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TOFS TRIP 876
Friday 20 March 2026
Zig Zag Railway
(Organised by TOFS WW Sub-group)
TOFS [22]: JP (27), Terry O’H (147), Phil G (154), Peter M (155), Dennis W (177), Rex M (179), Graham L (185), Kenn W (243), Rob O (250), Chris R (251), Peter M (288), Peter O (348), Allan S (349), John O (357), Lyle W (386), Rob E (431), Kingsley G (439), Ron B (446), Bobby T (448), Ash B (458), David C (467), Peter L (479).
Well, that was a trip that was.
But before we climb aboard, let’s look at some phases in the life of the Zig Zag Railway.
Original construction
The linking of Sydney to the western plains of NSW by rail, vital for the transport of passengers, produce and coal, faced a major hurdle just outside of Lithgow.
The rail line had to descend the steep western side of the Blue Mountains, a vertical drop of 550 feet (or about 170 metres). The gradient was such that no train could ever have negotiated it.
Our old mate, Chief Engineer John Whitton, about whom we hear so much when all the good and remarkable features of the railway networks in NSW and Victoria are discussed, came to the party again. He designed and supervised the construction of three separate tracks or “roads” which enabled trains to forward/reverse/forward their way up/down between Clarendon and the valley below.
Construction began in 1863, and included three immense sandstone viaducts and four deep rock cuttings over about 7 kms, and two reversing points. Sections of the track still imposed an onerous 1 in 42 gradient.
All of this was accomplished by pick, shovel, black powder and hand barrows.
Operating years
The Great Lithgow Zig Zag opened on 18 October 1869.
The limitations of a single track, increasing volumes of rail traffic due to the growth and spread of the population, the inability of the revering points to accommodate longer trains, and of course the step gradients, led to calls from as early as 1885 for an alternative to the Zig Zag.
Construction of the Ten Tunnel Deviation finally began on 1 June 1908, and it was opened on 16 October 1910. The gradient had been reduced to 1 in 90.
The Zig Zag Railway was thus bypassed and it was closed, the complete area surrounding it being declared a reserve.
Restoration and tourism
In the early 1970’s, a group of volunteers formed the Zig Zag Railway Co-op, and began to relay the track and to acquire locomotives and rolling stock.
The original gauge of the Zig Zag Railway was the standard NSW gauge of 4 feet 81/2 inches. At the time, the Commissioner of Railways would only make NSW heritage locomotives and rolling stock available to the officially sponsored NSW Rail Transport Museum.
So the Co-op opted to relay the track in narrow gauge 3 feet 6 inches which would enable them to source locomotives and carriages from Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania which explains the make-up of the Co-ops fleet.
In 1975, the first tourists were carried between Top Points and Bottom Points.
With the assistance of a Bicentenary Grant, the line was extended to Clarence in 1988 and passenger services ran over the full length of the railway.
Due to the increasing complexity of regulations including safety requirements of running a railway, and rising costs, the Zig Zag Railway was forced to close in 2012.
Significant bushfires in 2013 and 2019 and a flood devastated the railway and the site generally.
Once again the Co-op and its volunteers worked very hard to reinstate the railway which reopened on 27 May 2013.
TOFS endeavours
It was about that time that the Zig Zag Railway was added to the TOFS WW ‘To Do’ List’, but several attempts to get the Trip moving failed.
In early 2025 (or was it earlier?), Ron O’H (231) passed on some Contact Details which were pursued, but it wasn’t until February 2026 that a string of OFS emails were acknowledged. Indeed acknowledged with the news that 20 March 2026 was the last date for which we could book a Mainline Connection trip on the Zig Zag Railway, as after Easter this year, that option will no longer be offered.
And of course, we need a Mainline Connection to utilise our $2.50 entitlement (How good is that Opal Card?).
And so, the “final 20 tickets” were booked, and claimed by our members, leaving 4 members on a Wait List. “You can’t leave them behind” tormented me, and so an extra 4 “ final” standing-room only tickets were negotiated.
A couple of late withdrawals (sadly, for a funeral which no one can just ignore, and for an operation (you wait and wait for medical stuff, so grab it while you can), and another non-convincing late withdrawal by a somewhat regular miscreant as far as bookings go.
A couple of late replacements, and Bingo! A party of 23.
No, no, hold on. Ron O/H (231), who provided the impetus for pursuing our Trip, was failed by his diary. As our train headed west from Blacktown, Ron was located at Port Stephens. Oops, Ron.
Make that 22.
And in the end we did not need the standing -room only tickets. We all got a seat.
