The Gawler Ranges National Park was proclaimed in January 2002. The Friends of the Gawler Ranges National Park were formed in February 2003. The group saw an immediate need to restore Pondanna homestead. This was completed in 2009.

In August 2009, we asked out Patron, Alice Barns (former owner) to declare Pondanna open to the public for hire. Over 5,500 volunteer hours and over 50,000 kilometres travelled to see this restoration to its fruition. Working bees have been held once a month with approximately 6 meetings a year, with an average of 15 people attending.

We started with a new roof, cleaned out the underground tank farthest away from the house. Athol Pines were removed from the septic tank and pit area. Lots of plastering, sanding and painting have taken place with a complete paint job inside. The Chaff shed has been cleaned and tidies and the chaff cutter restored.

We take great pride in the “Loo with a view” – the home of a brown snake seen there in 2008.

Floor coverings, solar power and a telephone have been installed to add to the comforts of Pondanna. These were purchased with small grants. Furniture and Furnishings have been added. Some great restoration work has been completed.

In 2002, the former Wudinna and Districts Kiwanis Club cleaned out the underground tank closest to the homestead and restored the machinery shed to store some of the machinery.

Some of the old machinery remains at Pondanna and includes two heavy 19th Century Cultivators, Shearer Combine, David Shearer Stripper (supplied by E. O McPherson of Minnipa), Hay Rake, Mulboard Plough, two Harrow Levels, a heavy Grader, Single Furrow Ploughs, Dam Scoops, Sunshine Binder and Chaff Cutter.

Interpretive signs have been installed around Pondanna showing what life was like in the past.

Click here to see our restoration photo gallery.

Click here to see some photographs of Pondanna Outstation in the early 1900’s