The circus travels by rail from Port Augusta to Kalgoorlie

Roll up, roll up! The circus is here! But with horses, elephants, big tops and more, how did the circus get to town?

Wirth Brothers' Circus was founded in 1878 and ceased operations in 1963. They operated in Australia but also travelled to such places as Noumea, Uruguay, New Zealand, and South Africa.

On the 1st of November 1918, Wirths arranged a quote for the Commonwealth Railways department to transport the whole circus, including the menagerie, from Port Augusta in South Australia to Kalgoorlie in Western Australia. This was a journey of over 1,800 kilometres.

They specifically asked for 8-foot cattle trucks for the conveyance of the elephants. Usually, this passage was made by sea, taking up a great part of the accommodation of the vessel. Wirth's tried for 6 months to secure passage on a steamboat, but the scarcity of available capacity onboard left Wirth's no other option than to travel by rail.

The railways replied suggesting the following equipment:

• 3 or 4 cattle trucks for horses and elephants (with modifications including raising the roof by 1 foot for the elephants truck and iron rings placed on the floor at each end)
• 4 or 5 bogie flat trucks with low sides for animals in cages and for materials and wagons
• 1 bogie brake van or bulk mail van for luggage and baggage.

There were also to be about 40 first class and 50 second class passengers.

The railways provided a special rate of 12 shillings and sixpence per mile (a little over $66 today) with an additional 20 percent for any Sunday travel.

There were other charges relating to sleeping arrangements and food preparation.

The quote was accepted, and the railway journey was locked in for early 1919.

Menagerie arrives safely in Kalgoorlie

Arriving in Kalgoorlie on the 25 January 1919, Mr Philip Wirth was delighted with the safe conclusion of the journey, as he was concerned for the welfare of his valuable animals during the trip. The first day out of from Port Augusta was extremely hot, around 41 degrees Celsius. Fortunately, the weather changed the next morning, with a soft breeze from the South reducing the temperature to the mid 20's. Mr Wirth commented that the Australian climate was unpredictable, and was thankful for that. He also said, 'Not a horse, or a lion or an elephant was any worse for wear for the trip.' He suggested he was the 'luckiest man alive' and praised railway inspector Mr Sedgley, who very capably organised the watering and feeding of the animals at the various stops on route.

The train journey was a complete success for man and beast.

Spanish flu almost derails return trip

Unfortunately, when Wirths were ready for a return journey to Port Augusta, the train was not available. The Spanish flu had hit Australia, and some states had closed their borders to help restrict the spread. As a result, anyone leaving Western Australia for South Australia would not be permitted to return. After some discussion, the train was made available on the night of Sunday 16th of March, at a cost of 16 shillings per mile. Mr Sedgley joined the train at Orroroo much to the delight of Mr Wirth. The flu eventually reached Western Australia in June 1919 but was over by the end of the year. It was estimated that some 15,000 people died in Australia during this time and some 50 million worldwide.

Wirth's circus continued to travel to Western Australia up until 1962, when the cost of travelling interstate by train became too expensive. The railways were not prepared to provide any return trip concessions as they had done in previous years.

Discover more stories like this at our Adelaide exhibition, 'Camel trains to steel wheels'.