Past events
2017: Centenary of completion of Trans-Australian Railway linking WA and the eastern states
2017 will be an important year for Pichi Richi Railway, Port Augusta and Quorn.
In 1912, work began on a new railway line between Port Augusta in South Australia and Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.
Stretching across 1693 kilometres of Australia’s driest and most isolated terrain, the Trans-Australian Railway was completed on 17 October 1917, providing a link between the eastern states and Western Australia and helping to give the newly formed Commonwealth a sense of national unity.
The Playtime Express
Kids Special - Sunday 2 October 2016
Join Mr Conductor and Sally Steam Train for a magical journey aboard the Playtime Express. The fun starts from 9:30am at Quorn station with free craft activities on the platform. At 10am, Sally will couple to the train ready for a 10:30am departure. Using a bit of magic, and a lot of steam power the train will arrive at Playtime Siding for a 45 minute stopover. Mr Conductor and the Station Master have plenty of fun games, stories, singing and dancing, as well as a free ice block for all the children! All too soon it will be time to head back to the real world, arriving back in Quorn at 1pm approx. Fares include a free ice block and an on board entertainment pack for all children. Refreshments available for purchase at Playtime Siding.
Heritage Weekend: The Coffee Pot Returns!
HERITAGE WEEKEND – Featuring the Coffee Pot and other unique treasures of the Pichi Richi Railway
23–24 April 2016, Quorn, Flinders Ranges, South Australia
In April the volunteers of the Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society will throw open the doors of its Quorn workshops, to share rarely-seen treasures from its extensive railway heritage collection. Be welcomed in the historic outback railway town of Quorn, at the heart of the stunning Flinders Ranges. Stay a night or two and enjoy the many historic pubs, cafés and other nearby attractions.
Kids' Special: a colourful springtime adventure!
From The Railway Children and Thomas the Tank Engine to Chuggington and beyond, steam trains have fascinated and delighted generations.
Like living machines, steam engines once snorted, puffed and chuffed all over South Australia and right into the heart of the outback. Today's kids can still experience a real outback railway on the iconic Pichi Richi Railway—restored and run by volunteers since 1973.
Free colouring-in book
Introduce the next generation to the wonder of steam railways on the Kids’ Special!
All kids travelling on the Kids’ Special receive a free Pichi Richi Railway colouring-in book.
Departs Quorn Railway Station 2.30pm Sunday 4 October
Father's Day: a ride to remember
This Father's Day, reignite warm memories by treating Dad to a ride to remember.
Whether it's a trip back in time to recall the steam trains of his youth, or a chance to relive and share his own childhood memories of riding the Pichi Richi Railway, dads of all ages will love a half-day adventure aboard the Pichi Richi Explorer.
All dads riding the train on 6 September will receive a complementary cup of tea or coffee and a cake at Woolshed Flat.
The Pichi Richi Explorer departs Quorn at 10.30am, Sunday 6 September, returning at 12.15pm.
Tracks to War: Anzac Day 2015 at Quorn
Remembering the Central Australia Railway's troop trains and their people
On Anzac Day join us as we commemorate the troop trains, their soldiers and the community who supported them.
Saturday 25 April 2015
- Discover original "troop train" carriage Car 5 on public display at Quorn station (FREE!)
- Enjoy an authentic "troop train" meal served by the Country Women's Association (bookings essential)
- Ride into the past aboard our $10 railcar shuttle to the Pichi Richi Workshop for a behind the scenes tour. Departs Quorn station at 12pm and 1pm.
For the first time in 70 years, the Pichi Richi Railway and the Country Women's Association (CWA) join together to commemorate soldiers' journeys to war.
Teddy Bears' Picnic: Sunday 5 October 2014
All aboard the Teddy Train!
Hop aboard the Teddy Train on a return trip from Quorn to Woolshed Flat, and bring along your favourite teddy for a picnic with our very own “Richie” the life-sized teddy bear!
Steam double header: October long weekend 2015
Two steam locomotives mean double the fun!
On Saturday 3 October 2015, two steam-hauled trains will meet in the heart of the Pichi Richi Pass in a spectacle that happens only twice each year: the June and October long weekends.
