Penola Travel Guide

Tourist 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
The price is AU$185 per night from 20 July to 21 July
AU$185
20 July - 21 July
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
Coonawarra Motor Lodge

Coonawarra Motor Lodge

3.5 out of 5
114 Church Street, Penola, SA
The price is AU$146 per night from 29 July to 30 July
AU$146
29 July - 30 July
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! (216 reviews)
"The room and utensils were nice and clean. The host was very friendly. It was 500 or so meters from the centre of Penola and there was good off street parking (free). We would stay again."

Reviewed on 25 Jun. 2025

Coonawarra Motor Lodge
A Must At Coonawarra

A Must At Coonawarra

3 out of 5
126 Church Street, Penola, SA
The price is AU$215 per night from 19 July to 20 July
AU$215
19 July - 20 July
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.

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.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
"Lovely relaxing stay. Very welcoming, comfortable and cosy. Walking distance from the Main Street and Pipers restaurant. Highly recommended."

Reviewed on 15 Jun. 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.
10/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"Cozy, comfortable and relaxing"

Reviewed on 10 Jun. 2025

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

Sarah's Cottage Penola: Charming colonial stone cottage, WiFi AC Fire Spa BBQ

Penola
Stay at this cottage in Penola. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Koonara Wines and Petticoat Lane are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
VERY PLEASANT STAY
"AS DESCRIBED, PERFECTLY COMFORTABLE"

Reviewed on 26 May 2025

Sarah's Cottage Penola: Charming colonial stone cottage, WiFi AC Fire Spa BBQ
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Penola

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
12
5 - Excellent 55%
4 - Good
8
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

julie

A nice relaxing enviroment that is why Penola was chosen

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Penola is a lovely little town, very friendly with great shopping and close to the Coonawarra wine district. A must-see destination.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Vusit the cute little kalangadio market on saturdays

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A lovely little town

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Ate twice at the older style white pub, it was SO good! I work in hospitality and never thought I’d get such delicious meals as I did at a pub in a small country town, hence us going back the second night. Wish my local was half as good. Fish tacos!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved it and will be returning