Pitchi Ritchi Railway

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What happened

One of Quorn's attraction is the Pitchi Ritchi Railway. Our day's adventure started when we were having our delicious Miller's breakfast at the Old Mill motel in Quorn - served by our gracious host, Concepta - with a loud toot-toot; indicating that the steam train was all steamed up and ready to go. The kids were very excited! We walked down to the station and paid for our pre-reserved tickets in the Wandana carriage. It was a delightful journey to Woolshed flat over several bridges, up hills, and followed by many on-lookers intent on waving and photographing the train. We kicked the footy while they changed the engine to the other end. We were also allowed into the engine and who should we meet but Walter - an old work colleague, who was our train driver.

More information at their web site and I do recommend staying at the Flinders Ranges motel - located at the Old mill for bed and breakfast and taking dinner in the front room of the Austral hotel.

Dan says...

Chugga Chugga, Whoa Whoa!!

The Pitchi Richi Railway - what can I say - it is quite a mixed bag. First, when you got on there was a lottery that cost a lot and the prize was a model train. The water really tasted awful and there were delicious yellow pasties and chips - boiled, soaked and baked in lard. But there were lots of good parts. Dad and I played football, I made a few friends and I got a free souvenir - a lump of coal - from Walter the driver. After that we went to the Art gallery where there was jam on sale as well as old pennies.

The Old Mill - our residence - used to be a steam-powered mill for turning grain into flour. The bottom floor was a grocery store for many years. Concepta was a really nice lady who took our orders for breakfast and gave us a bell of glass to call her. She even gave us special sew-on badges of the Mill and was very helpful and friendly.

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Photos

Climb on board
Dan, Natalie and Cian

Hang on to your ticket
or walk home

Our carriage
Wandana - at Woolshed flat

Waving people
all along the track

Our accomodation
The Old Mill - Very comfortable and fabulous hospitality

Comments

[Vince Bigiolli]

About Time
Hi Peter, Diana and Dan I have waited for years to see a train in your travelblogs! The Pichi Richi still looks great.

[SA hiker]

Hi Vince
Great to hear from you Vince - it wasn't going to be our first choice but our friends were very keen to go for a ride. But it was a fabulous and nostalgic adventure - well worth the trip and the money. Diana

[Outback Jack]

So glad you enjoyed Quorn
Hi I am friends of Concepta and John I sometimes help them in the kitchen. I love Quorn and am so glad you enjoyed your stay. Check out my website http://www.outbackjack.info

[SA hiker]

Hi Jack
Concepta and John were impressive hosts - we had a great time in Quorn and look forward to going back to explore more (and coming back to the Old Mill). Thanks, Diana