ATTRACTIONS

Walk with History ~ Cycle Trials ~ Parks, gardens etc. ~ Wineries ~ Retail

Penola - Coonawarra Visitor Centre
27 Arthur Street, Penola 5277

The visitor centre has information on - wineries; restaurants; history walks; accommodation; Art Galleries and also tourist information pamphlets on the Limestone Coast Region. They also book tours for Yallum Park.
The contact for this centre is - Phone: 08-87 372855, Fax: 08 - 87 372251
e-mail raelene.sharam@wattlerange.sa.gov.au

WALK WITH HISTORY:

The first settlers of Penola were nomadic aboriginal people, the Boandik tribe. They wandered and hunted for as long as 700 years around this area. In 1844 Alexander Cameron (King Cameron) was a pioneer pastoralist. He founded the town in 1850 as a private venture, had it surveyed, built its first shacks and shelter, and owned the hotel. For the next 40 years John Riddoch was a pastoralist. He planted the first vines and laid the rich foundation of Coonawarra vineyards.

The history walk takes you back through the ages to the following sites -

• John Riddoch District Interpretive Centre - formerly the Penola Mechanics and
  Public library built in 1869
• Bond Store - Built adjacent to Ulva Cottage to hold Penola's liquor supplies
• Ulva Cottage - Built by Alexander Cameron for his daughter Margaret in 1863
• Penola Park - this was established in 1935 and was the first livestock saleyard
• Mother Mary MacKillop Memorial Park - the site of the first school in 1866
• Saint Mary's Anglican Church - built in 1873
• D. J. Lynn & Co. The store was built in the 1850s and was called the South Australian Store.
• Log Cabin Hotel - licensed in 1860
• Local Images Art Gallery - first used as Thomas Oswald's Saddlers shop.
• Lynn's market Place - Christopher Sharam, the first resident of the town in 1850, conducted his bootmaking business there in Petticoat Lane.
• Balnaves Store - This building was built as a shop by Simon McKenzie and was purchased by the Balnaves family in the 1890s.
• Penola District Council Chambers - the original office was replaced by the present building in 1963.
• Royal Oak Hotel - Licensed in 1848, the current building replaced an early slab hut.
• Stonehouse - built in 1886 as the Bank of South Australia, which failed in the 1890's depression.
• National Australia Bank - the building has been used continuously since 1868.
• Old Post Office Resident - constructed in 1857 and used continuously until the new post office built in 1960.
• Caledonian Hall (Now Pipers of Penola Restaurant). This building was constructed as a Methodist Church in 1908. Following construction of the new Methodist Church the property was sold to Penola RSL, the Penola Caledonian Society and is now a restaurant.
• Timber House - built around the turn of the century by Ralph Howard.
• Cobb & Co Booking Office - reputedly used by Cobb & Co and in 1889 it became a Cheese and Butter Factory.
• Stone House - Old Hospital - Parts of the house built in earlier years became the home of Donald McDonald, licensee of the Royal Oak Hotel in 1864 until 1880. During the 1930s it became a private hospital owned and operated by Matron Margaret McKay, a descendant of Alexander Cameron. A new hospital was completed in 1955 and the building became a private residence.
• Saint Joseph's Catholic Church - the first church was built in 1859.
• Woods-MacKillop Schoolhouse - first used in 1867.
• Petticoat Lane Heritage Area - original cottages dating back to 1850.
• Gammon Cottage - built in early 1860s. The Gammons had seven children.The detached kitchen was a common feature of buildings of those times.
• Wilson Cottage - home of William Wilson - nursery man.
• Kirkgate - site of the former home of William Neilson.
• Old Rectory - built by the Davidson family in the 1860s. Leased for the use of Church of England Rectors in 1889.
• Sharam's Cottage - Christopher and Ellen Sharam's house built in 1850.
• Stone Cottage - built in the 1860's.
• Timber Cottage - constructed in the 1860's.
• Former Temperance Hall Site - tenders were called for the construction of this hall in 1864 - the building was used for a wide variety of community purposes and demolished in the 1960s.
• Presbyterian Church - built as a Forester's Hall in 1873.
• Peake's Folly - the old Penola Railway station from 1909-1959. It replaced a smaller weatherboard structure on the same site built when the line was opened in 1888.

Limestone Coast Food Groups Sunday Farmers' Markets - undercover at the Penola Racecourse. 19th May 2002; 6th October 2002; 8th December 2002; 9th March 2003. Phone (08) 87 372855. Times for the market are 10.00am - 2.00pm
The first market will be held on 19th May. The market was launched as part of the Penola Festival/Coonawarra Unearthed celebrations; but will be conducted seasonally throughout the year.Their main emphasis is to help local producers and processors to sell their goods direct to the public, near their source of origin, creating benefits top them, the environment and the local community. The consumer is likely to find a delicious selection of vegetables, fruit, meat, eggs, bread and cakes, jams, fruit juices and dairy produce and smallgoods.
The market experience will provide growers with the opportunity to network and develop their marketing skills, and, through direct6 contact with their customers, gain greater knowledge of customer requirements.

