Past events
50th anniversary of PRRPS – July 2023
One of Australia’s most loved heritage railways celebrated its 50th Anniversary in July 2023.
The Society’s volunteers completely operate the entire organisation and are totally committed to conservation, restoration, maintenance and running the authentic heritage Pichi Richi Railway.
On July 22, 1973, at a public meeting in Port Augusta’s Cooinda Hall, Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society was established with the objectives of preserving the historic dry-stone walls and the railway bridges along the original 1800’s railway, which includes a section of the original Ghan line. One year later the Society, based in Quorn SA, was running heritage trains along the old narrow-gauge line, using original steam locomotives and rolling stock.
RailFest 2024
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Society's first train running
Prices:
On Saturday - train rides vary depending on the train you ride and if you are an Adult, Concession or Child.
On Sunday - Locomotive Workshop Tours and Shuttle services ($10 per head), and Devonshire Teas ($12.50 per head).
** Everything else at RailFest is free of charge**
The first Afghan Express for the 2021 season arriving in Quorn - 3 April 2021
Video courtesy of Ian Heymink.
August 10, 2019 - Member's Special Train
KEEP THE DATE FREE
Members are invited to travel on the Member's train on 10 August departing Quorn at 15:30 and returning Quorn 23:30. More information to follow.
September 2019 - Railfan Weekend
John and Jeremy are hosting their 2019 Railfan Weekend on the Pichi Richi Railway. Featuring Yx141 and NM25 there will also be a diesel hauled mixed train, multiple photo stops including night shots. Cost $440 and limited to 50 passengers. Secure your spot with a deposit of $200. Email
Special trains mark last SAR railway passenger services to Quorn, 50 years ago
On March 10, 2019 Pichi Richi Railway marked the end of rail passenger services to Quorn
Pichi Richi Railway captured an unsung event 50 years later, when on March 10 it ran two special trains to mark the end of South Australian Railways’ rail passenger services to Quorn.
Far back in late January 1969, SAR train driver, Len Brewster, entered a stifling hot Quorn station yard, completing the railcar’s 95 mile journey from Terowie – for the very last time.
Driver Brewster turned off the motor of his railcar, grabbed his kit-bag and climbed down from the cab, and so ended SAR’s rail passenger services to this small Flinders Ranges town.
Yx141 returns to service
Sunday 2 June 2019 - diary date
After 10 years of rebuilding and almost 2 years of testing, Yx141 will make its public debut and will be turned over to the Locomotive Department of Pichi Richi Railway.
Following the launch, Yx141 will make a return trip from Quorn to Woolshed Flat at 10:30am, followed by shorter Quorn to Summit shuttle trips from 2pm onwards. A limited number of tickets for the 10.30 am service are available for sale on-line and through the FRVIC. Shuttle service tickets will be available for $10.00 per person (children under 4 are free) on site on the day.
Centenary of opening of the Trans-Australian Railway
Pichi Pichi Railway ran a special train on Sunday 22 October 2017, to coincide with and mark the centenary of opening of the Trans-Australian Railway from Port Augusta to Kalgoorlie. At 9.32pm on Monday, October 22, 1917, the first passenger train set off from Port Augusta for Kalgoorlie. Once the line was open, it was possible to travel by rail from Sydney to Perth, via Quorn.
Our special train was steam-hauled by W22. The train departed Quorn at 8:30am, travelled to Port Augusta and returned at 5:00pm. The consist was all SAR cars – the closest we could get to the 1917 train which ran from Adelaide via Quorn to Port Augusta. Two Port Augusta to Stirling North return Shuttle Services were powered by NM25 and Yx141 was also present and in steam making its first public appearance after restoration.