pichi richi railway

The Pichi Richi Railway, Quorn Railway Station, AG Williams Memorial railway workshops and associated museum shows the history of pioneers of the region. The railway was used during Australia's wartime effort in moving troops from southern Australia to Darwin demonstrating how important the railways were in criss-crossing the Australian landscape from north to south and east to west. The railway still runs and its worth taking a ride.

The Pichi Richi Railway in Quorn is an outstanding experience for young and old. Quorn Railway was historically at the head of the railway from Adelaide, providing the only access into the Far North, and was later extended through the outback centre of Australia. The train engines and carriages evoke the era of pioneers, dusty cameleers, and country folk travelling from shearing to christmas dinners. The Railway workshops show the effort of volunteers from around Australia working together over decades, and the spirit of steam lives on to inspire us. Even if you are not a train buff, strolling about Quorn on a Saturday or Sunday morning, hearing the steam gushing from the engines and the whistle of the departing trains, add an exciting ambience to this beautiful town. You can spend half an hour at the station waving goodbye as it leaves (for extra fun, dress up in period costume! Or go steampunk!!!) The best way to enjoy being on the trains are by going for a picnic using the train for transport, hop off and on at Woolshed flat while the train choofs off to Port Augusta, and you can explore the Saltia creek and historic Sheds as you munch your lunch. Best season is winter and spring, when its a bit chilly and the train gets a steam up!!! Make sure you chat to the volunteers, get them in a photo and acknowledge their amazing efforts to keep this unique train experience going - people often don't realize they come from all around Australia to participate in keeping the engines going.

This is a fabulous heritage railway. Running only on Saturday evenings in November we were happy that our plans allowed us to travel on this line. Heritage diesel only at this time of year due to the danger of fire from steam but it was still very atmospheric. We booked tickets at the visitor centre in port Augusta and that worked very well. The fine station building also houses a small display on the railway and a very small shop with souvenirs. This is a really attractive line and the journey to woodshed flat was interesting. The train stops at woodshed flat and it was a missed opportunity not to have refreshments available there. However there are a limited range of drinks available for purchase on the train. Good photo opportunity. Journey back at twilight was good for kangaroo spotting. Well worth a detour if you are in the area but do check the timetable before making a special journey.

Nothing to dislike about this part of the world. Peaceful and quiet, plenty of photo opportunities, dependant on your own imaginations and tastes.

our stay at quorn caravan park by it self was worth the trip very clean and enviromentally fabulous the pitchi ritchi train trip a worth while journey back in time on the old steamer

Well worth the trip.Great job by volunteers.Local knowledge excellent.Good to sit back & let someone else do the driving whilst admiring the countryside.

If you don't love steam trains stop reading...I have been wanting to go on this trip for a while. When my brother's family came up to visit, we took his son on the Pichi Richi and had a ball. The authentic historical steam engine pulled along equally authentic carriages. The train wound through a gap in the ranges, crisscrossing the main road between Port Augusta and Quorn. The mountains on both sides of the track provide beautiful cliffs, pines and gum trees. You might even be lucky enough to spot a kangaroo or emu along the way. The train stops after about an hour for refreshments at a canteen at the older railway station. While you are enjoying a welcome drink and something to eat (pies, pasties and sandwiches mainly) you can watch the men turn the engine around for the return trip back to Quorn.Although the fee for the ride is not especially expensive, for a two hour ride it is also not cheap. If you factor in lunch and travel, it could be a pricey day out, but one well worth it for locals and visitors alike.

An excellent day out and an opportunity to meet some lovely people determined to enjoy themselves. A chance to relive the days of the narrow guage Ghan with vintage wooden carriages, steam, and occasionally, diesel locomotives, many of which used to work the line. The day trip from Port Augusta allows about 2 hours to explore Quorn.

Beautiful scenery, relaxing travel with interesting people from interstate. volunteers very friendly and knowledgeable.

a trip on the pichi pichi train brings back memories of the mid 1900's train travel with the sound from the wheels and sight of the ranges should encourage people to travel on this train to support the volunteers to provide a train trip for visitors to enjoy

The tourist brochures make much of this railway. that's why I elected to stay overnight in Quorn. Alas, you have to be there on the right day so don't hold your breath if you are simply touring South Australia and land in Quorn on the off-change. Sorry, calendar says 'No".

We took the return journey from Quorn. Everything ran smoothly and to time. It's great to be able to take a proper steam train ride. The volunteers do an excellent job, and the section from Quorn to the flat is scenic and interesting. A break for a snack or a drink and then back to Quorn. Their website for booking works well too.

Winter has to be the best time - I have now travelled on this train through three seasons now and the novelty never wears off! Wending its way through gorge and over stream, this is one of the world's best preserved railway lines in my opinion.

Travelling through the beautifull flinders in winter when the countrys so grean and the streams are running is a gem

Hi Jeff K, great to hear you enjoyed your ride on what we agree is certainly an SA icon!Quorn has lots of options for dining, but some are hidden...so in case you missed them, I'm going to let you in on some secrets.A hearty counter meal at one of the Pubs right across from the Station is always a great option, but walk a bit further and you'll also find a choice of three cafes on First Street (runs parallel to Railway Tce where the Station sits). Emily's Bistro is housed in the original 'Fosters Emporium" and retains all of the original fittings of this antique general store. Part bistro, part treasure trove and all quality country hospitality. Traditional roast lunches on Sundays may require advance booking, such is their popularity.Quorn Cafe in the heritage 'Argadell's' building serves up innovative food with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients. Gluten free, lactose free and vegans catered for. At Quandong Cafe you can try and buy delicacies crafted from the native Quandong. Thank you for taking the time to review our volunteer run railway, and hope to see you again :)Meg