James and Elizabeth Wood migrated from South Africa in 1984, with their three children, son Duncan and daughters Fiona and Elizabeth. They brought with them ‘millions’ of carefully selected protea seeds, 25 years of experience in the floriculture industry in South Africa and a commitment to successfully grow protea cut flowers for export.As South African migrants in the 80’s they started from scratch with a large mortgage to buy the farm, plant the seeds, establish the plantations, slowly build the infrastructure and grow the business was at times challenging, hard and tedious. Having to wait three years for a crop meant working in the confines of a very tight budget. It was the family’s sheer determination, hard work and will power to succeed that made it all possible.They called their farm of 168 acres and business "Protea Pride" and consider themselves privileged to be accepted as Australian citizens.Hippo Lakes was born out of a dream, 28 years ago to provide a space for families and their friends to get together, interact or share, whatever the occasion. For those seeking some peace, tranquillity or leisurely walks, there are beautiful gardens, mature trees for shade, numerous benches for visitors to rest and watch the bird life as the sunlight dances on the serene waters of the lake.Sometimes dreams do come true