Penola

Penola is a charming historic town in South Australia's Coonawarra wine region, renowned for its rich heritage, cellar doors, and as the birthplace of Mary MacKillop, Australia's first saint. With its limestone cottages and tree-lined streets, it's a perfect stop for wine lovers and history buffs exploring the Limestone Coast.

Highlights & What to See

• Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre – Learn about Australia's first saint at this engaging museum housed in the original school building.
• Yalumba Ancient Vineyard – Visit one of the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in the world, with vines planted in the 1890s.
• Coonawarra Wine Tasting Trail – Sample world-class cabernet sauvignon and shiraz at cellar doors like Wynns, Penley Estate, and Rymill Coonawarra.
• Penola Heritage Walk – Stroll past historic sandstone buildings, including the Petticoat Lane precinct and St. Joseph's Church.
• Coonawarra Cheese Factory – Taste artisan cheeses paired with local wines at this family-run dairy.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least a full day to explore Penola and its surrounds. Start with the Mary MacKillop Centre in the morning, then spend the afternoon visiting three or four cellar doors along the Riddoch Highway. If you're keen on hiking, add a half-day for a walk through the nearby Penola Conservation Park. Two days allow you to explore the entire Coonawarra region at a relaxed pace.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coonawarra – The wine region itself, with dozens of cellar doors and vineyards just minutes south.
• Mount Gambier – 45 minutes south, famous for the Blue Lake, Umpherston Sinkhole, and volcanic crater walks.
• Naracoorte Caves National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage site with fossil displays and guided cave tours, about 45 minutes north.
• Robe – A coastal town with beautiful beaches and a historic port, 1.5 hours west via the Coorong.
• Padthaway – Another wine region with cellar doors and a golf course, 30 minutes north.

Please check official sources for current details.