Riding the Pichi Richi Railway in Quorn South Australia

There is something special about travelling on an old steam train. The sound of the wheels on the tracks, the whistle blowing and the scenery slowly passing by make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

One of the best places to experience this in South Australia is the Pichi Richi Railway in Quorn, in the beautiful Flinders Ranges.

I’m not a train enthusiast. I couldn’t tell you much about locomotives or how they work, but I do enjoy a good train journey, particularly when there’s some lovely scenery along the way.

So when I had the opportunity to ride the Pichi Richi Explorer from Quorn to Woolshed Flat, I was keen to give it a go.

Here’s what our journey was like, along with everything you need to know if you’re thinking of riding the Pichi Richi Railway yourself.

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Pichi Richi Explorer at a Glance

Location	Quorn, Flinders Ranges, South Australia
Journey	Quorn to Woolshed Flat return
Distance	32 km return
Duration	2.5–3 hours
Adult ticket	$78 (2026)
Child ticket	$39 (ages 4+)
Best for	Families, history lovers and scenic train journeys
Toilets	At Quorn and Woolshed Flat stations; not on board the Explorer carriages we travelled in
Bookings	Official Pichi Richi Railway website

Where is the Pichi Richi Railway?

The Pichi Richi Railway is located in the southern Flinders Ranges, with trains departing from either Quorn or Port Augusta, depending on the service.

Quorn is a small historic town approximately 350 kilometres north of Adelaide, around a four-hour drive. It’s also about 40 kilometres from Port Augusta.

The town has an interesting railway history, and you might recognise some of its buildings from Australian movies, including Gallipoli and The Shiralee.

The easiest way to visit Quorn is by car, particularly if you want to explore more of the Flinders Ranges while you’re there.

Alternatively, the Afghan Express runs from Port Augusta to Quorn on selected dates, allowing you to experience the railway without driving all the way to Quorn.

A Little History of the Pichi Richi Railway

The original railway line through Pichi Richi Pass opened in 1879 and became an important part of Australia’s early railway network.

It was once used by trains travelling north towards Alice Springs, including the original Afghan Express, which eventually became known as The Ghan.

While today’s luxury Ghan train travels between Adelaide and Darwin on a different route, its history is closely connected to this little railway in the Flinders Ranges.

The Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society was established in 1973 to restore the historic railway, its locomotives and carriages.

Thanks largely to the work of volunteers, visitors can now experience what train travel was like more than a century ago.

Which Pichi Richi Railway Train Should You Choose?

There are several different train experiences available, so it’s worth checking which one suits your plans.

• Pichi Richi Explorer: A half-day return journey from Quorn to Woolshed Flat through Pichi Richi Pass. This is the trip we did.
• Afghan Express: A longer journey between Port Augusta and Quorn, using heritage locomotives and carriages associated with the original Ghan.
• Sundowner Explorer: An evening journey from Quorn to Woolshed Flat on selected dates, travelling through the Flinders Ranges as the sun goes down.
• Coffee Pot Heritage Rail Experience: A special journey aboard a unique historic steam railmotor, with refreshments included. It operates on only a handful of dates.
• Commissioner’s Train: A premium heritage experience travelling from Quorn to Tickle Belly Hill, with afternoon tea included.

Not all trains run every week, and some services use diesel rather than steam locomotives.

You can find departure dates, fares and booking options on the official Pichi Richi Railway website.

Arriving at Quorn Railway Station

I’d recommend arriving at Quorn Railway Station a little earlier than you need to.

We arrived about 45 minutes before departure, and I’m glad we did. There were already plenty of people waiting, but it gave us time to look around and enjoy the atmosphere.

The historic station is worth seeing in its own right, and it’s also home to the Flinders Ranges Visitor Information Centre.

One of the highlights was watching the steam locomotive emerge from the railway yards and get connected to the carriages about half an hour before departure.

Everyone gathered around taking photos, and it really added to the excitement before the journey.

