Funding helps Prairie Hotel continue as outback tourism destination

The Prairie Hotel of Parachilna will undertake a major refurbishment following South Australian Government funding contribution of $464,419 towards the $1.5 million project which will drive demand for visitation to the Flinders Ranges and outback South Australia.

To December 2019, the Flinders Ranges welcomed just under 800,000 overnight visits to the region with an economic impact of $459 million to the region each year. With the impacts of COVID-19 on the region, a shift towards domestic interstate and intrastate visitation has been positive for the region with national visitors looking for an experiential tourism product.

Ross and Jane Fargher of Parachilna have owned and operated the family business and are celebrating 30 years of business ownership this year. The Fargher family are committed to developing the hotel to ensure that the hospitality of the Prairie remains a unique experience of the Outback. The refurbishment of the Prairie Hotel will see internal upgrade of the bar and restaurant, accommodation and the inclusion of a new Brewhouse in the hotel.

Supporting the Prairie Hotel to develop new experiences and diversification into the new brewery is supporting the next generation of the Fargher Family to be involved within the hotel. Lachy Fargher will lead the new brewery as the head brewer based at the Hotel.

Fargher advises “The revitalising of the Prairie Hotel will be an opportunity to position the region as a showcase for food and drink, unique experiences including the Ediacaran Fossils of Nilpena and the excellent partnerships that are developed with tourism operators in the region.

“The Fargher family are excited to be upgrading the hotel to be a demand driving experience for the Flinders Ranges, whether that be staying overnight in the Outback Lodge, or visiting for lunch and a Beer while experiencing the other wonderful tourism products of the region.

“Collaboration in the tourism industry is key to ensuring that we can all work together to grow the visitor economy. The development of the brewery at the Prairie Hotel is a contribution back to Parachilna to assist with putting the town on the map as part of the Explorers Way Touring Route.

Fargher adds “Parachilna is set for an airstrip into the town in 2021, and the refreshing of the Prairie provides opportunity for the changing visitor landscape to ensure that we appeal to the intrastate and interstate markets.”

It is expected that the Prairie Hotel project will contribute additional jobs to the region, with additional employment opportunities throughout the refurbishment phase for South Australians.

The Prairie Hotel has been a favourite for visitors to the Flinders Ranges over the past 30 years, known for excellent country hospitality, dining and accommodation.

Stage 1 of the Prairie Hotel upgrade will be completed by mid-2021.

For more information on the Prairie Hotel of Parachilna go to prairiehotel.com.au/