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The Grand Fidafest Hotel

Rules & Regulations

Welcome to the Homestead. This is a shared space, and we ask all patrons to move through it with care, consideration, and kindness — toward the house, the land, and each other — so that everyone can enjoy a smooth and memorable stay.

General Rules

  • No smoking indoors. Smoking is permitted outdoors only. All cigarette butts must be fully extinguished and placed in the provided sand bucket ashtrays or bins. Do not leave butts on the ground, in gardens, paddocks, or outdoor areas.
  • No glass, smoking, or eating in pool or spa area (plastic cups provided).
  • No outdoor fires.
  • No driving or parking on grass or laneway.
  • No camping or extra guests.
  • No pets.
  • Keep paddocks clear of rubbish, toys, and objects (hazard for maintenance).
  • No access to paddocks or damage to trees/plants.
  • All rubbish must be properly sorted and disposed of.
  • Broken or removed items charged at cost.
  • Please leave the Homestead how you found it.

Power (Off-Grid System)

  • The Homestead runs on solar + battery power.
  • Do not charge electric or hybrid vehicles on-site — this will cause a power outage. EV charging is available in Lorne at the Info Centre.
  • Main power board: outer wall of bunkhouse (near bins). Secondary boards: games room cabinet (pool/spa) and storeroom off kitchen.
  • If power goes out, a circuit may have overloaded (often heaters or dryer). Check and reset circuit breakers after turning off appliances.

Heating

  • Split system heaters are preset to 20°C for energy efficiency (one remote controls both).
  • Fireplaces (3 wood + 1 open fire) available — firewood and matches supplied.
  • Portable electric heaters and gas heater are also provided.
  • Avoid running all electric heaters at once as this may trip power.

Water

  • Rainwater tanks supply the house — please use water mindfully.
  • Ensure taps are fully turned off after use.
  • If no water pressure, the pump may need resetting near the green tanks downhill from the pool room (slippery area).

Waste

  • Please keep rubbish to a minimum — there is no rubbish collection and the host needs to take it to town.
  • Please separate into: FOGO (food/meat), glass, cans/aluminium, clean cardboard, hard plastics, general waste.
  • Place in labelled outdoor bins with lids closed.
  • Fees apply for excess or unseparated waste.

Spa & Pool

  • Spa takes 3–4 hours to heat. Only turn on if you intend to use it.
  • Ensure water level is ~10cm from top before use.
  • Turn spa off after use and overnight to prevent water loss and pump damage.
  • Pool is fully automated — do not adjust settings, timers, or valves.
  • Pool may not heat significantly in winter (solar system).

Spa – Quick How-To Guide

To turn on

  1. Press the heater on/off button.
  2. Press spa pump until "1" shows on the display.
  3. Set your temperature using the up/down arrows (max 40°C).
  4. (Optional) When heated, press blower until "2" shows.

To turn off

Important — always turn the spa off after use.
  1. Press heater on/off.
  2. Press spa pump twice until "T" appears.
  3. Press blower until all symbols disappear.