This line was a narrow gauge line that extended from Peterborough to Orroroo in 1881, and then on to Quorn in 1882. At Quorn, the line joined the Great Northern Railway which had opened from Port Augusta in 1879 and extended north through Hawker and Marree. 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.
In the 1950’s a new standard gauge line was built on the western side of the Flinders ranges, thus removing all traffic through the Pichi Richi Pass section between Stirling North and Quorn. The line north of Hawker was abandoned at this time.
The Peterborough to Quorn line (and north to Hawker) was the last remaining line open to traffic. The line between Hawker and Quorn was abondoned in 1972, and the line between Peterborough and Quorn closed in the 1980s.
Today, The Pichi Richi Railway operate tourist and heritage trains between Quorn and Port Augusta, through the Pichi Richi Pass.
SA 5431, Australia
Australia
