Pichi Richi Railway

14/05/2026

History lovers — this is one event worth adding to your calendar during the South Australia's History Festival.

Step back in time and discover the incredible story of James Martin — the man often referred to as “The Father of Gawler” — whose vision helped transform South Australia’s first country town into a centre of engineering, innovation, and railway history.

From blacksmithing and bullock drays to steam locomotives and industry, this fascinating guided walking tour explores the life, legacy, and remarkable impact James Martin had on Gawler and South Australia.

Did you know one of the beautifully restored locomotives operating today with the Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society — Yx141 — was built by the famous James Martin & Co Engineering Works in Gawler? Lovingly restored by our wonderful volunteers, it continues running on the historic Pichi Richi Railway line today.

Pichi Richi Railway also has SAR locomotive T186, built by James Martin at Gawler in 1909. T186 has operated on Pichi Richi Railway for many years and is currently under overhaul at Quorn so we can keep it running again long into the future.

Along the tour you’ll:
✨ Explore historic Gawler landmarks linked to James Martin
✨ Learn how steam power transformed South Australia
✨ Discover the story of the Phoenix Foundry and locomotive building
✨ Visit the James Martin Room and statue
✨ Hear fascinating local stories, triumphs, leadership, innovation — and even a little local gossip!

And while you’re exploring, take a moment to also check out our latest YouTube video featuring Yx141 in action as it travels through the stunning Flinders Ranges - thanks to volunteer photographer Chris Walters. https://youtu.be/QYvcHTPPxkg

📍 Tour begins at the Gawler Civic Centre 89–91 Murray Street, Gawler (Main Street)
🕤 9:30am
Tour dates: Friday 15/5/2026 & 28/5/2026

🎟️ Bookings are required online at Town of Gawler & South Australia's History Festival

If you love railways, South Australian history, engineering, or discovering the stories behind the towns we know today — this relaxed walking tour sounds like a fantastic experience.

The Bunyip Newspaper

12/05/2026

Behind the Scenes on the Line | Volunteer Power in Action

On Sunday 13 April, this dedicated work train rolled out with a clear purpose — to support the newly reconstructed culvert at Curve 82.

With diesel engine NSU52 leading the way, volunteers assembled a full consist including ballast hoppers, the newly renovated ballast plough, water gin and car 207. The journey took them to Stirling North to collect ballast, before heading into Port Augusta to run around the train and reposition for the return journey.

From there, it was back towards Quorn — stopping at Curve 82 where the real work began. Ballast was carefully dropped and spread along the track using the plough, strengthening this vital section of line.

💙 The photos say it all… blue skies, stunning views from the carriage, and a team of committed volunteers working together to keep this historic railway running strong.

It truly takes many hands on deck, and we are so grateful for every single one of them.

👏 Thank you to our incredible volunteers — your passion and dedication keeps history alive.

📸 With thanks to Bronwyn for capturing these moments.

🚂 Want to be part of the story?
When you travel with us, you’re not just enjoying a journey through the stunning Flinders Ranges — your patronage directly supports the volunteers, maintenance, and behind-the-scenes work that keeps this heritage railway alive.

👉 Book your journey today and experience it for yourself: [insert link]
👉 Check upcoming run dates and secure your seat

Every ticket helps keep the wheels

Photo Credit: Bronwyn Ingram

09/05/2026

Happy Mother’s Day from Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society

Today we say a special thank you to all the wonderful women within our volunteer community — mums, grandmothers, wives, partners, girlfriends, nieces, aunties, sisters, cousins and friends — who help make Pichi Richi Railway so special.

And to those who helped shape our journey and are no longer with us, we remember you with gratitude and love today.

To all the mums, grandmothers and families travelling with us today aboard our Explorer Train from Quorn to Woolshed Flat — may your day be filled with special memories, laughter and moments to treasure. Thank you for sharing part of your Mother’s Day with us

07/05/2026

Well… this is one way to start the journey… backwards! 😉🚂

But don’t let that fool you — this is something truly special.