Then came:
• The Zig Zag train was late arriving at Bottom Points (our contact had intimated several days before that there might be a delay. How did she know that?)
• The Zig Zag locomotive was not a steam engine as anticipated by all, but a bloody diesel! The situation was accepted in good spirit by all TOFS except the Tour Leader, who I believe is still peed off.
• The late running became very late running, and there was no chance of us catching the scheduled 1.31 p.m. train back to the City.
2.31 p.m. it had to be. There are some hours in life that you just cannot get back.
• And so to home.
• At the end of the day, an unfortunate precedent that should be avoided in future at all cost. Apart from Ash B (458) who travelled further west to renew acquaintances, the whole of our party travelled home together and alcohol-free. Sorry lads.
Awards
Two members received Bravery Awards and Brownie Points on the day:
Ron B (446) knew very well that 20 March 2026 was his 55th wedding anniversary when he was offered a ticket, but did not hesitate to book. Brave man.
Rob E (431) received accolades galore for his caretaking role on our return journey. Thanks again, Rob.
Rex M (179)
TOFS TRIP 875
Tuesday 17th Mar 2026
St Patrick’s Day Lunch
(Organised by TOFS SS)
TOFS (23): JP (27), James Mc (118), Terry W (137), Lloyd S (138), Terry O (147), Phil G (154), Peter M (155), Jim Mc (209), Ron O (231), Ray N (235), Kenn W (243), Stuart P (264), Bill H (278), Keith R (283), Paul E (380), Lyle W (386), Bill R (389), Don N (400), Bobby T (448), Robert L (455), David C (467), Les H (469), Ken C (474).
For the past 4 years we have enjoyed our St. Pat’s Day Luncheon and this year’s was no exception. Many enjoyed the Guinness pie, washed down with that black liquid with a white collar. There were much fun and laughter as stories were told and of course green was the colour of the day!
Looking for someone to organise for next year and maintain this great tradition.
Jim Mc (209)
TOFS TRIP 874
THURSDAY 12TH MARCH 2026
WOODFORD ACADEMY, BLUE MOUNTAINS
(ORGANISED BY TOFS NM)
TOFS (13): JP (27), Terry O (147), Graham L (185), Charles H (203), Ron O (231), Stuart P (264), David M (271), Paul E (380), Bill R (389), Ron B (446), Bobby T (448), David C (467), Peter L (479)
A few call-offs reduced our number to 13, and we assembled at Woodford Station and a 20-minute walk up the highway to Woodford Academy.
There we were welcomed by our guides for the day, Yvonne and Kerrie. We split into two small groups and went on our separate ways on a tour of the house.
Woodford House has been many things since it was built in the 1830’s. It was built as an inn, but over the years became a private residence, a guest house, and a private school before being bequeathed to the National Trust in 1979.
It is State Heritage listed and claims to be the oldest complex of colonial buildings in the Blue Mountains.
A little bit of history of Woodford, previously Twenty Mile Hollow, being twenty miles from the Nepean River crossing. Woodford currently has a population of about 2,000
We learned a lot of interesting facts about the various owners going back to 1839.
Thomas Pembroke, innkeeper, who built the inn.
Michael Hogan who renamed the inn The King’s Arms Hotel.
William Buss, another ex-convict, he ran the inn during the boom years of the Gold Rush, which brought about much more trade from those travelling west.
Alfred Fairfax renamed the building Woodford House.
John McManamey in 1907 established the Woodford Academy School for boys of all ages. When the school closed the McManamey family continued to live there.
The tour of the house was extensive, and we saw lots of interesting features, fireplaces, oven, sinks, books and furniture.
The old classroom was of great interest.
We heard a story of a still-life painting circa 1640, discovered in the house and now on show in the NSW Art Gallery. This Dutch Master painting was housed in Woodford Academy for 150 years, and was thought to have been acquired by Alfred Fairfax, who refurbished the house as a country retreat.
For many years the National Trust has contributed to conservation of the buildings and to stabilise and halt deterioration. Currently the Academy runs many events: Artists in Residence, History Talks, and they also have an Aboriginal Meeting Room.
It was a very worthwhile visit, and a pleasure to listen to our two very enthusiastic volunteer guides.
One of the staff took our group photograph before we departed for the Royal Hotel at Springwood for lunch and a chance to catch up on TOFS activities.
