Rydal

Rydal is a small railway town of 163 (2021) west of Lithgow in the Blue Mountains region of New South Wales.

Rydal is one of the few towns in Australia still centred on its railway, even after the country was bulldozed for the car. 🌍 Rydal railway station reflects the town's modest size. The station is on the Main West railway line, served by NSW Trainlink's Blue Mountains Line (Opal) and Dubbo XPT (booked), albeit the services being woefully infrequent.

While the Blue Mountains Line gets frequent service east of Lithgow, the line west of it is still non-electrified and thus only served by diesel trains. The demand tends to be rather low. There are four westbound trains towards Bathurst, two eastbound towards Sydney and two eastbound towards Lithgow.

On the Dubbo XPT, which tends to be slightly more expensive, you can get off at Rydal, but it is a request stop – you much request to stop here or else the train will not stop here.

If arriving by road, the Old Western Rd connects Rydal to the Great Western Hwy just west of Lithgow.

• 🌍 Rydal Agricultural and Horticultural Show, Rydal Showgrounds. First weekend of February, on the Saturday. As one of the two main events in the town, this show contains several equestrian events and displays of local produce, art, photography and cooking. It is known as the "Biggest Little Show in The West". (updated Apr 2024)
• Daffodils at Rydal. Held on the second weekend and third weekend of September. A garden festival centered on Rydal's main street, gardens and parks, and open gardens in the nearby area, which raises funds for charities. During this time, there are thousands of daffodils planted throughout the district. (updated Apr 2024)

• 🌍 Hotel Alexander (Rydal Pub), 26 Bathurst St, ☏ +61 2 6355 6388, info@rydal.pub. W–Su 8AM–2PM; F Sa 6–8PM. Small town hotel plus pub. (updated Apr 2024)