DESTINATION: Penola

The oldest town in the south-east, Penola was founded as a travellers' stopover by Alexander Cameron in 1850. Today it is a service town for the local pastoral and forestry industries and also for the growing number of vineyards at nearby Coonawarra. Penola is a destination for lovers of Australian history, with well-preserved and restored colonial buildings. The word 'Penola' is derived from the Aboriginal word 'penaoorla', meaning 'big swamp'. The history of wine in the area goes back to Penola pastoralist John Riddoch and his Coonawarra Fruit Colony establishment of 1890.

Main Attractions

Australia's already beatified and likely first saint, Mary MacKillop, started her teaching career in Penola, educating the children of settlers regardless of their financial or social position. Memorabilia relating to her can be seen in the Mary MacKillop Interpretative Centre and in the Woods MacKillop Schoolhouse, both on the corner of Petticoat La and Portland St. The Penola Heritage Walk begins at the information centre and is a sign-posted trail that passes 33 heritage sites.

Most popular photos

by wrtourism

Nearby attractions

Worth a visit is Yallum Park, John Riddoch's house built between 1878 and 1880, which is privately owned. Inspection times are available from the visitor information centre. Penola CP, 10km west, has a woodland and wetland walk. The Coonawarra district lies a few kilometres north of Penola and visitors can taste and buy premium red and white table wines at more than 20 cellar door outlets.

latest stories

No items changed yet.

Region: Limestone Coast

The Coonawarra paddle steamer, Murray River

by admin

The Limestone Coast, in the south-east corner of South Australia, is rich in natural attractions, with an arc of beaches and lobster-fishing ports stretching along the coastline to the Victorian border. The SA region, which centres on Mount Gambier has main attractions including: Blue Lake, Bool Lagoon, Bordertown, Cape Jaffa Lighthouse, Canunda National Park, Coonawarra Wineries, Crater Lakes, Kingston SE, Millicent, Naracoorte Caves, Padthaway, Penola, Pool of Siloam, Robe and Tantanoola Caves. There is no shortage of accommodation and attractions for travellers to the area. more

Local Weather

Tourist info

27 Arthur St, Ph: (08) 8737 2855

Local Videos

editors picks