David M (271)
TOFS TRIP 873
TUESDAY 10TH MARCH 2026
ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL & CRYPT TOUR
(ORGANISED BY CC-TOFS)
TOFS (19): Graham L (185), Peter B (32), Paul E (380), Ron O’H (231), Geoff R (305), John P (27), James Mc C (118), Andrew M (16), Ron C (470), Paul T (233), Frank C (375), Gino V (481), Anthony T (420), Terry O’H (147), David W (434), Peter M (480), Bill K (232), Jason F (464), Rob E (431).
After arriving at the Cathedral, it was my pleasure to welcome and present hats to 2 new members Peter M & Gino V to the TOFS Family.
We met up with our guide Frank Gothard who gave us a background talk on the Church in the early Colony with its mix of English and Irish convicts. Because it was an English colony the only religion allowed to be practiced was Church of England and All convicts had to attend Sunday Church and if they did not attend would be punished by whipping.
The first priest Archpriest John Therry arrived in 1820 and was eventually able to conduct one Mass a month at Sydney, Parramatta and the Hawkesbury. Catholics who travel outside their area to attend mass were punished. He founded the first St Mary’s which was burnt down and died in 1864.
The second was FR Daniel Power and he was here for about 6 months and ran into problems and was sent back.
The 3rd was Archdeacon John Mc Encroe in 1832 and was Pastor of St Patrick’s Church Hill and died in 1868.
The Cathedral took close to 100 years to be totally completed. The first stage from 1866 to 1900 and the second Stage between 1912 and 1928, however the final stage the Southern spires were only completed in 1999-2000.
The crypt was supposed to be built around 1928, however was delayed by the depression another attempt in the late thirties was planned, however WW11 delayed it and it was completed in 1946. All the first Priests and Bishops were exhumed, transported and re-buried in the Crypt. With a special chapel for the 3 original Priests Therry, Power and Mc Encroe.
After quite a long Tour including 40 steps down and back from the Crypt, we went to the Great Southern Bar to recover over a few drinks..
Peter B JP 32
11th March 2026.
TOFS Trip 872
Thursday 5 March 2026
HORNBY LIGHTHOUSE, SOUTH HEAD
(Organised by TOFS KO)
TOFS (24): JP (27), Michael F (108), Phil G (154), Graham L (185), Jim M (209), Ron O (231), Chris R (251), Stuart P (264), Geoff R (305), Ted A (306), Phil B (345), Peter O (348), Allan S (349), Gregg B (365), Paul E (380), Lyle W (386), Bob S (444), Bobby T (448), Ashwin B (458), David C (467), Les H (469), Ron C (470), Frank W (475), Peter L (479).
Visitor (1): John V (V).
On a cheery autumn day, the group set out from Circular Quay on the crowded Watsons Bay ferry. Our destination was the mysterious candy-cane striped building on South Head, so often seen from afar but not so easy to get to. It bears the awkward name of Hornby, so readily confused with the well-known landlocked suburb and interchange of Hornsby. Surely our tour organiser had committed a typo?
After discreetly passing the nude beach, we came upon a large cannon. Fortifications at the South Head of Sydney Harbour were completed in 1854 but weren't armed with guns until later. This 9-inch cannon was one of six brought to New South Wales from the Royal Gun Factory in England in 1872.
The traversing carriage is placed backwards. National Parks and Wildlife moved it and got it wrong. The Navy actually wanted it back but by that time it was on NPWS land, and they would not give it back.
THE LIGHT
The need for a lighthouse at the entrance to Port Jackson was made abundantly evident by the loss in the 1850’s of two ships, the Dunbar and the Catherine Adamson.
The first signal station was operated close to the present site in 1790, serving as a landmark for ships to communicate their arrival to the settlement. A committee of the Light, Pilot and Navigation Board took evidence in September 1857 and recommended the construction of a 9-metre lighthouse on the inner South Head, showing a fixed white light.
The tower construction ended in 1858, and it was the third lighthouse built in New South Wales, following Macquarie Lighthouse in 1818 and Nobbys Head Light earlier in 1858.
It was opened by Sir William Denison, Governor of New South Wales, and named after the family of his wife Caroline, daughter of Admiral Sir Phipps Hornby - a Royal Navy officer who served in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
Phipps served on frigates throughout most of his wartime experience which included witnessing the Nore Mutiny first hand aged 12 in 1797. Like so many Nore Mutiny survivors, he marked the event with an anchor tattoo upon his chest.
In common usage the Hornby Lighthouse was known as the "Lower Light", to distinguish it from Macquarie Lighthouse, the "Upper Light". The original apparatus was a first order catoptric lens, and the light source was a kerosene lamp. In 1904 the light was upgraded to incandescent gas. In 1933 the light was electrified, and the lighthouse was automated and demanned.