Captured beautifully by volunteer Wayne Lloyd, who joined us in November 2025 👏, this moment shows our first Coffee Pot run for 2026 preparing to depart… easing out of the depot, crossing into the station yard, and getting ready to welcome its very lucky passengers.

And listen closely… that whistle! 💛
Small, charming, and completely unforgettable — just like the train itself.

This is our Coffee Pot — an Edwardian-era steam railcar, now more than 120 years old, and the last operating example of its type anywhere in the world.

Lovingly restored and maintained by the dedicated volunteers of Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society, this is an intimate heritage experience carrying just 22–24 guests — where every journey feels personal, relaxed and truly memorable.I've uploaded the video into the dropbox with some captions on it that I'll put with the story. I've put some very soft music behind it because there was another high pitched noise in the background so I've tried to cover that a bit - hope you like it - the music is slow so feel it doesn't take away from the sounds etc I could have chosen something more upbeat but think this one is calming - any thoughts from you greatly appreciated.

"From the moment you step onboard, you’re welcomed with a drink and canapés before settling in for a beautifully curated journey through the stunning Flinders Ranges.
Think slow travel, rich storytelling, and a delicious three-course lunch shared in good company — all while soaking in the scenery from this remarkable piece of living history.

It’s not just a train ride… it’s an experience you savour.

And yes — completely SOLD OUT for 2026.

✨ Want to know more about this little beauty?
Take a deeper dive into her story on our website and explore the History page.

✨ Keen to travel on her next year?
To join the waitlist, simply contact the Flinders Ranges Visitor Information Centre — once 2027 dates are released, those registered will be among the first to know.

📸 And even if you miss out this year, it’s still worth a visit to Quorn — bring your camera and capture this rare beauty in action as she travels between Quorn and Woolshed Flat. A true photographer’s moment.

A huge thank you to Wayne for capturing this moment so perfectly and sharing it with us 🙌

Sometimes the best journeys begin… just a little differently. 🚂 "

Photo Credit & video credit: Wayne Lloyd

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/B5Oqqf7nCqM

05/05/2026

Welcoming Our New Corporate Sponsors

We’re proud to welcome Flinders Ranges Motel - The Mill as a Corporate Sponsor of Pichi Richi Railway

Paul & Kylie purchased this iconic Quorn establishment in August 2022 and have been steadily enhancing the rooms and facilities ever since. With a thoughtful 10-year vision ahead—including future plans for swimming pools and saunas—they are creating a space where guests can truly relax and connect.

An exciting new outdoor entertainment area is also nearing completion, giving visitors even more opportunity to enjoy their stay and the beautiful surrounds

The history of “The Mill” is just as remarkable. Built in 1879 as a flour mill, trains once pulled right up to the side doors where wheat and flour were loaded from the upper loft—onto the very line we still run on today. Imagine the anticipation back then, with communities relying on those trains for essential supplies…

Paul shared why supporting Pichi Richi Railway matters:
“The Pichi Richi train is one of the most iconic things for Quorn. 60–70% of our guests come here for the train—they love it. The stories it creates, the experience of places like Dutchmans Stern… people are excited before they even arrive.”

We sincerely thank Paul & Kylie for their support of our volunteers and railway into the future—it is truly appreciated

If you would like to become a Corporate Sponsor of Pichi Richi Railway, please reach out via our website and/or message this page and we will connect you. Every contribution helps keep us on the line for future generations.

03/05/2026

Meet Ethan… one of our incredible volunteers at Pichi Richi Railway.

Ethan first joined as a member at just 11 years old… and didn’t wait long to get involved — volunteering during the school holidays straight away.

His inspiration?
A love for the Flinders Ranges… family trips every year… and passing through Quorn where the trains were always part of the journey in July.

After taking a ride on the train with his dad, Ethan discovered he could volunteer — and that was it…
“the rest is history.”

