Zig Zag Railway tourist access hit by 3-month road closure

A major road near the historic Zig Zag Railway is closed for 3 months, making it harder for tourists to visit. This adds to the railway's ongoing restoration challenges.
By Newsroom | Transport, Heritage |

The Zig Zag Railway in the Blue Mountains is currently grappling with an unexpected disruption due to a prolonged closure of a major road, potentially impacting tourist access to the heritage site. The highway closure, which Transport for NSW states will last at least three months, introduces a significant detour for visitors heading to the beloved attraction.

Despite this new challenge, operations at the railway appear to be continuing. Long-serving volunteer Mick Marriott-Statham noted that tourist traffic has not yet noticeably diminished. He remains dedicated to his role, finding fulfillment in the visitor experience and the operation of the trains. The railway itself, established in 1869, continues to promote its heritage rail adventure, emphasizing its proximity to the Blue Mountains and encouraging advance bookings.

The Zig Zag Railway has a complex recent history, marked by substantial restoration efforts following a series of natural disasters and the pandemic. The Gospers Fire caused damage to approximately 2,500 timber sleepers on the track, and subsequent bushfires, storms, and COVID-19 lockdowns presented further obstacles. These events delayed vital training and competence assurance activities for volunteers.

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A significant milestone was the restoration of the locomotive workshop, a project critical for the ongoing maintenance of the railway's heritage fleet. The NSW Government contributed over $5.9 million towards these restoration efforts, including $3.6 million specifically for the workshop's overhaul. This funding also supported infrastructure upgrades such as a new car park, pedestrian crossing, and amenities block. Passenger services resumed following these extensive repairs and the reinstatement of safety management systems, allowing the railway to showcase its steam train era to new generations. The railway is described as a tourism icon, attracting up to 80,000 visitors annually, with its full operation expected to boost local tourism and employment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is it harder for tourists to get to the Zig Zag Railway?
A major road leading to the railway is closed for at least three months. This means visitors must take a longer detour to reach the attraction.
Q: Will the Zig Zag Railway still be open during the road closure?
Yes, the railway is still operating. Volunteers report that tourist numbers have not dropped yet, and they are encouraging people to book in advance.
Q: What challenges has the Zig Zag Railway faced recently?
The railway has dealt with damage from fires, storms, and COVID-19 lockdowns. These events damaged tracks and delayed volunteer training.
Q: How much money has been spent on restoring the Zig Zag Railway?
The NSW Government has given over $5.9 million for restoration, including $3.6 million for the locomotive workshop. This helped upgrade infrastructure and restart passenger services.