Pichi Richi Railway

Pichi Richi Railway
Two of Pichi Richi Railway's preserved locomotives (NM25 and W916) with a special-event train at Quorn station
Overview
StatusWorking heritage railway
Owner1879–1911: South Australian Railways
1911–1926: Commonwealth Railways (operated by SAR)
1926–1973: Commonwealth Railways
1973–present: Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society
LocaleFlinders Ranges, South Australia
Termini
StationsWoolshed Flat and Stirling North
Websitewww.pichirichirailway.org.au
Service
TypeHeritage railway
SystemSection of the former Central Australia Railway
Rolling stockLocomotives and carriages of:
South Australian Railways
Commonwealth Railways
Western Australian Government Railways
Silverton Tramway
History
Opened1879
Closed1957
Reopened1974 as heritage railway
Technical
Line length39 kilometres (24 mi)
Track gauge1067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Highest elevationQuorn: 293 m (961 ft)
Summit: 406 m (1332 ft)
Port Augusta: 14 m (46 ft)
Route map

Pichi Richi Railway (narrow gauge)
km
39.8
Quorn
Quorn Pichi Richi Depot
32.4
Summit siding
23.6
Woolshed Flat
18.2
Saltia siding
Northern Power Station
0.0
Port Augusta
Pichi Richi Depot

Pichi Richi Railway is a 39 kilometres (24 miles) narrow-gauge heritage railway in the southern Flinders Ranges of South Australia between Quorn and Port Augusta. For much of its length the line lies in the picturesque Pichi Richi Pass, where the line was completed in 1879 as work proceeded north to build a railway to the "Red Centre" of Australia – the Central Australia Railway.

The Commonwealth Railways ran trains through the pass until 1970, when it ceased services. There were proposals to demolish the line including the bridges and dry stone walls, but the Quorn Progress Association recognised their heritage value and significance. Lobbying by local and distant supporters reached Mr. Keith Smith, Commissioner of the Commonwealth Railways.

On 22 July 1973, the not-for-profit Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society Inc. was incorporated, initially to ensure conservation of the 1878 dry stone walls and the bridges in the Pichi Richi Pass. It became evident that the prospect of operating heritage trains was possible and after undertaking restoration of deteriorated sections of the line, the Society operated its first trains to Summit, just 12 months later.

Following further track repairs, trains were able to travel to Pichi Richi, and later to Woolshed Flat. After relaying, the line was restored to Stirling North – at that time the western terminus of the line.

A newly built extension to Port Augusta was opened in 2001.

The Society continues to be completely managed and staffed by its volunteer members and operates its own restored steam and diesel hauled trains on a variety of services between March and November each year.[1]: 8–9, 51–56, 60  [2]: 13  [3]

  1. ^ Babbage, Jack; Barrington, Rodney (1984). The history of the Pichi Richi railway (2nd ed.). Quorn, South Australia: Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society Inc. ISBN 0959850961.
  2. ^ Anchen, Nick (2019). Outback railwaymen: life on the Commonwealth Railways. Melbourne: Sierra Publishing. ISBN 9780992538880.
  3. ^ "Pichi Richi Railway". Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society. 2022. Archived from the original on 25 June 2022. Retrieved 29 June 2022.