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 between 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, one of the Flinders Ranges' top attractions.

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).

RailFest 2024

Our RailFest is planned and updates will be posted on this page, so please check back for the latest information.

Saturday 27th  and Sunday 28th July  – we will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Society's first train running.

• Saturday, 10:00am - Pichi RichI Explorer train departs from Quorn for Woolshed Flat. On arrival, the train will meet the incoming Afghan Express from Port Augusta, and the trains will unite and return as a double-header to Quorn.
• Saturday, 10:30am - Travel from Port Augusta to Quorn on the Afghan Express train. This train will meet the Pichi RichI Explorer train which is coming from Quorn and the trains will unite and travel as a double-header to Quorn.
• Sunday, from 9:30am - Mainline shuttles will run from Quorn to Dog Crossing.
  • At 1 o'clock we will run a shuttle to the Summit Level Crossing reenacting the Society's first train in July 1974.   
  • Other shuttles will run from Quorn Railway Station to our A.G. Williams Memorial Locomotive Workshop and Carriage Restoration Workshop for our behind-the-scenes tours.
• Sunday, other activities will include:
  • Into The Pass - PRRPS book launch
  • steam locomotive light-up (early Sunday morning
  • historic road vehicles
  • traction engine display
    

Read more …

2023 SA Tourism Awards News

We are delighted to announce that Pichi Richi Railway received the Silver Award in the Tourist Attraction category at the 2023 South Australian Tourism Awards.  

100th Anniversary of the naming of the Ghan

Media release