Penola Conservation Park

The Penola Conservation Park protects the remnant of River Red Gum Line Swamps which used to be widespread in the southeast of South Australia.

The Penola Conservation Park is home to open heaths and stringy bark woodlands, as well as numerous native animals and water birds.

The Park is just 10 kilometres away from Penola and entry to the park is free. There is a car parking facility too. The park is famous for its bushwalking trails. The signboards along the way will explain the features of the trails and one of the most popular trails is an easy walk of 2.5 kilometres and takes one hour to complete.

Native vegetation is widespread throughout the park and the wetlands and flats support the red river gums. Various water ribbons and marsh flowers can also be found in the swamps. The park hosts masses of orchids and these can be seen while walking the trails. Various endangered bird species can also be found in the park and water birds such as ibis, herons and swamp hens are attracted by the swamplands. Kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas can often be seen and bats and sugar gliders are most active at night.

The park is open all year round and you will get different experiences in different seasons. Windflowers and honeyeaters can be seen feeding amongst blossoms in the spring. You will also find echidnas searching for ants under the shrubs. Autumn is the season to see various small seasonal plants and parrots. Much of the park is underwater during the winter months, thus making this a good season to see frogs and water birds. Visit the Penola Conservation Park in the season of your choice to fully enjoy your stay here.