Penola SA 5277 (Pop 1 850)

Penola is an historic town in the Limestone Coast region of SA near the Victorian border. It sits within the Coonawarra /Penola wine district and is located 383 km s-e of Adelaide. European settlement began gradually from 1840s with the first vineyards and orchards planted in 1890s with much success. Two distinguished poets are associated with the area namely, John Shaw Nelson and Adam Lindsay Gordon. Also greatly associated with Penola is Mother Mary MacKillop, cannonised as a saint in October, 2010. Harvest Festival (Jan), Vigneron Cup (Jan), Lazy Days of Summer (Jan), Petanque Festival (Feb), Penola Coonawarra Festival (May), Cabernet Celebrations (Nov), Roses & Wine (Nov).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Historic Penola (over 30 sites with many in Petticoat Lane) include Sharam Cottage (1850) (Penola’s first house), Ulva Cottage (1850s), old Cobb & Co office (1857), Gammon Cottage (1860s), Wilson Cottage (1860s), Woods-MacKillop Schoolhouse (1867), old Mechanics Institute (1869), Church of St Mary the Virgin (1873), Royal Oak Hotel (1873).

Nearby:
Penola Conservation Park (10 km west) a scenic wetland and woodland area. Coonawarra Wine Region comprises over 20 excellent district wineries. National Trust McAdam Slab Hut (north) (1850s). David Abbey’s Folly (east) a modern mix of church, mausoleum and brickwork.

Accommodation:
Penola has a motel, a hotel-motel, a hotel and many holiday cottages/apartments/cabins. Visitor Information Centre: 27 Arthur St. Tel (08) 8737 2855.

Airport:
Mount Gambier Airport (MGB), off Riddoch Hwy. Tel (08) 8725 1112. (42 km south).

Hospital:
Penola War Memorial Hospital, 18 Church St. Tel (08) 8737 2311.