While his parents weren’t initially “train people,” they supported his passion — driving him to Quorn for shifts (something he still appreciates today).

His very first role?
Car Captain — and he embraced it with enthusiasm.

Fast forward to today…

At 23 years old (12 years of volunteering!), Ethan is now a qualified Guard, works as a trainee fireman and helps with track work and in the locomotive workshops.

👉 Inspired by Ethan’s story?

There are so many ways to get involved — from on-train roles to workshops, events and behind-the-scenes support.

✨ Whether your interest is:
• On-train roles like Guard or Car Captain
• Track work or locomotive workshops
• Marketing and administration
• Carpentry and joinery

There’s a place for you.

👉 Want to volunteer like Ethan?

Connect with us and be part of keeping this incredible railway journey alive.

01/05/2026

🚂 Tomorrow it begins…

The Afghan Express returns for its first run of 2026.

Port Augusta to Quorn — and the ranges are beautifully green.

👉 Book online today for tomorrow’s run

👉 Or check upcoming dates and secure your seats

All aboard.

30/04/2026

Part 2 - Culvert C81/82 - From 1878 to Today

A piece of railway history rebuilt…

The original culvert (built in 1878) was:
• A 5-foot span arch
• Made from hand-mixed lime concrete using local materials
• Around one foot thick

Inspections from 1982–2023 showed significant deterioration, with over 200mm of concrete loss.

After careful consideration of heritage and safety, it was replaced with precast concrete box culverts, fitted within the original abutments.

What it took:
• Track removed in 30ft panels
• 3m of backfill excavated
• Arch demolished, abutments retained
• Precast units installed and sealed
• Backfilled, compacted, and widened embankment
• Track reinstated with ballast, sleepers, fishplates & bolts

Despite challenging access and tight work windows between trains, the team has made outstanding progress

Thank you to our volunteers – past &

Book your journey today with Pichi Richi Railway — every ticket helps restore and preserve this living history for generations to come.

Photo Credit: Richard Atkinson

28/04/2026

On the Ground

Big progress at C81/82 culvert...

Ballast is now going in, with John Hall, Liam Bury and Richard Atkinson working on site

This project has taken 10 days so far, with our incredible volunteers doing what they do best to keep this heritage railway experience alive.

Today’s works included:
• Installing stainless steel dowels into the crown units
• Backfilling and compacting
• Building dry stone retaining walls
• Watering from the bogie tanker

Recent rains have helped bring the soil to near-perfect moisture for compaction

A fantastic team effort.

Thank you to our volunteers – past & present

Book your journey today with Pichi Richi Railway — every ticket helps restore and preserve this living history for generations to come.

(follow this page for the next part of this story this week)


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26/04/2026

🎥 Why do our volunteers love what they do? 🚂💛

We recently captured a wonderful interview with Jeanette, one of our dedicated volunteers, sharing why she gives her time to Pichi Richi Railway.

From her love of photography, to the incredible camaraderie, Jeanette paints such a beautiful picture of life on the railway.

📸 She talks about those magical cold mornings when the locomotive is covered in steam… and it just lingers in the air — a photographer’s dream.

🌄 And of course, the Flinders Ranges… with some of the most stunning landscapes you could hope to capture through a lens.

Make sure you listen right through to the end — Jeanette shares something truly special 💛

🎬 Watch the full interview https://youtu.be/4Vc0zIt8AcI

✨ Inspired by Jeanette?
If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, why not reach out via this page or visit our website and head to “How You Can Help” — we’d love to have you on board our volunteer team.

💛What makes volunteering at Pichi Richi Railway so special?

24/04/2026

ANZAC Day | 25 April 2026

Along the old Ghan line, the tracks we travel today have carried many journeys.

During times of war, these tracks played a vital role — carrying troops, supplies, and quiet farewells… and for some, the long journey home.

They have witnessed moments of uncertainty, courage, and sacrifice — stories that are part of our shared history.

Today, we pause to remember those who served, and those who never returned.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

Lest we forget.