Full Steam Ahead !
The rail line arrived in Lithgow by 1869, and marked a shift in the towns industry and geography – from Bowenfels, being the focus, to Lithgow.
Lithgow, and the railway, played a major role in the development of Australia’s industry !
With the demand for coal rapidly increasing, Lithgow’s Collieries increased their production of coal to meet Government demands.
Other Industries like copper smelting, the Tweed Mills, Lithgow potteries, Oil shale mining, meat refrigeration, soap and candles, the Small Arms factory, and the Blast Furnace, all prospered.
Although many of these industries no longer exist, and the rail line has seen many changes….our fabulous rail history remains. Bowenfels Station was designed by New South Wales Government Railways engineer, John Clifton, and is described as one of the finest examples of railway architecture of its period on the western line.
This heritage listed station was where a young Queen Elizabeth alighted the royal train to a huge fanfare, in 1954.
You can explore some of our heritage railway stations, including Ben Bullen Station, Tarana, Rydal, and Bowenfels. Take a wander through the Wollemi National Park and walk through the Glow Worm Tunnel, where Shay engines hauled shale oil from Newnes in the Wolgan Valley from 1906…. or marvel at the old train turntable at Eskbank Station.
Jump aboard ‘Possum’ at our beautiful Eskbank House Museum – Possum was built by Manning Wardle & Co, Leeds, and arrived in Australia in 1919 for work at the G & C Hoskins Ironworks at Lithgow.
On Saturdays, the Lithgow and District model railway club is open to visitors from 10am to 4pm – Warren is the President, and retired steam train driver. He and the crew will entertain you with stories as you watch the fantastic models train complete their circuit.
Come and celebrate the 155th Birthday celebrations for the Zig Zag Railway!
This event is on Saturday, 19th October – gates open at 9.30am. There will be market stalls, antique machinery, vintage cars, carnival rides AND short rides on heritage steam and diesel hauled trains, from Clarence to Top Points and return.
Bookings for the train rides are essential: https://ecom.roller.app/zigzagrailway/clarencecheckout/en/home
There will be a free shuttle bus from 9.15am at the Lithgow Workies Club, which will run every hour.
On the 26th October, join us for some spooky fun on the Zig Zag Railway Ghost Train – 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
Hop onboard the Zig Zig Railway and embrace the spooky season and join Lithgow’s annual Halloween celebration with the Zig Zag Railway Ghost train!
Pull out the dress ups, find your spooky inspiration and get ready for the ride of your life !
Book here: https://zigzagrailway.com.au/
Once you’ve had your spooky fill with us, head on down into Lithgow to experience Lithgow Halloween ‘Libre de Faire’.
The Kandos Explorer will also be stopping for passengers at Lithgow Station on the 26th October !
Sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery as a vintage train conquers the rugged Blue Mountains before descending through the ten tunnels to Lithgow. Joining the Mudgee country branch line at Wallerawang, the train passes through Piper’s Flat, Portland, Ben Bullen, Clandulla and Charbon, travelling through the magnificent Capertee Valley, the largest canyon formation in the Southern Hemisphere.
You will arrive in the picturesque village of Kandos at around 1pm where passengers disembark for lunch, with ample time provided to eat and explore the history of this lovely country town before passengers rejoin for the return to Sydney, arriving back at around 9:30pm.
Read more here: https://eastcoastheritagerail.com.au/kandos/
To board at Lithgow please contact the Seven Valleys Visitor Centre Ph: 63529130 or call in to make a booking !
Step back in time to the Roaring Twenties, where glamour meets intrigue in a night of mystery that you won’t forget. On Saturday, 23 November 2024, Zig Zag Railway transforms into the scene of a thrilling 1920s Murder Mystery, offering you an immersive experience like no other.
The evening unfolds:
The event kicks off at 4:00 PM with a welcome beverage and a delightful selection of canapés as you mingle with other guests, all of whom may have secrets of their own. At 5:00 PM, the train departs, and the real mystery begins. As the train winds through the breath-taking landscape of Clarence, NSW, the plot thickens.
Characters come to life, alliances are formed, and motives are uncovered—all under the guidance of the talented Murder Master. (The ‘Roaring Twenties’ with the Tracy Gang Murder Mystery)
Can you solve the mystery before the train returns? Or will you become just another victim of the night’s deadly game?
Price: $129 per person (includes the train ride, murder mystery experience, canapés, and welcome beverage)
Age requirement: 18+ event
Depart and return from Zig Zag Railway Clarence Station.
Book now to prepare for an evening full of suspense and excitement!
https://zigzagrailway.com.au/event/a-night-to-die-for-1920s-murder-mystery-on-zig-zag-railway/
