Central to Zig Zag and return
Sat 1 & Sun 2 August 2026
Experience the atmosphere and romance of classic rail travel as legendary steam locomotive 3801 returns to the Blue Mountains for a memorable journey through some of New South Wales’ most spectacular scenery.
Spend time exploring the mountain township of Katoomba, or alight at Zig Zag for a visit to the iconic Zig Zag Railway.
Seats are limited for this exclusive steam-hauled experience.

On your journey, spend time exploring the mountain township of Katoomba, or alight at Zig Zag Station for a visit to the iconic Zig Zag Railway.
Option 1: Katoomba
Disembark the train in Katoomba, an enchanting town nestled in the heart of the Blue Mountains.
In this charming village, relish in the rich history that permeates this locale, treat yourself at one of the local restaurants or cafes, or board the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus (at your own cost) to explore the breathtaking viewpoints, waterfalls, and tourist attractions further out from the town.
For more information on the activities awaiting you in Katoomba, visit the Visit NSW Katoomba page.
Option 2: Zig Zag
Disembark at Zig Zag and immerse yourself in an all-inclusive experience of the Zig Zag Railway.
The Zig Zag Railway is one of Australia's most iconic heritage railways, with its origins dating back to the 1860s as part of the original Blue Mountains Line. Traverse from the bottom points, along the zigzag, and take in the scenic vistas from the iconic sandstone viaducts before reaching Clarence.
For more information about the Zig Zag Railway, visit their official website.
BBQ lunch will be available for purchase at Clarence. Alternatively, we recommend packing your own water and snacks for an on-the-go experience.
ONBOARD THE TRAIN
Step aboard a beautifully restored former NSW Government Railways carriage and experience the golden age of rail travel in your choice of the following classes. Light snacks and refreshments are available from the onboard buffet car as you take in the passing scenery.
Event details
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About
A Legend of Steam
Locomotive 3801 and its classmates introduced a new era in train travel in New South Wales when they entered service from 1943.
With the 4-6-2 or ‘Pacific’ wheel arrangement, the 38 class were faster and more powerful than their predecessors, and were able to haul more carriages while reducing travel times on express services.
The 38 class were a particularly successful and reliable design. They were popular with railway management, with their drivers and with their firemen, whose work with the shovel was amply rewarded.
The first five were built by Clyde Engineering to a semi-streamlined design. The 25 post-war locomotives in the class, built by the NSWGR at Eveleigh and Cardiff workshops between 1945 and 1949, dispensed with streamlining.
The 38 class engines averaged more than 135,000 km per annum in the early 1950s when they were used exclusively on express services; they were mainly withdrawn and replaced by diesels in the late 1960s.






