This itinerary for a weekend trip into the Flinders Ranges was written by Quorn locals and we hope you enjoy your visit to our lovely historic town of Quorn. With plenty to explore in our area, you just need to know where to look. We have provided this for visitors who would like a few days to escape and explore the historic town of Quorn.
Covid-19 update:- Please refer to the PRR website for the latest SA Health guidelines, information and train schedule and book your tickets early on-line to avoid disappointment.
The Flinders Ranges Visitor Information Centre is open during the day. To book your railway workshop tour (subject to guide availability) contact workshop.tours@prr.org.au . Please ensure you wear closed-in shoes for this tour.
Friday:– Suggest you leave Adelaide around lunch time and enjoy a leisurely drive up through the Clare Valley, and on through the historic and picturesque small towns of Laura, Melrose and Wilmington.
Alternatively you can take the more direct and faster route along Highway 1. Bearing in mind if you take Highway 1 you may want to allow a few minutes to take a left turn and stop to stretch your legs at Port Germein. It is a nice photo opportunity and we like stopping there en route.
Arrive into Quorn during the late afternoon, check-in and get settled in your accommodation at the Savings Bank of South Australia – Old Quorn Branch.
The IGA supermarket is open every day, for opening hours check their website.
On Friday night for dinner we would recommend making a booking at one of the town’s pubs and enjoy a local Flinders Gin (distillery in Quorn) or a regional wine to accompany a traditional country style meal. Alternatively you could also stay “at home” and order a pizza from the pub.
>> The Transcontinental Hotel, 15 Railway Terrace, Quorn. Phone (08) 8646 6076
>> The Austral Inn Hotel, 16 Railway Terrace, Quorn. Phone (08) 86 486 017
>> Currently undergoing renovation – The Criterion on Railway Terrace, Quorn.
Saturday:- As you have already purchased your PRR tickets on-line you now have time to enjoy a leisurely country style breakfast at the famous Quandong Cafe. Make sure you have an opportunity to try their legendary quandong pie.
Saturday Lunch:- Fancy a traditional home-made South Australian pastie? If you appreciate freshly baked pasties or scones, made to the highest standard then Teas on the Terrace is the place you must visit. Teas on the Terrace also specialises in vegetarian, gluten and dairy-free menu options.
Make sure you leave some room to enjoy an Award Winning Copley Bakery Quandong Pie, and you may want an excuse to visit again over the weekend, you can always walk it off later!
Saturday afternoon:- take a drive out to Warrens Gorge, about 20kms out of Quorn. driving to the Gorge on a sealed road. If you decide to take the 5.2km walking trail loop (easy to moderate depending on your level of fitness) as always, take some water with you, it takes between 1.5 -3 hours to complete, depending on how often you stop. There are some loose surfaces and short steep parts, but a very pleasant walk. We enjoyed it and the scenery and there are lots of photo opportunities.
Saturday night:- Have a drink before dinner and take a sunset stroll over to the Railway Station for the Quorn Silo Light Show, screening every night from sunset until 8pm. It’s free and you can take your own chair, or even takeaway meals if you order in advance.
For up to date information about the times and content check: http://QuornSiloLightShow.info/ or ask at the Quorn Visitor Information Centre.
Saturday dinner:- Try the other pub, and we do recommend you book a table, as seats are limited and country folk and travellers alike tend to dine early as they are on the go pretty much all day.
Garden lovers may wish to explore the Powell Gardens, located at the eastern end of First Street in Quorn. These gardens are managed by volunteers and showcase the diversity of the vast range of our local arid plants.
We thought we should share a recent post of one recent visitor: “…great tribute to Brian Powell AM who was known in the area for promoting native plants and helping CSIRO develop a quandong industry. A great park with walking trails that wind through the collection of native plants, grasses and groundcover. Seating throughout the park so you can sit and enjoy the peace and tranquility. Donation tin at gates and parking available”. Posted on Trip Advisor.
Powell Gardens, Picnic Setting 
Can you name this tree? 
Saltbush
Sunday:- Allow a few hours to explore the town this morning. Why not take town walk and check out the new Heritage Building Walking Trail? Maps are available from the Visitor Information Centre or you can download it from the above link.
Quorn is fast becoming the native bush food capital of Australia and this garden showcases native curry leaf, native lemongrass, all sorts of local native wattle seed and berry producing bushes and trees. But when you are walking through then watch out you don’t get dive-bombed by a hungry grevillea-munching native bird! Personally we love visiting these gardens in the early morning.
On the last Sunday morning each month, Quorn’s Craft & Produce Market is held in the Town Hall, Railway Terrace Quorn. Featuring plants, fresh produce, bqq, preserves, cakes, jewellery, beads, cards, candles, wood turned products, paintings, homemade pies, pasty slices, sausage rolls, coffee cart, books and more.
If you wanted a little more exercise then why not work up an appetite, get your heart pumping and your legs moving and take the ~45 minute climb up Devil’s Peak? Open all year round you access this popular short hike by driving down Devil’s Peak Road, park your car and start your ascent up the well made track among native trees. You may see some of our local rock wallabies and lizards basking in the sun. Expect some degree of rock climbing to finish, and take in 360° views of the Pichi Richi Pass, the Spencer Gulf, Southern Flinders Ranges, Quorn township, the Willochra Plains and Horseshoe Ranges right up to Wilpena Pound. Make sure you sign the Visitors Book, which you should see on the climb, tucked into a sheltered rock ledge.
After all this activity maybe you may decide to stay a few extra days, as you have really only touched the surface of what’s on offer in Quorn.
Quorn Fast Facts:
- Just over 1,000 people call Quorn home
- The local indigenous people are from the Nukunu and the Adynamathanha
- May 2020 – Quorn was awarded a grant to establish itself as the Bush Tucker Capital
- Well known native fruits and seeds including:
>> quandong (a native peach with outstanding antioxidant capacity, high folate levels and Vitamin E, and a good source of magnesium, zinc and iron)
>> bush orange
>> wattle seeds
My Personal Highlight:
Seeing the COFFEE POT, which is the last remaining engine of its type in the whole world. Over 100 years old it has been authentically and passionately restored and it only runs several times during the season. It carries ~20 passengers so you have been privileged to ride it. Or if you have a little spare change why not book it for a private train hire. It’s a very special engine!
In Closing:
We would love to hear your feedback on your visit to Quorn so please let us know of any tips we should include in future updates.