Even if you’re not particularly interested in trains, it’s worth allowing a little extra time for this part of the experience.

Our Experience Riding the Pichi Richi Explorer

After watching the locomotive being connected to the carriages, everyone was keen to get on board.

I took a quick photo, then made a beeline for the first-class carriage. Seating was first come, first served on our trip, and I wasn’t going to miss out on those lovely cushioned seats!

The carriages were beautifully restored, with wooden interiors that really added to the experience.

Our train was almost full, with passengers from around Australia as well as visitors from Canada and England.

Once we were underway, a volunteer conductor told us about the railway, the history of the area and some of the landmarks we were passing.

It’s one of the things I love about experiences like this. You can learn a lot about a place simply by listening to someone who knows it well.

Travelling Through Pichi Richi Pass

The journey to Woolshed Flat took around 45 minutes, with the train slowly winding its way through the rugged Flinders Ranges scenery.

We passed Devil’s Peak, the appropriately named Summit and several dry creek beds along the way.

I sat on the right-hand side of the train travelling from Quorn to Woolshed Flat, and I was very happy with the views.

I loved sitting beside the open window, feeling the fresh air and watching the landscape pass by.

I can’t compare the views from both sides, but I certainly didn’t feel like I was missing out!

We were travelling during winter, and the weather was perfect. Clear blue skies, mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine.

Even better, there was wildlife everywhere.

We saw dozens, possibly even hundreds, of kangaroos and a handful of emus, some quite close to the train.

Having grown up in Australia, I’ve seen plenty of both, but I never get tired of spotting them in the wild.

What I enjoyed just as much was seeing how excited the international visitors were. It’s easy to forget how special our wildlife is when we’re used to seeing it.

Stopping at Woolshed Flat

After about 45 minutes we arrived at Woolshed Flat.

Now, don’t expect a bustling little town when you get there. There really isn’t much at Woolshed Flat, but that’s part of its charm.

There’s an old schoolhouse used for serving tea, coffee and snacks, along with toilets and picnic tables.

New, more accessible toilet facilities opened here in June 2026, which is particularly welcome given the lack of toilets on the Explorer carriages we travelled in.

It’s a lovely spot to stretch your legs, have something to eat and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

While we were there, the locomotive was moved to the other end of the train ready for our return journey.

Passengers also had the opportunity to get a closer look at the locomotive and speak to the driver.

This was particularly popular with the children, and the queue was quite long because it was school holidays.

I decided to give it a miss, but I thought it was a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about the train.

The Return Journey to Quorn

After our stop, we climbed back aboard for the journey to Quorn.

I spent much of the return trip looking out the window again. Even though we were travelling along the same tracks, I didn’t find it boring at all. There was always something different to see.

The landscape was quite dry when we visited, as the region was experiencing drought conditions. I’d love to do the same journey after good winter rains, when the countryside is greener.

Back in Quorn, we had another look around the train and visited the station shop for some souvenirs.

One thing I really liked was how relaxed the whole experience felt. The volunteers were friendly, happy to answer questions and gave us opportunities to see the historic train up close.

And no, I still don’t know much about the technical side of steam trains. But I do know I love the sound of them chugging along the tracks and the occasional blast of the whistle!

Practical Tips for Riding the Pichi Richi Railway

Before booking your train journey, here are a few things worth knowing.

How long does the Pichi Richi Railway journey take?

The Pichi Richi Explorer takes approximately 2.5–3 hours return from Quorn to Woolshed Flat, including the stop along the way.

The Afghan Express is a longer, full-day experience.

How much does the Pichi Richi Railway cost?

For 2026, adult return tickets on the Pichi Richi Explorer cost $78, with child tickets costing $39 for ages four and over. Children aged 15 and over pay adult fares.

Concession and family fares are also available.

Other experiences have different prices, so I recommend checking the latest Pichi Richi Railway ticket prices before visiting.

When do the trains operate?

The railway generally operates from March to November, with different services running on selected dates.

