As we drive north beyond the Barossa and Clare Valleys the landscape becomes more arid and the mountains, while not giants, become rugged and more formidable. Port Augusta is a small city that was once a seaport but is now a junction for road traffic and railway travel and feels like the gateway to the Outback. Today its claim to fame is being the home of the Pichi Richi Railway.
In 1878 construction commenced on a railway line to establish service between Port Augusta and central Australia. The famous Afghan Express (now known as the Ghan) passenger train traveled this route. A modern version (with some very luxurious train cars) still runs from Adelaide to Darwin.
Hahndorf to Port Augusta through the Barossa and Clare ValleysThe north end of the Clare Valley along R.M. Williams Road.The Southern Flinders, looking toward Mount Remarkable National Park. Is it a coincidence that the Remarkable Rocks we saw on KI share the name?An iconic symbol of the Australian Outback, the windmill serves to identify a watering point that is crucial to the survival of man, stock and wildlife in these parts.This bronzed sculpture is a tribute to the late Joy Baluch, mayor of Port Augusta for 29 years until her death in 2013. She led the effort to ban drinking in public places and establish a night-time curfew on citizens to reduce violence. Now we have night-time curfews to reduce Covid spread!The Wadlata Outback Centre pays tribute to the camel, theships of the desert.The Pichi Richi Railway offers an opportunity to travel the last remaining operating portion of the original Ghan Railway along the restored narrow gauge line. A volunteer Preservation Society oversees the entire operation. Pre-boarding entertainment is provided by a lively group of local musicians. Despite the slow tempo they added to the anticipation of our train journey.
The engineerOur conductor, Caleb, was a wealth of stories and knowledge on the region and the Pichi Richi. The non-smoking message would be a 21st-century addition.The train chugs along at an average of 15 kph.
Elevation 1332 metres (4370 ft)The locomotive and train of cars ready for the return journey from Quorn.We hunted down this historic Pichi Richi station stop sign by car just to take this pic.The turn-around point for the train is the hamlet of Quorn, with two main streets and a railway station.
2 thoughts on “The Southern Flinders Ranges: Pichi Richi Railway”
Wonderful. Love your travel blog and sense of adventure.
Easy Sunday on the US West coast. Husband watching golf and me watching Australia. I so enjoy your presentation and incredible pictures of a magnificent country. And with all the current restrictions, you are so lucky to be able to roam around like a pair of wild birds.
2 thoughts on “The Southern Flinders Ranges: Pichi Richi Railway”
Wonderful. Love your travel blog and sense of adventure.
Easy Sunday on the US West coast. Husband watching golf and me watching Australia. I so enjoy your presentation and incredible pictures of a magnificent country. And with all the current restrictions, you are so lucky to be able to roam around like a pair of wild birds.