Thomas Zig Zag

Reporter: Lea Wilson

 

Toot! Toot! Friends of Thomas are stoking their engines and rolling along the Zig Zag Railway. Lea jumps aboard for a fun filled journey to the world of Thomas.

 

The Zig Zag Railway

 

Zig Zag Railway, Clarence Station is 150km west of Sydney in the Blue Mountains, 10km East of Lithgow on Bells Line of Rd. The Zig Zag Railway was built between 1866 and 1869 and was a major engineering feat of its time. 

 

 

 

The Zig Zag consists of a series of sloping tracks forming the letter “Z” with reversing stations at Top and Bottom Points. The track passes over three sandstone viaducts and through two tunnels. And there are great views over the surrounding countryside.

 

The Zig Zag Railway is run by volunteers and runs every day of the year except Christmas Day. New members who want to help out with the running of the railway are welcome to join up.

Friends of Thomas Experience

Every couple of months, the Zig Zag Railway fires up it’s rolling stock and is pulled along by Friends of Thomas. At the moment, Thomas is in the Engine Shed with sore wheels waiting to be fixed so the train is being pulled at one end by James & at the other by Douglas.

 

As part of the experience you get to ride the Zig Zag Railway to the bottom where you get off the train and are greeted by the Fat Controller – Sir Topham Hatt (dressed head to toe in his usual garb of black tails, grey pants, yellow vest and a black top hat) as well as the Conductor (dressed in a black bowler hat, black vest and black pants).

 

From there Sir Topham Hatt guides the kids – big and small – to the Engine Room to see Thomas as well as take part in an hour of activities including a merry-go-round, jumping castle, Thomas shop, mini Thomas train ride with Annie & Clarabel (Thomas’s carriages), face painting, bubble making, colouring Thomas stuff and little pedal trains.

 

 There’s also a kiosk with hot coffee, pies and the like available at the bottom station.

 

After the kids are exhausted, it’s time to jump back on the train for a 30min ride back up to the top.

 

 

More Information Zig Zag Railway Clarence Station Bells Line of Road, Clarence Telephone: 1300 ZIG ZAG (1300 944 924) It’s running during the school holidays as follows: Friday 12th October: 10:30am, 12:50pm, 2:00pm Saturday 13th October: 9:20am, 10:30am, 11:40am, 12:50pm, 2:00pm Sunday 14th October: 9:20am, 10:30am, 11:40am, 12:50pm, 2:00pm Cost is $35 for adults and $25 for the kids. Bookings are essential. Check the website for future dates. www.zigzagrailway.com.au

 

 Prices correct as at 22/09/07