The Pichi Richi Explorer doesn’t operate every weekend, so check the timetable before planning your visit. The railway has also released its 2027 dates if you’re planning further ahead.

Do you need to book in advance?

I would recommend it, particularly during school holidays and on weekends.

Tickets may be available on the day, but there’s no guarantee.

Book directly through the Pichi Richi Railway website.

Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to collect your tickets and allow time for boarding.

Is the Pichi Richi Railway suitable for children?

Absolutely! I think this would be a great experience for children, especially those who love trains.

There’s plenty to keep them entertained, from watching the locomotive being connected at Quorn to spotting kangaroos and emus along the way.

On our visit, children also had the opportunity to get a closer look at the locomotive and speak to the driver during the stop at Woolshed Flat.

The Pichi Richi Explorer is probably the best choice for younger children, as it’s shorter than the full-day Afghan Express.

One important thing to know is that there were no toilets on board our Pichi Richi Explorer carriages.

Make sure everyone uses the toilets at Quorn Railway Station before departure. There are toilets at Woolshed Flat, where the train stops before returning to Quorn.

If you’re travelling with younger children, particularly those who are still learning to use the toilet, that’s definitely something to plan around.

Will my train be pulled by a steam locomotive?

Not necessarily.

The Pichi Richi Explorer is usually a steam-hauled experience, but some other railway services use heritage diesel locomotives or railcars.

Even a scheduled steam service can be changed to diesel because of fire danger, mechanical problems or other operational requirements.

If travelling behind a steam locomotive is particularly important to you, check the service details when booking.

What should you bring?

A hat, sunscreen, water and your camera are all good ideas.

I’d also recommend a warm layer during winter, particularly if you’re planning to sit beside an open window.

You can buy light refreshments at Woolshed Flat on the Explorer journey, or bring along some snacks of your own.

Is the Pichi Richi Railway accessible?

The historic carriages have narrow doorways and steep steps, so access can be difficult for people with limited mobility.

Wheelchair users may be accommodated if their wheelchair can be folded and they can be assisted up the carriage steps and into a seat.

If accessibility is a concern, contact the railway before booking to discuss your needs.

Where to Stay and Eat in Quorn

If you’re travelling all the way from Adelaide, I’d recommend making a weekend of it rather than rushing back after your train journey.

Quorn is a good base for exploring the southern Flinders Ranges, and there are several accommodation options in town.

Two worth considering are:

• The Mill – Conveniently located in the centre of Quorn, close to the railway station.
• Great Northern Lodge – Another centrally located option with motel-style accommodation.

For somewhere to eat, check out the local cafés or one of Quorn’s historic pubs.

The Quandong Café is worth looking into, particularly if you’d like to try a quandong pie.

It’s worth checking current opening hours, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend or public holiday.

More Things to Do Near Quorn

There is plenty more to see in the Flinders Ranges if you have time to extend your visit.

A few options include walking in Warren Gorge, exploring the old ruins at Kanyaka Homestead, or heading further north towards Wilpena Pound.

If you’re a keen walker, I’ve put together a guide to bushwalking in the Flinders Ranges with some of the trails we’ve enjoyed.

You could also visit the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden in Port Augusta on your way to or from Quorn.

For more ideas, have a look at my Flinders Ranges road trip experience or head over to Exploring South Australia – I have a whole pile of Flinders Ranges information over there.

Is the Pichi Richi Railway Worth It?

Absolutely!

You don’t need to be a railway enthusiast to enjoy this experience. I’m certainly not one, but I loved the scenery, the wildlife, the historic carriages and the chance to experience a little piece of South Australian history.

The volunteers do a wonderful job keeping the railway operating, and their enthusiasm adds to the experience.

It’s also something a little different to do in the Flinders Ranges, particularly if you’ve already spent plenty of time hiking and exploring the outback scenery.

I would happily do it again, perhaps trying the longer Afghan Express journey next time.

And if I ever happen to be in Quorn when the little Coffee Pot train is running, I might just have to book that one too!

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