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.

Alexander Cameron Suites

Alexander Cameron Suites

4 out of 5
23-25 Church Street, Penola, SA
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! (442 reviews)
"With the wind, the door made a lot of noise. The staff were fantastic and helped out quickly when I locked myself out. The rooms are really clean and well-maintained."

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2025

Alexander Cameron Suites
A Must At Coonawarra

A Must At Coonawarra

3 out of 5
126 Church Street, Penola, SA
The price is ¥19,114 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
¥19,114
¥21,026 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
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! (99 reviews)
"Well equipped apartment in nice safe surroundings."

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2025

A Must At Coonawarra
Coonawarra Motor Lodge

Coonawarra Motor Lodge

3.5 out of 5
114 Church Street, Penola, SA
The price is ¥13,336 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
¥13,336
¥14,670 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
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! (222 reviews)
"This motel is a pleasant and quiet place to stay in the charming town of Penola. It is within easy walking distance to the shops and the numerous historical sites. Although a little dated, our room was spotless, and offered all the amenities required for an overnight stay."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

Coonawarra Motor Lodge
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.

Air's Cottage Penola: Delightful colonial stone cottage, WiFi fire AC Spa BBQ

Air's Cottage Penola: Delightful colonial stone cottage, WiFi fire AC Spa BBQ

Penola
Stay at this cottage in Penola. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Petticoat Lane and Koonara Wines are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
"What a beautiful location… every attention to detail captured. The fire and spa my favourites.My elderly parents and dear dog were all sooo comfortable. Thanks Will definitely recommend to others"

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2025

Air's Cottage Penola: Delightful colonial stone cottage, WiFi fire AC Spa BBQ
Davidson's Cottage Penola: Open fire, AC, Wifi, SMART TV, Garden Pet Friendly

Davidson's Cottage Penola: Open fire, AC, Wifi, SMART TV, Garden Pet Friendly

Penola
Stay at this cottage in Penola. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Petticoat Lane and Koonara Wines are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
Davidson Cottage Penola
"The whole experience was excellent. And my dogs enjoyed it too."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Davidson's Cottage Penola: Open fire, AC, Wifi, SMART TV, Garden Pet Friendly
Pet friendly 4 bedroom property in the heart of Penola.

Pet friendly 4 bedroom property in the heart of Penola.

Penola
Stay at this vacation home in Penola. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Koonara Wines and Petticoat Lane are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (18 reviews)
Excellent
"Perfect location"

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2025

Pet friendly 4 bedroom property in the heart of Penola.
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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