Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Zig-Zag Railway Walk hiking trail are found in each of the tabs below
Zig-Zag Railway Walk
Time
Distance
Climb
Style
1 Hrs 30 mins
4.6 km
245 m
Return
6.6 km E of Lithgow
Wollemi National Park
Track: Moderate
With a steam train ride from the end of the walk back to the start its hard to criticise the Zig-Zag Railway Walk. Climbing to the ridges above the railway this track offers walkers the opportunity to watch the train as it puffs and hoots its way from Clarence Station to Bottom Points Station. And that's even before you have a chance to get on the train and rest all the way back to the start, or alternativley retrace your steps back.
Bushwalking can be fun and interesting when you are well prepared. Please ensure you and your group are well prepared and equipped for all possible dangers. The authors, staff and owners of wildwalks take care in preparing these notes but do not accept responsibility for any inconvenience, loss or injury sustained when using these notes. Please take care and feel free to provide feedback through our website. Please note that side trips and alternate routes mentioned in these notes are not included in the tracks overall rating, distance or time estimate. The notes also only describe the side trip and alternate routes in one direction.
Please note: This is a 'return' style walk and therefore these graphs only show the terrain for the first half of the walk (until the turn around point.)
Cross sectional view of the Zig-Zag Railway Walk bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Zig-Zag Railway Walk bushwalking track
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(0 km) Clarence Station Carpark to Int of Leap Junction and Railway Tracks Track: Moderate - Service Trail
Distance = 0.7 km
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 27 m
Descent = -4 m
From the carpark this track begins by heading across the railway tracks to the picnic tables and information signs saying 'Zig-Zag Railway' These are next to the railway station. From here the track turns and heads west behind the buildings and parallel to the old railway tracks. This continues until coming to an intersection off to the right with a servicetrail that goes away from the railway tracks.
(0.69 km) Int of Leap Junction and Railway Tracks to Leap Junction Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0.9 km
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 23 m
Descent = -68 m
From the intersection the track heads away from the railway track and follows the small markers along the track. Continuing past the fence off to the right the track soon changes to being a bushtrack and then winds slightly down the hill and back up the other side. Once on the opposite side the track follows the markers along the ridge until reaching a lookout signposted as the Leap Junction. Once on the ridge the surrounding environment is extremely barren and this provides some good views of the area including the railway to the north-west.
(1.55 km) Leap Junction to Bottom Points Railway Station Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0.7 km
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -119 m
From the lookout the track heads to the north-west and winds slightly down the hill along a faint bushtrack following the white markers. Gradually this steepens until reaching a large rock platform directly overlooking the railway station. From the rockshelf the track steepens even further and as such metal railings, steps and bridges have been constructed to help the descent. This continues until crossing a small bridge and passing a signpost saying 'Zig-Zag Walkway' and entering into the railway station on the south-eastern side.
(2.28 km) Bottom Points Railway Station to Clarence Station Alternative Exit: Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - railtrail ( Show detail)
Distance = 6 km
Time = 45 mins
Climb = 383 m
Descent = -246 m
From Bottom Points Railway Station it is possible to take the steam train back to Clarence Station. Steam services operate on: Weekends and Public Holidays, Wednesdays and NSW School Holidays - April 7-28, July 1-15, October 1-14, Dec 22 - near end Jan 2008.(except Christmas Day.) The trip takes approximately 40 minutes and run at 11:40 AM, 1:40 PM and, 3:40PM. More info
Hiking near Sydney 
1 km
