Discover Parndana

Parndana can be explored through tangible evidence of its settlement history and an annual event. The Parndana Soldier Settlement Museum focuses on everyday objects and dioramas, while the Speed Shearing Competition is held in Parndana each year. These different points of interest can help you decide what experiences you want to shape your trip. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can first consider whether cultural history, an event date or both will determine your choice of location.

Settlement history at the Parndana Soldier Settlement Museum

The museum is on the edge of Parndana. Its collection includes the settlement’s first telephone booth and a seat from the first school bus. The two objects point to different aspects of early settlement life: communication and the journey to school. They provide a tangible starting point for exploring the history, rather than treating it as merely an abstract topic. For your trip planning, the museum offers a clearly defined cultural highlight in Parndana.

The dioramas also tell the story of the area. They are displayed in window cases and can be viewed from outside. Another part of the museum’s interpretation covers how land was cleared and improved for agriculture. In Parndana, illustrative displays and a topic related to land use are presented side by side. If you are interested in how the settlement developed, you can consider these aspects together: the dioramas focus on the history of the area, while the interpretation addresses the transformation of the land for agriculture.

An annual competition at the Parndana Hotel

The Speed Shearing Competition, held annually at the Parndana Hotel, offers another way to experience Parndana. This event adds a recurring date to the historical themes. If the competition is a reason for your trip, check the event dates before making your plans. That way, you can base your travel decision on the specific occasion rather than relying solely on the general information that it takes place annually. The museum and the competition appeal to different interests: one focuses on settlement history and land use, the other on an annual competition.

The Australian Red Gum Gallery along Playford Highway

The Australian Red Gum Gallery can also be included when planning your time around Parndana. It is on Kangaroo Island along Playford Highway, 15 minutes past Parndana on the left-hand side of the road when driving towards Flinders Chase National Park and Admirals Arch. Travel time may vary. So, when planning, the most useful detail is the direction described: the gallery is along this route, not in the centre of Parndana. If you plan to visit, keep both the travel time and the side of the road in mind for the stated direction of travel.

These different points of interest offer a practical way to make travel plans. The museum and annual competition are experiences in Parndana; the gallery is an addition to a drive towards Flinders Chase National Park and Admirals Arch. Consider which of these topics interests you most and whether you want to include the gallery when travelling in that direction. This can help you assess whether Parndana is a suitable base for your stay, based on the experiences you have planned, and link your holiday rental search to a specific travel destination.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Baudin Beach, Cygnet River, Emu Bay, Gosse, Flinders Chase, Pelican Lagoon, Seal Bay, Wisanger.

Back to the main travel guide: Kangaroo Island Council.