Lithgow's liquid gold: Zig Zag Brewery

In the shadow of the famous Zig-Zag Railway at Lithgow, lies one of the purest freshwater aquifers in the Australia with rainwater filtered through ancient sandstone. In 1885 it became the site of Lithgow's first brewery.

by Roderick Eime on location in Lithgow

Adrian Schindler with relics of the old brewery. The site was called Terry's in the mid-20th Century. (R Eime)

At the turn of the 19th Century, the Zig Zag Brewery was established to satisfy the substantial thirsts of miners and prospectors around the vast and scenic valleys surrounding the historic inland city of Lithgow.

The original Zig Zag Brwery c.1890. Many of the original buildings remain. 

Also supplying water to the soft drink trade, the business declined and was bought by the Schindler family in 1981 with the objective of revitalising the beverage business as well as provide boutique accommodation in a most unusual surrounding.

The new Zig Zag brewery line-up at the Workies. (R Eime)

Such is the demand for Adrian's quality ales and lagers, that new equipment has been installed to cater for the demand. One of the local establishments where you can sample Adrian's drop is the Lithgow Workmen's Club (aka 'workies') where the bottles are on hand at the new $6.5 million renovated club, first established in 1887 and one of the brewery's original customers.  A perfect accompaniment to a gourmet meal at the new Esk Restaurant.

Brand new, custom built brewing equipment installed at Zig Zag Brewery, Lithgow.

Alternatively you can visit the cellar door, built into one of the heritage-listed buildings being preserved on the site at Brewery Lane. The site is shared with Lithgow Valley Springs.

For details on Zig Zag ales and lagers, click the images below