Zig Zag Railway

08 March 2025 / Brigid McCarthy Story. Photos Brigid McCarthy, Senia Gaunson, Robyn Blood

Zig Zag Zoom Zoom
Saturday March 1st to Sunday March 2nd

On the first day of March, 13 cars gathered at McDonalds McGraths Hill, in anticipation of a grand
weekend of adventuring. It was a great mixed group with Illawarra, Sydney, RPM and Motorsport
club members in attendance, and, unusually, NCs winning the day.
With introductions, headcounts, and briefings completed, Vicki and Andy assembled the convoy and
our journey began. Under blue sky and sunshine, we were soon rolling past the turf farms on
Wilberforce Road before joining the Putty Road, and onwards to Bells Line of Road. A comfort stop
at Mount Tomah allowed our convoy to regroup. From there it was a short run into the back of
Lithgow, where we formed a colourful line in the Zig Zag Railway carpark.
Lunch and cold drinks were enjoyed in the shade, whist we awaited the arrival of our steam train.
There was much anticipation, as we had been assigned our own carriage, and felt like VIPs with our
personal guide for the trip. Elisabeth is one of the many enthusiastic volunteers who are responsible
for the recovery and return to operation of the Zig Zag Railway. She has also owned 5 Mazdas and
Maree graciously donated her cap as a thank you to Elisabeth and proclaimed her an honorary
member.
Our rail journey provided great opportunities to take in the views as we zigged and zagged through
tunnels and had the chance to walk around each stop as the locomotive shuffles from one end to the
other of the carriages for the trip up and down. The 3 sandstone viaducts were definitely a highlight
of the historic and nostalgic ride.
Leaving steam whistles and puffing engines behind, it was just a short drive to our accommodation
in Katoomba, allowing time to freshen up before our traditional 5ieves gathering. This proved a nice
way to ease into dinner at the Katoomba RSL. The lamb cutlets on the special’s menu were declared
a winner as we enjoyed a few refreshments, lots of conversation, and set the world to rights. As the
evening wore on, the Club’s shuttle bus driver, gently suggested it was home time.
Back at home base and decision time - to simply ease into the night with an extension of 5sies
activities, or head to the Katoomba Night Walk....... Joe generously offered to take on the role of
shuttle driver, which about half the group accepted. The Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk is a well-lit,
short and accessible walk that allows a unique, night-time viewing experience of outstanding natural
features such as Orphan Rock, Witches Leap, Katoomba Falls and Katoomba Cascades. These
features are floodlit for viewing from the night walk lookouts.
The return of the night walkers marked bedtime for all, with more adventures scheduled for our
Sunday.
After a well-earned rest in our quiet mountain abode, we regrouped for a morning stroll down to the
Echo Point Lookout and an unobstructed view of the 3 Sisters. We all agreed that it was a rare
privilege to enjoy the view free of fog and ahead of the arrival of the multitude of tourist buses.
From here it was a short walk back to the motel, for final packing and checking out. With a reduced
convoy confirmed for our final destination, it was here that we said our farewells to Joe and his
family. Having Joe’s parents, as part of our touring group, and having them share some of their life
story, was a true privilege.

Our final stop was at Sorensons Glasshouse in Leura. This is a lovely glasshouse café and garden,
tucked into the outskirts of Leura, away from the weekend crowds. Here we enjoyed a late morning
bite and chat, before exchanging goodbyes and heading homeward.
Thank you Vicki and Andy for planning and delivering such a varied and relaxed weekend, filled with
great people, conversations, laughter, zig zagging and zoom zooming.