2LT Local News

LITHGOW, Central West, NSW, Australia – The Zig Zag Railway in Lithgow will be brought back to life through $2.3 million of NSW Government funding to revitalise one of Australia’s most loved tourism railways.

Zig Zag Railway carriages, tracks and infrastructure suffered significant damage during the State Mine bushfire, one of three devastating blazes that destroyed 210 homes and damaged 150 others across the Blue Mountains in October 2013.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian, on a visit to Lithgow on Thursday, said the much loved Zig Zag Railway is an important link to the state’s rail history and this funding will open up the attraction to thousands of new tourists each year.

“Zig Zag was one of our State’s greatest engineering feats, providing passage across the Blue Mountains and opening up regional NSW,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The redeveloped Zig Zag railway is expected to attract over 60,000 tourists to Lithgow each year. By helping restore this iconic railway, the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is supporting jobs in Lithgow, boosting tourism across the Blue Mountains and strengthening the local economy.”

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the funding will put the Zig Zag Railway back on track as one of regional NSW’s most popular tourism attractions.

“I am excited to see Zig Zag Railway to reach its potential as a premium regional tourism destination when carriages start rolling on the tracks again next year,” Mr Barilaro whi is also in Lithgow said Thursday.

“When visitors come to our regional towns to see the attractions on offer, they stay in local accommodation, buy souvenirs from local shops and dine in local eateries.

“From train and history buffs, to families with young children heading for a great day out, the Zig Zag Railway will once again be celebrated as a part of our heritage well into the future.”

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the revitalisation of the Zig Zag Railway, the last of its kind in Australia, will keep attracting visitors to the Central West.

“Zig Zag is set to return as a local drawcard that will have people heading further over the mountains for an authentic steam era experience,” Mr Toole said.

Originally opened in 1869, the Zig Zag replaced animal-drawn carts, creating trade and commerce opportunities by reducing freight transport times from days to hours.

The $2.3 million of NSW Government funding will build on existing co-contributions of $5.1 million to restore and bolster the railway from Transport Heritage NSW and Zig Zag Railway.