The first line to reach Quorn was the Great Northern Railway from Port Augusta in 1879. The line was extended further north to Hawker and Marree and beyond to Oodnadatta. The line from Peterborough reached Quorn in 1882. After the Transcontinental Line was built from Port Augusta to Kalgoolie in 1917, Quorn became and important station as all travellers going either North South or East West had to pass through Quorn. This lasted until a direct line from Port Pirie Junction to Port Augusta was opened in 1937, causing east-west traffic to be diverted away from Quorn. All traffic ceased between Stirling North and Quorn in the 1950s after a new line to Marree was built on the western side of the Flinders Ranges. The line north of Quorn to Hawker was closed in 1972, and from Peterborough to Quorn in the early ’80s.
These days the Pichi Richi Railway operate tourist and heritage trains between Quorn and Port Augusta, through the Pichi Richi Pass.
SA 5433, Australia
G Day you,ve got a very fasinating site here. Very well done laid out etc. But what i would like (or hope to) Is i,ve only just recently purchased a property in Quorn S,A. (first st) And i am trying hopeing to track down early day photo,s. Earlyer the better of course. But i,ll be happy with anything realy. Prefferably with an early pic of the house i,ve just bought. Where would i be able to track down such a request would you reckon?? Im hopeing you could possibly help me. Or point me in the right direction. Thankyou for your time, And look forward to your reply..
Hi Adam,
You might need to find out if Quorn has it’s own historical society – they often hold great collections of photos. Failing that give the Flinders Ranges Council a try, or even a local library – many local historical papers are often stored in these places. Best of luck with your research.