Facilities at the Gathering
Accommodation
Come to Frances expecting to either camp - or else travel a bit. There is a (good) hotel/motel but it's booked out for many Gatherings to come! Closest non-camping accommodation is at Naracoorte, around 40 km away.
Notes for campers
(please keep an eye on this page for any changes nearer the event)
Please note that Frances Gathering has always offered good quality basic camping but, like with all successful events, a few problems have arisen in the past – we have to address these and we ask for your help.
Over the years to date the number of people accessing power has grown from zero - to an impossible number. Frances is a small community, the camping ground is not a 'tourist park'. It's a place where people can comfortably camp when the Gathering is on.
There are toilets and showers and, yes, some more resourceful people over the years have run a long lead from the shower block across to their site. Regretably, as the Gathering has grown in popularity (and attendance) we have to stop this situation.
Please help by spreading the word that a very few powered sites may be available (assume there may be none) strictly for those with vital medical equipment and that people should come prepared to be self-sufficient power-wise.
If you have such equipment please advise your name and what the equipment is to Frances Folk Gathering Coordinator email folk@francesfolkgathering.com.au. If you dont have email, contact us using details from the contacts page. Your information will remain in confidence.
Please do not use the campsite before Wednesday 24th February.Also, we’re seeing camping in the streets and this cannot continue – please use the campsite.
At the campsite…
There are good toilets, showers and waste disposal facilities. Fees are nominal and all proceeds go to the community.
We may introduce 'larks' and 'owls' sections to the site for those who prefer early, or late, bedtime BUT, the basics still apply – be courteous and don’t wake others with excessive noise – whether late at night or early morning.
- Please camp around the footy oval and the bowling club.
- Vans, trailers etc - let those sleeping on the ground in tents get the grassier spots.
- Preferably – no dogs. If you bring your dog it must be under total control at all times and should not be brought into any of the licensed or venue areas.
- Big brass beds and flower arrangements are always welcome.
- Great BBQ available at the Bowling Club (right beside the campsite) Friday at 6pm.
- Great breakfasts at the Footy Club Saturday and Sunday mornings.
- And... definitely - no amplified music in the camping area
- No fires - it's right in the middle of the fire-ban season
Eating
The hotel has excellent restaurant meals (tasty bar snacks on Sunday - restaurant is closed) and there is a local general store with takeaways.
The focus of food are the food stalls at the event with a variety of eats (and drinks) including the famous "Café Le Folk" brought to you by the local "Friends of the Frances Folk Gathering Committee" volunteers.
The "Friends" volunteers also put on an excellent cooked breakfast at the oval clubrooms on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
On Sunday at breakfast, if you're really lucky, you'll be serenaded by the Naracoorte Pipe Band!
Shopping
A general store right beside the venue has takeaways and some supermarket supplies. The only other open place in Frances is the pub. Nearest shopping is at Naracoorte.
Fuel
Petrol and diesel - but no LPG - available at the general store.
Medical
Closest medical facilities are at Naracoorte, about 40km South.
Communications
Telstra has good NextG coverage (but not 3G).
No other carriers have mobile coverage.
There's a public phone across the road from the general store (by the "Coopers" tent) as well as one in the hotel.
Any suggestions or questions? Please contact our team at camping@francesfolkgathering.com.au