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). 

Michael Portillo's Great Australian Railway Journeys to feature Pichi Richi Railway

In this 6-part series of Great Australian Railway Journeys, Michael Portillo, the renowned train enthusiast visited Quorn and travelled on the Pichi Richi Railway, The Ghan and the Indian Pacific. 

The first episode of Great Australian Railway Journeys screens on SBS Australia at 7:30 PM on February 4th, 2020 and Michael Portillo, armed with his 1913 -  Bradshaw’s Handbook to the Through Routes to the Chief Cities of the World, begins the series on the Pichi Richi heritage railway – the only remaining portion of the ‘Old Ghan’ line which is still operating.  If you are unable to watch this episode when it goes to air, watch later on SBS On Demand. 

Pichi Richi Railway a finalist in 2019 South Australian Tourism Awards

Pichi Richi Railway was a finalist in the 2019 South Australian Tourism Awards, and this was a huge achievement for our tireless and dedicated volunteers, supporters and passengers who for 45 years have kept us steaming through the Flinders Ranges. 

Passing of Tim Fischer AC, Patron of Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society

Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society Inc. (PRRPS) gratefully acknowledges the immense contribution of its Patron, the Hon Tim Fischer AC, to the Pichi Richi Railway, railway history and heritage, the rail transport industry and the Australian community.

Tim Fischer was a strong advocate for the Pichi Richi Railway, and a great champion of rail and of rural Australia.

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