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This iconic heritage rail journey in the Blue Mountains has expanded its daily services

Credit: Salty Dingo 2023

Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
The iconic Zig Zag Railway is going full steam ahead by increasing its service to four times a day.

Rail travel is one of the most enjoyable ways to see a region, allowing you to watch the world slowly unfold. The iconic Zig Zag train is making it easier for locomotive, history and nature lovers to take advantage of this transport style by increasing its heritage services to four times day, seven days a week.

What is the Zig Zag Railway?

The driver onboard the Zig Zag Railway
The heritage train is 157 years old. (Credit: Salty Dingo 2023)

Established in 1869, the Zig Zag Railway is a 157-year-old locomotive that operated as a working railway until 1910. Today it runs as a heritage tourist experience, transporting passengers back in time through the lush western edge of the Blue Mountains, near Lithgow. It’s given this name because of the zig-zag mechanics that allow it to journey up the steep Blue Mountain escarpment.

The train will increase services from its limited weekend runs to operating seven days a week, four times a day. Since reopening in 2023, more than 100,000 visitors have jumped onboard, with this number expected to increase to 150,000 a year, according to CEO Daniel Zolfel.

What do you see and experience?

The Zig Zag Railway crossing a bridge
It crosses three historic bridges. (Credit: Salty Dingo 2023)

This train ride is one of the most iconic things to do in the region. The train traverses dramatic sandstone cuttings, eucalypt bushland and three historic arched bridges. From plush seats within the vintage-style carriage, passengers are treated to spectacular national park views. 

When the train reaches the reversal point at Top Points station, passengers jump off to watch it perform its iconic run-around, whereby the steam engine uncouples, manoeuvres to the opposite end of the train, and prepares for its next climb.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

How much is the Zig Zag Railway?

A man sticking his head out of the Zig Zag Railway train
The journey is perfect for train lovers and families. (Credit: Salty Dingo 2023)

The Zig Zag Railway journey is an affordable activity that’s best booked in advance.

45-minute train journey

Adult tickets, $37.50; concession and child tickets, $34 and $24, respectively. Families (2 adults and 2 children) combined tickets, $112, with additional children’s tickets available for $20 each.

60-minute train journey

Adult tickets, $46.50; concession and child tickets, $41.50 and $30, respectively. Families (2 adults and 2 children) combined tickets, $140, with additional children’s tickets available for $20 each. 

Details

Best for: History and railway enthusiasts, young families, slow travellers and nature lovers

Address: 840 Chifley Road, Clarence, 2790

Bookings: via the Zig Zag railway website

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Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is a freelance travel journalist. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love, Bed Threads and Australian Traveller/International Traveller. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.
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7 Lake Macquarie secrets the locals don’t want you to know

Credit: Beau Pilgrim

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
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    An untapped side to this popular holiday spot is hiding in plain sight.

    Laidback Lake Macquarie draws in holidaygoers and day trippers with its casual coastal allure and raw beauty. But even though it’s just 90 minutes from Sydney, most visitors have only scratched the surface of what this region has to offer.

    Foodie hotspots, quaint towns, tranquil waterways and compelling art are all waiting to be discovered. You just need to know where to find them.

    1. Most visitors don’t make it to the western side

    Explore beyond the western side. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

    While there’s no harm in walking the well-worn path in this idyllic pocket of the world, the area west of Lake Macquarie is defined by stretches of ancient rainforests and quaint towns with a more local feel. Toronto is the largest town on this side and features a golf course and sailing clubs, while peninsula-based Wangi Wangi is fantastic for bushwalking and swimming.

    2. There’s a booming arts scene

    Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG
    Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG.

    Lake Macquarie is a must-visit destination for creatives. Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG; this modern gallery is set on a five-hectare sculpture park and showcases a free rotating program of exhibitions and events, with a strong focus on contemporary Aboriginal art. In Wangi Wangi, explore the Wangi Owl Trail, which includes Dobell House, the preserved home of prolific artist Sir William Dobell. And enjoy live music every Saturday evening at the recently renovated Toronto Hotel.

    3. It’s a nature lover’s paradise

    three people swimming in lake macquarie
    In and out of the water, find a natural paradise. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

    Lake Macquarie is a playground for nature lovers. It’s home to Australia’s largest saltwater lake, a 110-square-kilometre haven for swimming, fishing, boating and sunset views. Another oasis is the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area, a 761-hectare protected reserve with wildflowers, Second World War heritage sites and spectacular views to Pulbah Island. The upgraded Toronto baths, complete with jetty decking and netting, make for a sheltered spot for a refreshing dip, while the Awaba Mountain Bike Park gives adrenaline junkies their fix.

    4. The dining scene is unbeatable

    8 at Trinity lake macquarie
    Treat yourself to 8 at Trinity.

    Gourmands are well looked after in Lake Macquarie. At Emerson’s on the Lake in Toronto, the modern Australian fine dining menu spoils seafood lovers with the freshest ocean produce and stunning lake views. Sitting on Trinity Point’s waterfront, 8 at Trinity is another standout offering, serving Mediterranean fare in an open-air setting. For a more relaxed affair, the microbrewery trail lets craft beer enthusiasts sip on inventive brews from The Yard, Lake Mac Brewing and Bread & Brewery.

    5. There are hidden coves and waterways

    kayakers on lake macquarie local secrets
    Get out onto the lake. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

    There’s no better way to experience Lake Macquarie than directly on its waters, and in doing so you’ll discover a world of hidden coves and secluded waterways. Jump in a kayak for a tour with the friendly team at School of Yak and paddle to Cockle Creek, Awaba Bay, Green Point and Fennel Bay, discovering underwater life along the way. Or go all in and stay the night on one of Lake Macquarie Houseboats’ spacious vessels or hire a BBQ pontoon boat for the day from Lake Macquarie Boat Hire to enjoy a feast in the sunshine while admiring the marine life and picturesque waterscape.

    6. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise

    ll blue wren sitting on a tree branch
    Keep an eye out for local birdlife. (Credit: Walter Coppola)

    Twitchers are in for a real treat as hundreds of fascinating bird species such as Australian pelicans, black swans, white-bellied sea-eagles and superb fairy-wrens call this area home. Take a self-guided tour around top spots including Bird Cage Point and Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area (near Morisset) or be guided in a clear-bottom kayak through the waterways with Lake Macquarie Kayak Adventures, observing feathered friends as you go.

    7. The lake has islands

    sail lake macquarie
    Charter a boat to see Lake Macquarie’s islands.

    Hop on a private boat, kayak or charter around the lake to discover the plethora of small islands peppered around Lake Macquarie. The largest is Pulbah Island, a 69-hectare nature reserve home to goannas and sugar gliders with secluded beaches. Sandy islands such as Spectacle Island and Pelican Island have a tropical lagoon-like look to them as they sit in the tidal path of Swansea Channel, which filters the sand and creates a pristine environment. Stop by for a dip and a picnic.

    Start living like the locals at visitlakemac.com.au.