The Pichi Richi Railway began running in 1878 as Port Augusta and Government Gums Railway. Quorn was the cross-roads when travelling north to south, or east to west across Australia. During the WWII almost 200,000 Australian troops travelled north through Quorn on the Central Australia Railway when the Quorn CWA – Country Womens’ Association served over 1,000,000 meals to troops.
In May 2022, QUORN won the π§πΆπ»π π§πΌππΏπΆππΊ π§πΌππ» award, in a program which celebrates South Australian towns that offer amazing visitor experiences and who are committed to working collectively to increase visitation to their region.
The “Coffee Pot”, originally known as Steam Motor Coach No.1, has been lovingly and authentically restored by the PRR volunteers and is now on the rails and so worth seeing. The outside is really interesting but the interior of this train is just beautiful.
PRR Railway Workshop guided tours are available (*subject to guide availability) and are very interesting. Bookings and enquiries to the Pichi Richi Railway.
Quorn Railway Station and Station Yard walk and the self-guided Quorn Heritage Walk all highlight the importance of this region, the history of the area and showcase the range of buildings around the town. Paper copies are available at the Flinders Ranges Visitor Information Centre. Download or print off the QUORN Heritage Walk brochure for your self-directed walking tour. Quorn is renowned as a historic railway town and it has 36 SA State Heritage Classified buildings!!
If you’d prefer to learn more about Quorn from a local resident then book into Quorn Walking Tours for your personalised guided walk. You are guaranteed to learn something interesting about Quorn and have a bit of fun! Call Jacinta Hannigan, Tour guide – Quorn Walking Tours, ph 0427 148 432
The Powell arid flora gardens located just 880 metres from the SBSA, has more than 200 local plant species growing in this climate of extremes; biodiverse rich gems from Quorn and surrounds. Featured on the ABC Gardening Australia program a while ago but still relevant.
Just along from the SBSA, RW Foster’s Great Northern Emporium, later known as Emily’s Bistro which unfortunately is now closed.
In the other direction, heading west along First Street is the famous Flinders Gin. Make a booking and do a “Gin Tasting” to experience their range of delicious local gins. Ph 08 7633 3577.
Directly opposite the SBSA in First Street is the Quorn Craft Shop and they have some tasty and fresh locally made produce. Your biggest decision might be – which delicious preserves and jams to buy.
The Craft and Produce Market is held monthly in the Town Hall, Railway Terrace, Quorn.
Quorn and District War Memorial Swimming Pool was extensively renovated a few years ago. For the latest opening hours ask at the Visitor Information Centre, check the council website or the sign at the pool entrance.
The magnificent scenery surrounding Quorn makes it renowned, and the landscape has featured in many productions, including the STAN TV series, “THE TOURIST”.
Other movies filmed in the region include: THE SUNDOWNERS, THE WATER DIVINER, THE SHIRALEE, WOLF CREEK series. For more infoΒ ABC TV.
Events
- Pithi Kawi β Quorn Bush Tucker Trail-bush food garden, now being established in Quorn.
- Quorn Silo Light show projected onto the railway silos showing after sunset every night. Free event and new shows each month.
- Flinders Flicks – Quorn movie night – screening monthly.
- Quorn Produce and Craft Markets – last Sunday each month (except January) in the Quorn Town Hall.
Events Calendar
- January 26: Australia Day celebrations (see Flinders Ranges Council website)
- March: Quorn Bronco Branding
- March or April: Easter weekend special rail events at the Pichi Richi Railway
- April 25: ANZAC Day – refer to PRR website for special commemorative events
- May: Quorn Country Music Muster
- May, second Sunday – Mothers Day – check PRR website for that special train trip for Mum and the family
- June: Quorn Men’s Open Golf Tournament
- June: Queens Birthday long weekend
- June: Pichi Richi Marathon
- August: Quandong Festival, happening right outside the front door in First Street
- August: Quorn Jockey Club
- September: Quorn Agricultural Show
- September: Fathers Day – refer to PRR website for special railway events
- September / October: A Brush With Art
- October: SA Labor Day weekend
- October: Rock the Ranges at Pichi Richi Park
- December: Quorn Christmas Pageant, Christmas and New Year celebrations
** Dates may change, so for the latest information please refer to the Flinders Ranges Council Community Event Calendar or the QR code below