Frances was so named by Sir James Ferguson, governor of South Australia from February 16th , 1869 to April 18th , 1873 as a compliment to Mrs Henry Jones, of Binnum station, whose maiden name was Frances Caton.  

She arrived from England in 1857. She and her husband had a mansion, Karatta house at Robe where the governor and his family stayed for several summers. Geographically, Frances is positioned half way between Melbourne and Adelaide, 50km south of Bordertown, 45km north of Naracoorte.   Tourist attractions surrounding Frances are the World Heritage listed Naracoorte Caves (30mins), Padthaway wine district (30mins), Coonawarra wine district (45mins), Little Desert National Park (5mins – four wheel driving, bushwalking, picnics etc) and Mount Arapiles (45mins – one of Australia's best rock climbing areas).

Frances is a thriving rural community. Irrigation plays a large part of the local agriculture industry allowing Frances to produce 80% of the Australian white clover seed production. Lucerne, oilseeds, cereal, legumes, beef, cattle, sheep and wool production are also produced in large amounts in the region. Annually in March, Frances hosts Australia's only participation based Folk Festival attracting 2500 – 3000 people. The ‘Folk Gathering' includes music, dance, poetry and story telling incorporating the Coopers Brewery Australian Folk Music Championships.

Frances township has a hotel / motel offering luxury ensuite units, hotel rooms and backpacker style bunk rooms.   All rooms are fully air conditioned with quality fittings. Frances hotel/motel trades seven days per week with two bars offering a huge selection of local and Australian wines with the Gaming Room featuring eleven of the latest machines. The restaurant highlights local produce, often catering for special occasions (weddings, birthdays, engagements etc) and business conferences.

Frances Hotel / Motel offers a unique experience in country hospitality.

LINKS

Frances Folk Gathering

Naracoorte Hire

Hotel Association S.A.