Quorn is one of my favourite towns in the Flinders Ranges, and it seems like it’s becoming more popular with others too.
The town is more than just a place with a friendly pub and historic railway. It’s certainly not a place you stop on the way to somewhere else.
I will of course cover the pubs and railway below, but I wonder if you knew that travellers can now also eat sushi and drink artisanal gin in the town?
Here’s a list of things to do in Quorn that are actually in Quorn itself.
1) Ride the Pichi Richi Railway
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way first.
The Pichi Richi Railway is a heritage railway that operates along a section of the original narrow-gauge railway line between Port Augusta and Quorn.
This line was part of the Great Northern Railway and later the Central Australia Railway, and most will know it as the first Ghan route which took adventurous travellers to Alice Springs until 1980.
The route itself is very scenic. Travelling from Port Augusta, you’ll start off on the flat but then ascend through bare hills studded with bluebush into the Flinders proper.
On your right is the impressive Mount Brown, and further along, the equally prominent Devil’s Peak. From there the train travels through this gorgeous part of the Flinders over similarly ancient bridges and cuttings that were made as early as 1870.
Depending on the service, you may also get to stop at the historic Woolshed Flat station for a picnic.
Any trip on the Pichi Richi Railway is going to be great. Engines and carriages have been lovingly restored by a volunteer crew who are passionate about their work and love to share that passion with others.
If you’d like to see the railway’s heritage steam trains in action, plan to visit in the cooler months outside of the fire ban season. In the warmer months, trains are pulled by diesel locomotives.
Try to book the Coffee Pot if you can – an Edwardian-era steam railcar that is the last operating example of its type worldwide. The 22-seat Coffee Pot was built in 1905 and travels between Quorn and Woolshed Flat with a 3-course lunch provided at the latter.
Otherwise, check out the Pichi Richi Railway’s other packages.
2) Visit the Flinders Ranges Visitor Centre and Railway Museum
The Flinders Ranges Visitor Centre and Railway Museum is located in the Quorn Railway Station building. It’s a pleasant place to have a chat with the friendly staff and familiarise yourself with the area and broader region.
There are also plenty of souvenirs for sale, but I think the building itself is just as beautiful and worth your attention. The station in its current form was built in 1916 with sandstone from the local quarry and its appearance exemplifies South Australian colonial architecture.
3) Pull up a pew at Flinders Gin
Flinders Gin is a relatively new addition to the list of things to do in Quorn. The distillery is housed in a Farriers and Stable building that was renovated and then expanded to incorporate a cellar door in 2023.
Owner and Master Distiller Albert (Alby) Trotta takes inspiration from his Italian heritage to craft gins that incorporate botanicals and native foods unique to the Flinders. It’s such a great idea that it’s a wonder no one thought to do it before!
Try the Outback Lemon Lime Gin that partners desert lime with the gingery citrus of native lemongrass. You also cannot go past the Quandong Gin.
Flinders Gin is open 7 days a week from 11am to 5pm. In addition to the gin, there are also local Flinders beers and cocktails. And if you don’t like alcohol, there are 0% options.. or you can just play with distillery dog Ernie!
Note also that Flinders Gin is right next door to the Flinders Ranges Motel (The Mill) should you need to avoid driving back to your accommodation!
4) Learn about yesteryear on the Quorn Heritage Walk
The Quorn Heritage Walk is a great way to spend a sunny morning or afternoon. There are many historic buildings in Quorn that, like the railway station, were built from sandstone mined from the local quarry.
Numerous signs dotted along the town’s wide avenues tell the stories of the early days. The Savings Bank of South Australia building (closed in 2002, now accommodation) and the former Salvation Army building are probably my favourites.
The walk itself is a rectangular loop that incorporates Railway Terrace and First Street in the town square. There are 30 buildings to read about and you could easily do the walk in sections if you were staying a while.
Otherwise, take a rest along the way at the Quandong Café or the pub.
An online brochure is available here or you can grab one from the visitor centre.
5) Immerse yourself in art at the Junction Art Gallery
Art lovers rejoice!
The Junction Art Gallery features works by artist-in-residence Val Francis. Val’s work encapsulates the stunning beauty of the Flinders and there is something for everyone here: landscapes with animals and birds, trains and buildings and various other subjects.
The gallery is the perfect place to look around, buy a few keepsakes or just to chat to Val about her creative process.
6) Appreciate native flora at Powell Gardens
Situated at the eastern end of Quorn, Powell Gardens is a small botanical garden that features native species found within a 30-kilometre radius of town.
It was established by the late Brian Powell AM who promoted the use of native plants for gardens in arid areas with poor quality water.
A man after my own heart, if ever there was one!
There are approximately 500 plants in the fenced-off area and most of them have labels which are always appreciated. There is also a lovely short section of trail along the banks of adjacent Capowie Creek.
Unfortunately, Powell Gardens has seen better days from a maintenance point of view. But it’s well worth 30 minutes of your time to stroll the area and learn about the plants that call this part of the Flinders Ranges home.
Information about Powell Gardens can be found here.
7) Appreciate more native flora at the Quorn Native Flora Reserve
If your native plant fix wasn’t satisfied by Powell Gardens, why not try the Quorn Native Flora Reserve? This small patch of remnant bush surrounds the old quarry and sits on a small hill overlooking the town.
The tourism commission promotes this as walking distance from Quorn, though it may be easier for some people to drive. The walk starts on Quarry Road, around 2.5 kilometres from the main street.
Once there, a short loop of around 45 minutes leads you through peaceful bush with various species signposted. If possible, go in spring when the wildflowers are out. My favourite in this reserve is white goodenia (Goodenia albiflora).
8) Enjoy a session of the Quorn Silo Light Show
The Quorn Silo Light Show is another relatively recent addition to Quorn’s attractions.
Located next to the railway station, the free light show starts about 30 minutes after sunset to celebrate the local stories and heritage of the Flinders.
The show itself runs for around 2 hours and is introduced with a 60-minute sequence of animated stories. This is pretty impressive as far as silo shows go, with stories created by regional artists and animators.
After the traditional welcome to country, for example, there are short stories titled:
• A Step Back In Time.
• The Rush of Steam.
• The Secret Life of Water.
• Pithi Kawi Bush Tucker, and
• Quorn CWA and the Troop Trains of WW2.
Short stories are then followed by photographs and other works contributed by local artists.
Happily, if it’s cold, you can just pull up in front of the silos and watch the show from your car. But you may need to arrive early-ish in peak season to get the best spot.
Things to do near Quorn
There are lots of nature-related things to do near Quorn that definitely deserve their own posts.
But for now, here is a very general look at what else you can do.
Mount Brown, Waukarie Falls and Devil’s Peak
Take Richman Valley Road south of the town for about 10 kilometres to Mount Brown Conversation Park. This is a beautiful spot with walks to the summit of Mount Brown as well as an out-and-back hike that traverses Waukarie Creek.
(If you go after rain, you may even see water spilling over Waukarie Falls).
The Devil’s Peak road is also off Richman Valley Road.
The Dutchman’s Stern Conservation Park
Around 20 minutes from Quorn to the northeast is the Dutchman’s Stern Conservation Park – another place to test your stamina and enjoy nature at the same time.
The hike to Dutchman’s Stern is magnificent, as is the fire track that sticks to lower elevations. The trailhead is just a short distance off the bitumen and you won’t tend to run into many people here.
Really, you can’t go wrong in and around Quorn.
