Heritage railway operating since 1878

In 1878, construction commenced on the Port Augusta and Government Gums (now known as Farina, which is north of the Flinders Ranges) Railway. The line was extended to Oodnadatta in 1891 and further to Alice Springs (771 miles or 1241 km) in 1929, establishing an important rail link to Central Australia. The famous Ghan passenger train travelled this way from 1923 to 1956, and on the northern part of this route until 1980.

You can enjoy a full-day or half-day trip aboard a restored steam or heritage diesel train on the original Ghan route between Port Augusta and Quorn on the Pichi Richi Railway.

Watch gum-lined creeks, bluebush-studded hills and ancient rocky outcrops roll past at the relaxed pace of years gone by. All trains use historic steam or diesel locomotives or railcars or immaculately restored timber carriages some more than 130 years old.

Since 1973, volunteers of the Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society continue to proudly restore and run the railway.

We operate on selected dates from March to November each year. Check our timetable, then book online or phone 1800 PR RAIL (1800 77 7245). 

COVID-19 update September 2022

Pichi Richi Railway is no longer subject to any COVID-19 restrictions. We are continuing to see high demand for our train services. To avoid disappointment we recommend booking as early as possible. For tickets and availability please refer to our Bookings page.

Pichi Richi Railway wins Tourist Attraction category - 2021 SA Tourism Awards

Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society is delighted to be the winner of the Tourist Attraction category in the 2021 South Australian Tourism Awards. This authentic heritage tourist railway has been operated by our dedicated volunteers since 1974 on part of the original narrow-gauge Ghan railway.
These awards are supported by Toyota Australia and the Tourism Industry Council of South Australia.

Quorn takes top spot for Tiny Tourism Town award

Quorn is officially South Australia's best tiny town after taking out top honours in the SA Top Tourism Town Awards. The Transcontinental 19 May 2022

Mayor Greg Flint said it was a thrill to receive the award after Quorn put in so much effort as both a town and a community to lift its tourism profile. "As a town and community we have so much more on the horizon to achieve," he said.

Quorn will now represent the state at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards later in the year.

Pichi Richi Railway profiled from the air and the land

This video shows our train services and includes the MIC paymaster's car, our steam engines including the W934, NM25, Yx141, and railcar 106. Experience them when you visit the Pichi Richi Railway in Quorn, in the Flinders Ranges. Produced by Channel Seven.