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The Afghan Express service turns the clock back to the 1930s when the famous old Ghan travelled through the Pichi Richi Pass. Wherever possible, the Afghan Express uses distinctive timber-bodied carriages built in the late 1920s for the narrow gauge old Ghan train service, and restored old Ghan steam locomotive NM25.
Original Ghan steam locomotive NM25 with the Afghan Express in the scenic Pichi Richi Pass.
The Afghan Express is the name railwaymen gave to the passenger train that ran from Terowie to Oodnadatta, through Quorn, in 1923. This was the first time a sleeping carriage was included on the train, and when an Afghan passenger alighted at Quorn to recite his evening prayers, the train was dubbed the Afghan Express by railwaymen. In time, this was abbreviated to The Ghan and eventually used by CR officials.
This service was later extended to Alice Springs in 1929. The Ghan service used the Pichi Richi Railway route until 1956, when a new standard gauge railway from Stirling North to Brachina bypassed the Pichi Richi Railway.
On Saturday 2 October, the Afghan Express will combine with the Pichi Richi Explorer at Woolshed Flat and provide a rare double header back to Quorn.
Saturday 30 October is the last Afghan Express for 2010, and is scheduled to be steam hauled from Port Augusta to Quorn, returning behind a heritage diesel locomotive.
Service details
- Genuine timber bodied carriages, including those of the 1930's Ghan
- Wherever practicable, original Ghan steam locomotive NM25 will be used
- Diesel services use an historic Ghan locomotive, either NSU52 or NT76
- Port Augusta to Quorn and return (78km)
- 6 hours
- Single tickets are available. You can have a one-way journey from either Port Augusta or Quorn.
- Return travel if starting at Quorn is available by bus. Advise when booking if this is required.
- No refreshments on-board, however several outlets are within 3 minutes walk of Quorn station
- Services depart Port Augusta at 10:30am, and arrive at Quorn at approximately 12:15pm. The return journey then departs Quorn at 2:30pm, arriving at Port Augusta at approximately 4:30pm
- The Afghan Express service originates from Port Augusta.
Timetable
2012
Fares
| Adult return | $79.00 |
| Concession return | $73.00 |
| School child return | $26.00 |
| Family return (2 Adults, 2 children) | $183.00 |
| Adult one-way | $52.00 |
| Concession one-way | $49.00 |
| School child one-way | $19.00 |
| Family one-way (2 adults, 2 children) | $122.00 |
Bookings
Bookings page.
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