In 1948 a catadioptric lens was installed, and the light characteristic was changed to a rhythmic light.
Catoptric = relating to a mirror, a reflector or reflection.
Catadioptric = denoting an optical system which involves both the reflecting and refracting of light to reduce aberration.
Following the automation of the lighthouse in 1933, while the lighthouse remained active the cottages fell into disuse. With World War II the shoreline fell under control of the Army, and remained so until 1977, housing serving married personnel. Following classification by the National Trust in 1975, the army transferred the station to the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, which restored the cottages and installed caretakers. The lighthouse is still active today.
HOTEL ROSE BAY
Upon our arrival our tables were smartly set out with cold bottles of water and menus. One of the nicest destinations in the Eastern Suburbs, the Hotel Rose Bay, built in 1929, is a landmark Art Deco pub in Sydney's affluent Rose Bay, known for its history as a community staple, featuring a distinctive curved timber bar and large windows.
MUSIC
Listen to the maritime theme of Willie Wright "Nantucket Island" (2011). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH7P_Nd_mF0
Graham L (185)
TOFS Trip 870
Wednesday 25th February 2026
Beautiful Bombo
(organised by TOFS WW)
TOFS (18): JP (27), Graham L (185), Paul C (207), Ron O (231), Stuart P (264), Keith R (283), Peter O (348), Allan S (349), John O (357), Gregg B (365), Paul E (380), Lyle W (386), David W (434), Kingsley G (439), David F (441), Bobby T (448), Jason F (464), David C (467).
Several green-hatted gents gathered at Central station where we were met by our intrepid leader, Rex M to embark on the 2-hour plus journey to Bombo. Unfortunately, Rex could not venture down the coast with us and had to pass on the leadership for the day due to unforeseen circumstances. More TOFS joined the train at Sutherland, and then it was the usual chatter until we arrived at ‘Beautiful Bombo’. After a quick explanation we headed off towards the Bombo headland and the site of a now disused basalt quarry. Time was against us due to the train timetable, but we were able to have a bit of a look around the area. The remaining columns of basalt can still be seen, although not as clear or dramatic as in other places such as the ‘Giants Causeway’ in Ireland.
After basalt was located around the Bombo headland, a new quarry was opened there in 1880. Basalt was abundant and was easy to access as there was little or no overburden with other materials. The process for cutting cubes of basalt was developed at the Bombo quarry. The miners worked of teams of 3, with 1 man holding the large chisel, and the other 2 taking it in turns to strike the head. The chisel was then rotated a quarter turn after each strike. (Sounds like an awful lot of hard work). The resulting hole was then filled with ‘black powder’ as gelignite had not yet been invented. When blown, the cliff face of basalt would collapse.
The quarry operated on and off until finally closing in 1954. In about 1970 it became owned by the Water Board. A water treatment plant was discreetly built in 1984 in such a way that it cannot be seen unless you are right up against the fence, in keeping with the Permanent Conservation Order imposed on the headland.
After our quick look around, we returned to the station for the train to Kiama, just 1 station down the line. But when some members checked to see where the train was, it was discovered to be running 30 minutes late, so ‘Plan B’ came into effect and we caught the bus which dropped us off directly opposite the Kiama Leagues Club, our lunch destination. Due to travelling time, it was not possible to have our usual leisurely (long) lunch with time to solve the world’s problems, although I’m sure it was attempted by some. We then took a quick walk to Kiama station for the return trip.
It was a very long day, but a worthwhile one. Thanks, Rex, for your usual level of organisation and research. It’s a shame you could not join us.
Stuart P (264)
TOFS TRIP 866
Thursday 12th February 2026
Collingwood House and Liverpool Museum
(Organised by TOFS NM)
TOFS (12): JP (27), Phil G (154), Graham L (185), Ron O (231), David M (271), Phil B (345), Paul E (380), Bobby T (448), Jason F (464), Ron C (470), Frank W (475), Peter L (479).
After a couple of late call offs, 12 TOFs assembled at Liverpool Station for a visit to Collingwood House and Liverpool Regional Museum.
A short bus ride and we were dropped off at the door. We were met by Anne Doran, our guide for the tour, and she did an excellent job, very informative and entertaining talk.
A few of our group had visited Collingwood in 2022, but for most it was a first-time visit.
Collingwood House was convict built in 1811, and is a mix of Colonial, Georgian and Victorian architecture, having been renovated in 1857, and restored in 1975.
We saw 6 rooms in all, 2 of them upstairs. The house still has the original floorboards, however the walls have some serious cracks, which are being carefully monitored.
