 tours from Norway to Normanton, Transylvania to Tasmania and the Sri Lankan jungles to the South Australian Outback. Scott’s belief is that the most relaxing, romantic and engaging way to see a country is from the window of a train.

The Railway Adventures story actually began back in 1980, when Scott began building his rail-themed personal retreat, Ruwenzori, a set of life-sized train carriages sitting on the top of the Great Dividing Range near Mudgee. Restored in the Orient Express style, this very special getaway is now open on an exclusive, single-hire basis.
Scott’s successful acting and TV presenting career took an ‘on the rails’ turn with his numerous, much loved, rail-themed TV documentaries, and these, together with a long-standing involvement in rail heritage and his extensive connections with private train owners around the world, inspired the creation of a specialist travel company, sharing bespoke rail adventures around the world with fellow travellers.

Railway Adventures fully escorted small group train tours will take you on an endless variety of rail experiences. Inspired by the hit TV show, Railway Adventures across Australia, our special heritage train journeys and packages reveal the culture and character of a country from the window of a train. Check out these luxury group railway tours and climb aboard for an unforgettable experience. Our small group guided tours take you on Rail adventures to Queensland, Tasmania, and all across Australia. Our specially crafted International tours span the globe and the most popular include our Switzerland train tour, Sri Lanka tour and Vietnam tour, to name a few.

Explore what Lithgow has to offer

Extend your visit and explore What Lithgow and the Seven Valleys has to offer!

There are heaps of things to do during your visit to Lithgow. After enjoying a unique and nostalgic train ride on the Zig Zag Railway, stay a while and visit some other must-see local attractions.

With so much to see and do, Lithgow and the Seven Valleys is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.

CRAFT WORKS DISTILLERY

Craft Works Distillery, tucked behind the Royal Hotel Capertee, produces award-winning small-batch whisky and gin. Using local spring water, NSW barley, and a handcrafted copper still, “Crafty” creates full-flavoured spirits. Find him at regional markets or his shed—call ahead to plan your visit.

Japanese Bathhouse

Discover the Japanese Bath House in Lithgow, a serene Blue Mountains retreat since 1999. Soak in natural spring-fed hot baths, enjoy saunas and private bathing experiences, or indulge in shiatsu and aromatherapy treatments. An authentic Japanese escape designed for relaxation, rejuvenation, and tranquility.

Lithgow Workies Club

Known as “The Workies,” Lithgow & District Workmen’s Club has welcomed members since 1887, making it NSW’s oldest registered club. Enjoy live entertainment, dining, bars, bowling greens, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Stay at the adjoining Workies Motel—your base to explore Lithgow and the Blue Mountains.

Railway Adventures

Founded by TV personality and rail enthusiast Scott McGregor, Railway Adventures offers fully escorted small-group train tours across Australia and the world. From heritage journeys to luxury international trips, discover culture and landscapes from the romance of a train window—an unforgettable travel experience for every rail lover.

Ruwenzori Retreat

Ruwenzori Retreat near Mudgee is a secluded, fully self-contained hideaway created by TV personality and rail enthusiast Scott McGregor. With a single-hire policy, guests enjoy exclusive access to restored Orient Express–style train carriages and 20 hectares of mountain bushland—perfect for families, groups, or romantic escapes.

Visitor Information Centre

Discover the wonders of the Seven Valleys—home to the Glow Worm Tunnel, Wolgan Valley, colonial Hartley, and the vast Capertee. Stop by the Seven Valleys Visitor Information Centre in Lithgow for maps, local tips, and inspiration to plan your perfect Blue Mountains escape.

Zig Zag Brewery

Located in Lithgow’s historic Eskbank House precinct, Zig Zag Brewery combines heritage and craft in a family-friendly setting. Enjoy locally brewed beers, live music, food trucks, and relaxed outdoor spaces. With deep roots in the region, it’s a must-visit stop after your Zig Zag Railway adventure.

Zig Zag Motel

Proudly family-owned for over 20 years, Zig Zag Motel offers 50 premium rooms and serviced apartments in Lithgow, just two hours from Sydney. Guests and locals alike can enjoy authentic Italian dining at Frankie’s Restaurant & Bar, open Monday to Saturday for dinner.