ONE of Sydney’s little-known railway mysteries is soon to become a talking point in Thornleigh with the recent release of Zig Zag Away: Thornleigh’s Little Railway With A Big Story by local author Tim Sowden, published by the Hornsby Shire Historical Society. 

You may have heard of the two famous Zig Zag railways in the Blue Mountains, but little is known about the smaller railway tucked away in the heart of the bush in Sydney’s north, which the historical society hopes to change with their recent publication.

Thornleigh’s Zig Zag railway, spanning over 1.2km, was in operation from 1883 to 1892 and played a key role in connecting people and places in the late 19th century. Described by former railway chief, Howard Collins OBE, as “a hidden gem of a Sydney railway story” and an “engineering marvel”, the Thornleigh Zig Zag Railway was a short-lived line that played a crucial role in the construction of the historic Great Northern Railway in NSW, linking Sydney and Newcastle, and later the North Shore Line.

The 24-page book published by the Hornsby Shire Historical Society, is the first written publication written specifically about the Thornleigh Zig Zag, featuring rare photos including photos of the locomotive that used the line, a self-guided walking tour, exclusive research and insights from railway experts and local historians. 

Author and local resident Tim Sowden said that, “like riding on a zig zag, the four-year research process often meant going backwards to go forwards, although there were many revelations.”

“Anyone interested in our local area, railways, or just discovering what might be hidden under our streets, is invited to explore this story of the ‘other’ zig zag, which will help to promote and better understand our suburb and city,” Mr. Sowden said.

Additionally, with the Thornleigh train station upgrade soon to wrap up, Thornleigh will soon unveil a special landscaping design and plaque detailing the history behind the old quarry line, made possible by the research and advocacy of the project.

Respected railway historian Peter Neve OAM is one of the eminent voices quoted in Zig Zag Away, along with the Australian Railway Historical Society, Federal Member for Berowra Julian Leeser MP, and Engineers Australia.

“Zig Zag railways were rare in NSW and while the two on the Blue Mountains are well known, most Thornleigh locals would not be aware that there used to be a zig zag there,” Mr. Neve wrote, in a letter that helped persuade the Government to include the historic design at Thornleigh station.

“As the quarry was at a much lower level than the main line, the only way a temporary siding could gain access to the site was by means of a zig zag. It was essential during the construction of the first stage of the Great Northern Railway from Strathfield to Hawkesbury River for the supply of crushed rock for track ballast,” Mr. Neve wrote.

In his foreword to Zig Zag Away, Mr. Leeser said, “little remains of the quarry and the zig zag, but the story helps us inform the present.

“This publication is a reminder of an earlier generation and their times, all of which were foundational to the wonderful community we share today.”

Mr. Sowden’s book, published by the Hornsby Shire Historical Society, Zig Zag Away: Thornleigh’s Little Railway With A Big Story is available now. 

To discover more about this piece of local history and purchase the book, visit www.thornleighzigzag.com.au.