Zig Zag Railway: Train track set to welcome its 50,000th passenger

An iconic tourist attraction west of the Blue Mountains is about to celebrate a milestone achievement just before its one-year anniversary. Here’s the latest.

Lithgow’s iconic Zig Zag Railway is preparing to welcome its 50,000th passenger this weekend as it marks a year after reopening to the public.

The train track reopened in May last year to a sold-out event for the first time since 2012, with more than 300 volunteers committing their time to the railway after the hiatus.

Zig Zag Railway chief executive officer Daniel Zolfel said the tourism attraction has pumped more than $1.5 million into the local economy since its reopening.

The attraction included six train rides two weekends a month, however Fridays have been added to help meet the demand.

“I think the secret to our success is the uniqueness of our railway experience, it’s the closest thing to a living piece of machinery coupled with sweeping views of the mountains surrounding the Lithgow Valley,” Mr Zolfel said.

The Zig Zag Railway reopening. Picture: David Swift

Lithgow’s iconic Zig Zag Railway is preparing to welcome its 50,000th passenger this weekend as it marks a year after reopening to the public. Picture: David Swift.

The Zig Zag Railway is celebrating a huge milestone.

“When we reopened in May last year, there was so much hype and anticipation after years of restoration works and accreditation milestones, and we are actually now turning a profit which is being reinvested back into business to grow the customer experience, and that’s a huge testament to the hard work of so many people.”

He said the railway plans to introduce a second locomotive 934 to provide necessary maintenance and upkeep works to the current steam engine.

What a view!

The Zig Zag Railway is the hottest ticket for kids ahead of the school holidays.

“It’s been a really special 12 months with locals commenting it’s been exciting to hear the sound of steam whistles returning,” Mr Zolfel said.

“People are coming from all over the country to ride our 54-tonne steam locomotive and experience it rattle along cliffs and the arching sandstone viaducts.”

The organisation has 48 active volunteers and staff ranging from 18 to 80 years old, including the exception of a mother and her 14-year-old daughter.

“We now have children of volunteers coming up to the railway to help out, learning the ropes and the value in putting their hand up as a volunteer,” Mr Zolfel said.

The track will celebrate its one year anniversary since its return on May 27.