Penola is the oldest town in the South East of South Australia and has an abundance of exciting attractions to offer the visitor. A Scot, Alexander Cameron, founded the town, while another Scotsman John Riddoch, planted the first vines, laying the rich foundations of Coonawarra’s quality wines.

Mother Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first declared saint together with Father Julian Tenison Woods, founded the religious order of the Sisters of St Joseph in Penola over 125 years ago. World famous poets, Adam Lindsay Gordon, Will Ogilvie and John Shaw Neilson, who were born in Penola found the country side attractive with its native flora and fauna offering a never ending source of inspiration.

Visitors have every opportunity to remember the historical significance of Penola as signposts throughout the town point to the relationship with the past. There is a heritage walk around the town, many art and craft shops, two art galleries, first class restaurants, historical homesteads & cottages and sport & recreation facilities.