Capital of the Flinders Ranges and Home of the Pichi Richi Railway
A scenic drive following the historic Ghan Railway through the Pichi Richi Pass leads to Quorn from Port Augusta. Quorn's heritage buildings and streetscapes reflect the prosperity of earlier days. Take a stroll along the “Historic Buildings Walk” and imagine being on the set of one of Australia’s great outback movies filmed here – “The Shiralee”, “Sunday Too Far Away” and “The Sundowners” are just a few. Grab a Quornish Pastie or dine at one of Quorn’s great pubs or cafes.
Quorn has a railway history dating back to the opening of the Great Northern Railway. The preserved narrow gauge track was the first-to-be-built and is the last remaining section of the original Ghan Railway. The Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society keeps alive the old world charm of steam. Between April and October, trains run every weekend and during holiday periods. Visit the Quorn Railway Station or take a Workshop Tour.
The town is spectacularly set against a backdrop of some of the most ancient landscapes on Earth. Aboriginal culture, historic ruins, abundant wildlife and magnificent scenery surround Quorn. Discover the grandeur of the Flinders Ranges by exploring the tracks and trails by foot, bike, camel, train or 4WD.
The 1200 km Heysen Walking Trail and 800 km Mawson Bike Trail pass through town, while the renowned Dutchman’s Stern with its spectacular 360 degree views is only 10 km away. Devil’s Peak, Waukerie Falls, and the Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby colony of Warren Gorge are all only a short drive away. More adventurous discoveries can be found on the back of a camel or on one of the many 4WD tracks opening up on private stations in the area.
A little further north are Proby’s Grave, Kanyaka Ruins and Death Rock. Hugh Proby, third son of the Earl of Carysford, selected the Kanyaka site to establish one of the most extensive sheep runs in the north. Tragically he drowned after being swept from his horse crossing the flooded Willochra Creek. He was 24 years old. His bereft family shipped a huge granite slab from Scotland for his grave stone. It stands today as a reminder of the hardships the European settlers endured in this harsh land.
For more information, see the Flinders Ranges Visitor Information Centre at Quorn or phone (08) 8648 6419.
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