There were lots of pieces of furniture, some reproduction, and an original wooden chest form 1672.
The kitchen is in a separate building, set apart from the house for safety reasons, fire risk especially.
The first owner was Captain Bunker, an American whaler, who was given land grants by Governors’ King and Macquarie. Bunker died in 1836. He had sailed with the Third Fleet.
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Various owners and renters over the years were George Blackett, then Thomas Holt, who introduced llamas and alpacas to the area.
Mr. Atkinson followed and built a railway siding and abattoir.
In 1860 James Gillespie built a paper-mill there.
Mr Samuel, then the Ashcroft family lived there until the property was taken over by Liverpool Golf Club, 1930-1960s.
In 1970 most of the land was sold off for housing. Collingwood House is now run by Liverpool Council.
We had a break for morning tea, kindly supplied by Museum staff, before venturing into the Museum for a look at their “Fit for the Purpose” exhibition, the story of building Liverpool, a vision of Macquarie beyond penal colony days.
Liverpool became an inland port using the Georges River and transporting wheat, wool and timber from the area.
It was an interesting exhibition, lots of paintings and items from past times to reminisce on.
We thanked Anne for her tour, Bobby took the group photograph outside Collingwood, and we made our way back to Club Liverpool for a hearty lunch.
The weather had changed considerably by the time we left, from a pleasant morning to a cool windy afternoon.
Another enjoyable and interesting TOFS trip.
David M (271)
TOFS TRIP 860
Thursday 18th Dec 2025
TOFS Annual Christmas Party for 2025
(Organised by TOFS HQ)
TOFS (64): JP (27), Peter B (32), Ken H (48), Dennis S (60), Daryl H (65), Clynt S (69), David E (94), Michael F (108), Phil K (123), Jim W (129), Lloyd S (138), Terry O’H (147), Jeff J (153), Phil G (154), Peter M (155), Dennis W (177), Rex M (179), Terry R (184), Graham L (185), Jim McD (209), James B (214), Richard Mc D (219), Ron O’H (231), Bill K (232), Ray N (235), Kenn W (243), Stuart P (264), Keith R (283), Peter MacK (288), Colin C (291), Jim B (293), Richard B (296), Chris H (298), Roly B (325), Denis R (332), Phil B (345), Peter O (348), Allan S (349), Gary H (366), Jeffrey H (373), Steve McK (374), Paul E (380), Lyle W (386), Bill R (389), Graeme L (392), Don N (400), Rob E (431), Chris G (432), Kingsley G (439), Robert B (440), David F (441), Bob S (444), Ron B (446), Bobby T (448), Sean H (452), Bob L (455), John R (463), David C (467), Les H (469), Ron C (470), Alastair L (471), Ken C (474), Frank W (475), John L (477).
Apologies: Bruce K (68), Bill K (237).
The Juniors Kingsford
Our day officially opened at 11:00 am, with some members arriving as early as 9:30 am. Julie and her team at the Juniors had prepared the room beautifully, setting tables for six and eight guests and decorating them with Christmas-themed adornments. Apologies were received from a couple of members, and a total of 64 attended — many dressed in festive Christmas shirts and accessories, which was wonderful to see.
Our President, Stuart P (264), welcomed everyone and acknowledged our attending Life Members: Peter B (32), Graham L (185), Rex M (179), and Terry O’H (147). A special presentation was made to member 209, Jim McD, for attending more than 300 TOFS trips — well done, Jim (Badger). Stuart then ran the True or False competition, with 349 Allan S emerging as the last person standing, followed by Paul E (380) conducting the first 25 Trivia questions.
A lovely Christmas lunch was served, finishing with alternating Pavlova or Christmas pudding, and one member even claimed to have found a thruppence in his pudding. Jeff J and Terry O’H awarded the Best Attired Member prize — a bottle of wine — to 348 Peter O, with thanks to Terry for providing such a beautiful bottle. Paul E then completed the Trivia competition, with excellent questions that sparked lively discussion at the tables. The teams led by Graham L (185) and Stuart P (264) finished as equal winners.
Four Lucky Door prizes were drawn, each worth a $30 gift voucher, with winners 477 John L, 448 Bobby T, 469 Les H, and 283 Keith R. Jeff closed the day by thanking everyone for attending and wishing all a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy 2026. He also thanked 293 Jim Brown for organising a great day. Jim is stepping down as HQ Tour Organiser after four years, so we are now seeking a new TO for HQ to organise the two trips associated with the Christmas lunch and our AGM. Please consider helping.
Jeff J (153 – HQLO)
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