Lithgow and Zig Zag Railway Tour - Friday 26th April - Sunday 28th April 2024

Welcome to our fantastic 3-day tour to Lithgow featuring the Zig Zag Railway. We spend the morning on the coach as we make our way through the Blue Mountains to Bygone Beautys for a delightful lunch. Everywhere we look we see an array of teapots; from old to the new, elegant to outrageous, miniature to large, from countries all over the world. The collection includes rare, unusual and collectable teapots as well as iconic designs from various eras and made from different materials. Nearby we visit the Victory Theatre Antique Centre. The building is a revamped Art Deco picture theatre, originally named the Arcadia when it opened in 1921. Closing in May 1960, it was converted into a second-hand furniture shop before being transformed into a spectacular antique centre offering an impressive range. We travel to Govetts Leap Lookout for some breathtaking views of the Grose Valley and Bridal Veil Falls before continuing to Lithgow where we can unpack and relax before dinner.

After a leisurely morning, we make our way to Clarence for our journey on the Zig Zag Railway. Established in 1869, come and enjoy a relaxing ride on the impressive steam locomotive as it hauls you over the Great Lithgow Zig Zag. We travel from Clarence to Bottom Points, where the train will stop while the locomotive changes ends by running around the carriages before making the climb back to Clarence. It was first opened as park of the Western Railway line which liked Sydney with Western NSW. Many will remember the Zig Zag from their childhood – riding the train in the 70s, 80s and 90s. Unfortunately, in 2012, the railway was forced to close due to rising costs followed by two significant bushfires and a flood which devastated the railway and left the site damaged. Since then, the wonderful community and volunteers have been working hard to return the railway to its former glory. This work has seen the restoration of locomotives, passenger carriages and all 11 kilometres of track. Now reopened – come relive the magical era of steam trains as we explore the remarkable scenery of the greater Blue Mountains and Seven Valleys region. This afternoon be prepared for a fascinating visit to the Small Arms Museum. Formed to celebrate the history of the Small Arms Factory and its achievements, it tells the story of British influence and the endurance of social hardships. Showcasing Australian manufacturing, it houses a comprehensive collection of experimental weapons. In later years, it also made sewing machines, sheep shearing handsets, handcuffs and many other commercial items.

After breakfast we visit Eskbank House. Built in 1842 this home has been at the heart of Lithgow’s history and was opened as one of the first house museums in NSW in 1966. Our guide will explain its colourful place as part of the town’s heritage. Our next visit is to the Carrington Hotel. We’ll tour this Grand Old Lady who became a popular mountain retreat for international visitors and the elite of Sydney. Her long and rich history spans more than a century and during our visit we’ll listen to the intriguing stories about the residents of the hotel throughout the years. We stay for lunch before continuing home from a wonderful tour.