Pichi Pichi Railway, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Airing Date: Jun 6th, 2005
Pichi Richi Railway is an operating museum, which runs regular heritage train journeys on the oldest remaining section of the famous old narrow-gauge Ghan railway. Pichi Richi Railway is located at Quorn, in South Australia's Flinders Ranges. Trains operate between Quorn and Port Augusta. The railway is operated, maintained and managed by its dedicated volunteer members.
The Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society has been operating historic steam trains from Quorn in the Flinders Ranges since 1974. The Society is dedicated to the preservation of the first leg of the original North-South Railway, the Port Augusta to Government Gums (now Farina) Railway through Pichi Richi between Quorn and Port Augusta.
Train lovers can travel on the Afghan Express from Port Augusta to Quorn return (78km) on genuine timber bodied carriages, including those from the 1930's Ghan. You can have a one-way journey from either Port Augusta or Quorn however no return is available if starting at Quorn. There are no refreshments on-board, however several outlets are within minutes walk of Quorn station. Services depart Port Augusta at 10:30am, and arrive at Quorn at 12:15pm. The return journey then departs Quorn at 2:45pm, arriving at Port Augusta at 4:30pm.
Other options on the railway line include the Pichi Richi Explorer, which operates from Quorn to Port Augusta and return on Crossover Days, as well as dinner train services, the Diesel Diner and Outback Dinner trains.
Quorn is the 'Gateway to the Flinders' and was once a busy railway town when the eastern, western and northern railway lines all met. There is a small selection of accommodation in the town, and you can get food from the four pubs, including the Austral Pub. Because of its beautiful surroundings and climate several films have been made in and around the town. The first, in 1949, was Bitter Springs followed by Kangaroo in 1951, Robbery Under Arms, The Sundowners and Sunday Too Far Away.
www.australianexplorer.com/quorn.htm.
Further Information:
The Afghan Express from Port Augusta to Quorn (6 hour return journey).
Return prices are:
Adults $48, Concession $42, Children $16, Family of four $112. One way fares are available.
The train runs every Saturday until the end of November 2005.
Pichi Richi Railways: Ph. 1800 440 101.
One Bedroom Apartments at Oasis apartments start from $130 a couple on weekends
Includes 2 nights and breakfast
Oasis apartments: Ph. (08) 8648 9000.
Prices correct at 06/06/05.
