Penola

Travel Guide

Penola
Penola
Penola
Penola
Penola

Discover a town in South Australia that is lined with historic buildings and surrounded by lush vineyards and tranquil gardens.

The town of Penola offers visitors a trip with historical sightseeing, peaceful countryside escapes and quality food and drink. The town center is lined with beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, while the outskirts are covered with storied estates and celebrated vineyards. Stay in old-world cottages and spend your days immersed in the history and community of this laid-back South Australian getaway.

Drive into Penola and you will see a sign by the road telling you that the town was founded in 1850. The date refers to the establishment of the first pub in the district, the Royal Oak, built by Alexander Cameron, the “King of Penola.” The town subsequently boomed with a gold rush to the region.

Learn more about the history of the town in the John Riddoch Interpretive Centre, which follows the story of the region. The center is housed in the Old Mechanics Institute, which was built in 1869. Wander around the town to see other 19th-century buildings, such as the charming Church of St. Mary the Virgin and the Balnaves Store.

Discover the story of Australia’s first saint in the Mary MacKillop Penola Centre. MacKillop, the niece of Alexander Cameron, spent several years in Penola. She founded the Sisters of St. Joseph, an organization that still cares for the poor to this day.

Head west of Penola to visit Yallum Park, a historic homestead surrounded by lush gardens. Follow in the footsteps of the novelist Anthony Trollope, who once stayed here, or stroll around the arboretum and mansion on a guided tour.

Penola is surrounded by award-winning vineyards, which are open to the public daily. Sample the rich produce of wineries such as Majella Wines and Katnook EstateOpens in a new window, where you can enjoy a tasting session led by viticulture experts.

The city of Mount GambierOpens in a new window is about 40 minutes away from Penola by car, while bus services run between the two destinations. Visit Penola in the dry seasons between April and May or July and September for the coolest days. Stop by the Penola Coonawarra Visitor Information Centre for tips on visiting the wineries and estates in the surrounding region.

Coonawarra Motor Lodge
Coonawarra Motor Lodge
3.5 out of 5
114 Church Street, Penola, SA
The price is S$125 per night from 12 Jun to 13 Jun
S$125
12 Jun - 13 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Penola. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Koonara Wines and Petticoat Lane are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (215 reviews)
"Very clean room. Large shower. Electric blankets. Walking distance to town where there are nice hotels and many cafes and shops. Petticoat Lane is somewhere special to visit too. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 9 May, 2025

Coonawarra Motor Lodge
Alexander Cameron Suites
Alexander Cameron Suites
4 out of 5
23-25 Church Street, Penola, SA
The price is S$147 per night from 18 Jun to 19 Jun
S$147
18 Jun - 19 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly motel in Penola. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (441 reviews)
"The room was very clean, spacious, and the staff were super friendly, and even help us with planning our visit to the region. Well done"

Reviewed on 16 May, 2025

Alexander Cameron Suites
A Must At Coonawarra
A Must At Coonawarra
3 out of 5
126 Church Street, Penola, SA
The price is S$181 per night from 12 Jun to 13 Jun
S$181
12 Jun - 13 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Penola. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Parker Coonawarra Estate and Koonara ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (98 reviews)
"It was great."

Reviewed on 8 May, 2025

A Must At Coonawarra
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Rubys Cottage
Rubys Cottage
3.5 out of 5
39 Clarke Street, Penola, SA
Stay at this 3.5-star spa cottage in Penola. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Koonara Wines and Petticoat Lane are ...
"This was an extremely disappointing property. It was rundown, outdated, (unnecessary clutter everywhere), unclean and in poor condition, inside and out. The cleanliness of the kitchen, with musty cupboards, dirty dishcloths, unclean cutlery and filthy fridge and BBQ was a disgrace. The precarious ..."

Reviewed on 17 Mar, 2020

Rubys Cottage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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