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Mount Gambier Town – Penola

Penola is best known for being the gateway to the iconic Coonawarra Wine Region. If you love wine, you’ll have a great time exploring the many vineyards in and around the area.

There are also several quaint attractions that make it the ideal relaxing weekend getaway.

Penola Attractions, Things To Do & See, Tourist Spots, Places to Visit, SA




The historic area of Petticoat Lane will take you back in time with its old streets and interesting backstories. It’s named so because there was a time when residents used to always hang their petticoats outside. But today, visitors will be treated to the charming stone cottages rich in vintage feels. Stop by the Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre while you’re here and learn about the history of Penola, and how the Catholic Church helped shape what it is today.

When it comes to wines, there are lots to choose from. Koonara Wines is one of the top Penola attractions; a famous wine producer in South Australia. They are renowned for their traditional methods of winemaking and intense wine flavours. Some of the best varieties to try at Koonara Wines includes the Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties, as well as their special aged wines.

Bowen Estate is another must-visit for wine lovers. It is one of the town’s oldest and most established wineries, which is why you should include it in your itinerary of Penola attractions. They produce an extensive range of world-class oak-aged, classic, and fruity wines. There are other excellent wineries around town, be sure to check out Raidis Estate and Banks Thargo Wines, among others while you’re here.

The Yallum Park Homestead is a historic Victorian mansion originally constructed for John Riddoch during the late 1800s. As one of the best-preserved old houses of Australia, visitors will be delighted with all the vintage finds here; including a collection of William Morris wallpapers. The stunning gardens are worthy of a stroll too.

Penola attractions are perfect for exploring over a few days, especially if you are looking for some laid-back relaxation.



Petticoat Lane

Petticoat Lane

Penola, SA

Listed as one of South Australia’s State Heritage Sites, Petticoat Lane in Penola attracts tourists from all over the world all year round. This Lane is among the oldest streets, and as such, visitors should...

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Koonara Wines

Koonara Wines

Penola, SA

Koonara Wines is a popular wine producer in Coonawarra and South Australia. This winery uses their own farm-grown grapes to create authentic hand-crafted wines. Koonara Wines always emphasise their traditional hand...

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Yallum Park Homestead

Yallum Park Homestead

Penola, SA

Yallum Park Homestead is a large Victorian Mansion that was built for John Riddoch between 1878-1880 and is one of the best-preserved historic houses in Australia. The mansion is open for visitors who can view the...

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Bowen Estate

Bowen Estate

Penola, SA

Bowen Estate is a classic winery in South Australia’s Coonawarra wine region. This family-owned winery was started by Doug and Joy Bowen approximately 40 years ago and today is run by the Bowen family’s...

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Raidis Estate

Raidis Estate

Penola, SA

Raidis Estate is a Penola-based winery, close to Coonawarra’s world-famous wine region. Raidis Estate is a large vineyard and winery that has two separate vineyards, both vineyards in the Coonawarra wine region...

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Leconfield Coonawarra

Leconfield Coonawarra

Penola, SA

Leconfield is a beautiful winery, run and operated by Dr. Richard Hamilton and his family in Coonawarra, South Australia. Leconfield Coonawarra produces many delicious wines, each boasting an intense aroma, rich flavour...

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Mary Mackillop Penola Centre

Mary MacKillop Penola Centre

Penola, SA

The Mary MacKillop Penola centre is an interpretative centre with numerous exhibitions about Mary MacKillop. Mary MacKillop was canonised in Rome on the 17th of October 2010. Subsequently, she became Saint Mary of...

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Penola Racecourse

Penola Racecourse

Penola, SA

Penola Racecourse is the oldest horse racing club in the region and carries a certain old-world charm that is not found in many other Australian racecourses. Found on the Riddoch Highway, Penola, the racecourse was...

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Banks Thargo Wines

Banks Thargo Wines

Penola, SA

Banks Thargo Wines is located in the Coonawarra region, towards the north-eastern border of Penola and has serviced South Australia for more than two decades. The Banks Thargo family established this beautiful winery...

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Penola Conservation Park

Penola Conservation Park

Penola, SA

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...

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Penola Coonawarra Visitor Information Centre

Penola Coonawarra Visitor Information Centre

Penola, SA

The Penola Coonawarra Visitor Information Centre is a fully accredited centre which provides up to date information, maps and brochures. This centre is located at the John Riddoch Centre, which was a former Mechanical...

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The Blok Coonawarra

The Blok Coonawarra

Penola, SA

The Blok Coonawarra is a beautiful and quaint winery, with many visitors often coming here for a cellar door wine tasting tour. In summer, the estate’s manicured garden turns verdant with lush foliage and wild...

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The John Riddoch Centre

The John Riddoch Centre

Penola, SA

The John Riddoch Centre is located at the original Penola Institute. The centre is a good place to learn a great deal about the local history of the Limestone Coast region. The John Riddoch Centre incorporates the...

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