News articles and media releases
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The Quorn Stockyard Arena Association and Pichi Richi Railway ran the first Breaker Morant Trail Ride on Saturday 22 April 2000. Horses were loaded into restored cattle wagons which were added to the Afghan Express. Riders travelled by steam train to Stirling North, and then participated in a two-day trail ride back to Quorn, stopping overnight at Woolshed Flat.
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Pichi Richi Railway's Afghan Express, introduced in 2000, enables passengers to travel from Quorn to Stirling North by rail for the first time in over 40 years. The journey takes passengers through the whole of the Pichi Richi Pass—including the most spectacular parts not previously experienced on other Pichi Richi Railway services.
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_crop.jpg "The opening ceremony at Stirling North (Photo: Bryan Homann)")
Pichi Richi Railway's track extension to Stirling North was officially opened by the Hon Tim Fischer MP, former Deputy Prime Minister, on 24 October 1999. A special double-headed train from Quorn carried approximately 400 passengers and guests.
The restoration of 16 km of track from Woolshed Flat to Stirling North, three narrow-gauge original Ghan carriages, and the overhaul of steam locomotive W934 were undertaken as part of Stage 1 of Pichi Richi Railway's Development Project. The project was assisted by a $1.35 million Commonwealth Government grant, in the Rail Reform Transition Program.
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This article by Jeremy Browne was originally published in the Spring 1981 edition of Pichi Richi Patter.
Behind our party lay the rotting track from Marree. Callana – Wangianna – Wangianna Bank – WANGIANNA BANK!!! Here the vocal Marree locals had predicted the attempt would founder, and it nearly did. Alberrie Creek – Boopeechie – Lake Eyre. Head wind all the way and a good 40°C by lunchtime. Not enough pre-event training, too much playing up on the train from Port Augusta and too many eggs for breakfast had all contributed to a weary first day, the 101 km being covered at an average of a bare 12.8 km/hour. A superb five course meal by Graham 'Le Chef' Bowes including vintage claret had eased the pain somewhat but with a frighteningly long way to go the team was far from confident that first night.
Just why were these pioneers camped at Curdimurka? Had desert madness taken its deadly grip?