Locomotive #218 at Bottom Points Station.  Photo by Noel Rowsell

Lithgow’s Zig Zag Railway will celebrate its 155th anniversary this month, with a special event on Saturday 19th October designed to bring the whole community together, followed by a Halloween Ghost Ride on 26th October.

With heritage bus and carnival rides, local artisan markets, entertainment for the whole family and ‘taster’ rides behind not only a 81-year-old steam locomotive but also the impeccably restored diesel locomotive, the day is one not to be missed.

Zig Zag Railway Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Zolfel said the event on 19th October is an opportunity to celebrate the return of the railway to passenger services, the history of steam and the engineering marvel that is the Great Lithgow Zig Zag.

“Our 155th anniversary celebration has something for everyone, from market stalls and carnival rides to historic steam displays and entertainment by local schools and bands; it will provide the perfect day out for visitors and locals alike,” Mr Zolfel said.

“We’re also bringing back the popular taster-rides from last year’s grand reopening celebration to allow as many people as possible to ride on the day.

“We’re conscious that parking will be at a premium, so visitors are encouraged to grab a free shuttle bus from Lithgow or Mt Victoria on the day.”

The celebrations will continue the following week with a special Ghost train on Saturday, 26 October as part of the iconic Lithgow Halloween celebrations.

Zig Zag Railway Chairman, Don Pearson said the railway was excited to finally take part in this key community celebration.

“Lithgow Halloween has become a key date on the local calendar, and we’re delighted to be able to finally take part,” Mr Pearson said.

“We’re encouraging everyone to book early for this one, get your costumes ready and come along ready for a spooky ride through the dark tunnels and down into the valley below.

“We hope all of our visitors will then head into Lithgow for their annual celebrations.”

Zig Zag Café will be operating both days.

Tickets for the taster and carnival rides on the 155th Anniversary celebration, as well as the Halloween ghost train, can be purchased on our website. Further details on these special events, and others coming up, are available at zigzagrailway.com.au/experience/