Discover Parndana, Kangaroo Island’s heartland
Parndana’s central location make it the perfect base
Inland is the island’s true heart, where all roads lead to Parndana, Kangaroo Island. The town, whose name means ‘Place of Little Gums’, was originally settled from 1948 by returned soldiers and their families who farmed the island's central plateau.
Parndana—Kangaroo Island Central
The central location is a convenient base from which to reach every corner of the island. Parndana’s attractions include the Soldier Settler Museum on the edge of town, with a historical display about the area’s development. There’s a hotel and a couple of general stores—purchase Kangaroo Island Ligurian bee honey here and elsewhere on the island.
Kangaroo Island Honey
Kangaroo Island is home to the Ligurian bee from northern Italy, brought to the island in the 1800s. Interbreeding and disease has destroyed the species elsewhere, but it has survived on Kangaroo Island, where a bee sanctuary was established in 1885 with strict quarantine rules to protect them.
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Eleanor Downs Farm Stay - Soldier Settler
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South Coast
Farmstays, Holiday HousesSoldier Settler is a beloved original soldier settler farmhouse with 360 views over the farm paddocks. Completely private and… -
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Eleanor Downs Farm Stay - Wittows Creek
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South Coast
Farmstays, Holiday HousesWittows Creek is a large modest farmhouse situated next to Wittows Creek, perfect for families to share or for a large group of… -
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Roolagoon Homestead
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Parndana
Apartments, Bed and Breakfast, Farmstays, Holiday HousesRoolagoon Homestead is a charming property centrally located consisting of two separate units under one roof featuring wide… -
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Iconic Wildlife
As one of the world’s best nature-based destinations, learn about and get up close to the iconic Kangaroo Island Wildlife, including the Kangaroo Island Kangaroos. -
Our Simple Guide to the Beautiful Birds of Kangaroo Island
Keen to learn more about Kangaroo Island birds? There are over 260 species of birds to get to know. Read more about the best places and times to see them. -
Best free things to do on Kangaroo Island
It's time to explore Kangaroo Island with the family, there are so many activities you can do for free. From beaches to cave walkways, to history, fishing and waterfalls. There are so many great adventures to be had.
LOCAL SECRETS
Speed Shearing
The Parndana Hotel is home to the annual Speed Shearing Competition. Watch while the professionals go head-to-head to determine who is the fastest sheep shearing team on Kangaroo Island. There are prizes to be won and bragging rights to be enjoyed. This event is a great community event with live music and great food.
Geology around Parndana
The characteristic outback-red colour of the land surfaces throughout the Parndana region is caused by the weathering of laterite, an iron-rich rock and soil type that forms in humid tropical environments.
The widespread distribution of laterite in central and western Kangaroo Island suggests the island had a tropical climate in its ancient geological past, most likely during the Pliocene Epoch ca. 5.3 to 2.6 million years ago. Laterite is full of marble-shaped iron concentrations called 'pisoliths', which can make roads quiet slippery - so drive carefully!
Bushfires of 2020
In January 2020 bushfires impacted the heartland of Kangaroo Island. Many businesses and farms were lost, and countless numbers of livestock, habitat and wildlife perished. Due to the remarkable work from locals, CFS, DEW, MFS and farmer firefighting units, the township of Parndana remained standing, an amaxing story of resilience, which lives on through the people who live and work in this region. The recovery will be long, but the 'heartland' of Kangaroo Island remains strong.
Useful links
Nature and Wildlife, Food and Wine, Adventure, or Relaxation. Kangaroo Island has it all, and more.
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Island Stays
From seaside holidays to premium luxury Kangaroo Island accommodation. Whether you're in… -
What to do
Come and experience our Island Life. Discover our spectacular nature and wildlife, our stunning… -
Stories
Unearth the Stories of Kangaroo Island, connect to the people and discover Island Time, revel…