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About
Ficifolia Lodge
Ficifolia Lodge is
owned and operated by Sue and Colin Florance, Kangaroo Island residents for many
years, who have an intimate knowledge of the island and all that it has to
offer. Built and established by Sue and Colin Florance in 1996 and
completed late 1997 - the accommodation is situated on the Old State Bank
of South Australia site, Parndana agency.
The Florance family has
lived and farmed on Kangaroo Island for many years, being direct
descendants from the Snellings family who settled at Middle River, after
relocating from Mainland in 1880. Snellings Beach is named after the
Snellings family.
Sue and Colin Florance |
The township of Parndana
is a soldier settlement town, first settled in by returning soldiers
after World War 1, so the township is wreathed in history. A
short walk around the township will reveal its true character.
With everything within
walking distance, leave the car behind. There are delicious
meals available at the local community hotel (owned and run by the
local people) and cafes if you should wish to dine out (and
of course great South Australian wines, beers and soft drinks)
or you can of course cook for yourself in the well equipped kitchen
in your unit.
Like more
information?
Contact us at any
time and we will provide you with all the information you could
possible need. |
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Allow plenty of time to
see all that Kangaroo Island has to offer, with so much to see and
do, many of our guests return time and time again to soak it all in,
and don't forget the camera and plenty of film!
These are memories for
life! |
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Snellings Beach / Middle
River is situated on the beautiful North Coast of the Island - a MUST
PLACE TO VISIT
Centrally located at the
very heart of Kangaroo Island, Ficifolia Lodge is the perfect
location to serve as a base while you explore the many delights this piece
of heaven has to offer. Parndana is the last service centre before
entering the western end of the island, which is comprised of farming
land, National Parks, and heritage areas. Vast tracts of Kangaroo
Island have been designated as protected areas to protect their wild
beauty for generations to come.
The western end of Kangaroo
Island offers spectacular views to Wedge and Althorpe Islands (on clear
days) and provides cliff-top views of rugged coastline for as far as
the eye can see. The southern end of Yorke Peninsula is almost
always visible in the distance to the north.
Ficifolia Lodge is
able to cater for up to 19 people at one time, making it an ideal location
for large families, or groups of friends wanting to explore the island at
their leisure. Assistance is always at hand, and we are only too
happy to cater to special requirements where possible. It should be
kept in mind that as you are on an island, so not everything is readily at
hand, as it can take some time for goods to be shipped, so some simple
planning can make the world of difference.
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About Parndana
Parndana, known as the ‘Place of Little Gums’ is the hub for the
heartland of Kangaroo Island. Centrally located, it provides
convenient access to the north and south coasts, Seal Bay and
Flinders Chase National Park.
Parndana was established in 1951 to service the booming farming
community of the time. The Soldier Settlement Scheme, which began
in 1948, almost doubled the area of agricultural land on the Island
and provided employment for returning soldiers. The scheme was
stopped in 1962-63.
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Parndana Soldier
Settlement Museum |
Parndana
from the air
looking north |
174 optimistic returned soldiers were selected for the formidable
task of creating farms and homes out of 300,000 hectares of virgin
scrub. In spite of hardship, many settlers and their families
revolutionised the economy and social circumstances of Kangaroo
Island. Their anecdotes, experiences and conditions are the basis
of the Parndana Soldier Settlement Museum, manned by community
volunteers; the Museum is a tribute to the pioneering generations
before 240V electricity.
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Average Temperatures |
Season |
Maximum / Minimum |
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Summer |
December - February |
23.2 / 14.7º C |
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Autumn |
March - May |
19.7 / 12.5º C |
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Winter |
June - August |
15.8 / 8.7º C |
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Spring |
September - November |
18.5 / 10.5º C. |
The Museum located in the old RSL (Returned
Services League) Hall on Wedgewood Road, provides a historical
display of the early years of the development of the Island’s
heartland. The Museum which is within walking distance from
Ficifolia Lodge and is open Tues - Weds - Thurs & Sun 11am -
4pm or by appointment, and is staffed entirely by local volunteers.
Sue can arrange a private visit if you require, just ask!
In
spite of hardship, by 1964 all settlers occupied their new farms.
Often described as a typical Australian country township, Parndana
has a small shopping centre and the Island’s only 7 day Bakery. The
township offers accommodation, church, BBQ & Picnic facilities. The
Parndana Golf Course, offers an 18-hole course set in a landscape of
natural bushland. Golf clubs can be hired at Seddon Motors situated
on Wedgewood Road. Friendly local hospitality awaits your visit at
the newly renovated Parndana Community Hotel. The Hotel is one of
the few Community Hotels left in South Australia, solely owned &
operated by the Community. It prides itself in adopting a no
pokies & gambling policy, and offers good old fashion
country hospitality. Koala tours by foot are offered at the Hotel,
by appointment only.
Main Bar of
the Parndana Community Hotel |
Great dining
at the Community Hotel |
Take the time to check out the area with a leisurely walk in and
around the township, which demonstrates how integration of untouched
natural bushland and their habitats can live side by side in this
rural community. Native wildlife can often be seen on road verges &
pocketed bushland found in the centre of the town. In summer the
flowering gum trees show off their spectacular displays, a delight
for any keen horticulturists or photographer.
Parndana is the last township service centre prior to entering the
West End of the Island so is an ideal place to stock up on supplies.
Offers Internet access,
ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) and EFTPOS, plus mechanical services,
petrol, diesel and LPG. |
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Inside the Heritage Museum |
Original plough used for farming |
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