Yallum Park - a Victorian mansion was built by John Riddoch in the 1880s. It was purchased by the Clifford family in 1910. The building still has original wallpapers and furniture and is open to the public by appointment at the Tourist Information Centre. John Riddochs other claims to fame in our area is the Coonawarra Fruit Colony. He recognized the abundance of under ground water, Mediterranean type climate and Terra Rossa soil all combined to provide excellent fruit growing conditions.
Two thousand acres of Yallum Estate were surveyed and cut into blocks of 10 to 30 acres. Blockers were charged 10 pounds an acre and were given 10 years to pay at 5% interest. Riddoch planted about 250 acres of his own with both vines and fruit trees.
In 1891 Riddoch commenced building his own cellars. Today these are a landmark known to us all as Wynn's Coonawarra Estate.

It wasn't until the mid 60s that other companies like Penfolds, Mildara and Rouge Homme recognized Riddochs acumen. This gave new confidence to small growers and from 200 hectares of vines in 1964 Coonawarra has grown to 4,450 hectares in 1999. When Owen Redman opened his new winery in 1969 his was the first Cellar Door in Coonawarra there are now 21 with more on the drawing board.
Penola is centrally situated - being 50km from Mt Gambier, Naracoorte and Millicent and only 61kms from Casterton, making it an ideal destination for visitors who wish to explore and discover the many diverse attractions our region has to offer.

Nangwarry Forestry & Logging Museum - Forestry through the Ages.
The museum features the following -
* Drag saw, Swing Saw, 2 Man Chainsaw
* Replica of Single Mans Quarters
* Chainsaw Display
* Milling - photo display
* Plantation - photo display
* Haulage - photo display
* Planter, Seed Separator
* Restored Bedford Fire Truck
* Restored International Crane Truck
* Fire Display
* Wheelchair access / facilities available
* Welcomed advance bookings for schools/coach tours
Inquiries can be directed to Beryl/Laurie: 08 - 87-397321

Penola Conservation Park - This park protects a remnant of river red gum lined swamps that were widespread in the South East of South Australia. The Park is located 10 kilometres west of Penola and has a variety of plant associations and bird habitats, with 370 plant species and 97 bird species. The Park has two rustic picnic tables formed from giant river red gums. The 2.5 kilometre trail takes you through several different plant associations and over the swamp across a boardwalk. Interpretive signs explain some of the features along the walk. For further information contact - National Parks & Wildlife SA - Phone - 08-87 351111

PENOLA CYCLE TRIALS:

There are a number of interesting rides around the Penola District - outlined below are some of them:

Heritage Ride - Visit 28 sites in Penola including historic buildings and places associated with Mother Mary MacKillop. Start at the John Riddoch Interpretive Centre. A family ride following quiet local streets, which the children will enjoy whilst learning about the history of Penola.
Penola Short Ride - A taste of what Penola has to offer. Ride past red gum country, the famous vineyards and heritage buildings using quiet back roads (sealed and unsealed).
The Shiraz Ride - A chance to see the famous Coonawarra Wine Region. Cycle along unsealed back roads - take a photo of the Coonawarra Railway Station.
Conservation Park Ride - The park offers visitors a chance to see a variety of wildlife and flora in its natural surroundings.
Red Gum & Winery Ride - See the amazing landscape of Penola on a bike.
From the beautiful red gums to the vineyards of the famous Coonawarra wine region. Stop by at the various wineries for tasting.
Yallum Park Ride - Yallum Park is a magnificent two storey homestead built by John Riddoch in 1880. It is said to be one of the best-preserved homes in Australia. Conducted tours are available by prior arrangement. Pick up a picnic hamper before setting out
Kalangadoo & Nangwarry Ride - A scenic ride of 60 kms return -the route partly uses the main road to Millicent and t6o Mt Gambier so expect high speed traffic and large semi trailers. Stop for refreshments at Kalangadoo or Nangwarry before heading back to Penola.
Bool Lagoon Ride - The most challenging of the rides from Penola. Bool Lagoon is one of the most exciting and diverse wetlands in Australia. But be prepared for the ride to Bool Lagoon as the distance is long and sheltered stops are generally not available.

PARKS, GARDENS AND PICNIC AREAS:

PENOLA WAR MEMORIAL PARK
Located in Church Street, the park is a popular lunch spot for townspeople and visitors. Tourist information map, BBQ facilities, playgrounds and public toilets.

CAMERON PARK
This park is in Neilson Street (off Davis Crescent) commemorates the founder of the town and has playground facilities.

THE ROSE GARDEN
Adjacent to the hospital at the southern entrance to the town, are known and admired throughout the region.

GREENRISE LAKE AND RECREATION GROUND
A 14.5ha lake surrounded by Red Gum country is 1km south of Penola. Fishing, boating and BBQ facilities in a picturesque setting makes this a pleasure to visit.

PENOLA CONSERVATION PARK
10km west of Penola off the Robe Road, vehicle access to the picnic area only. A sign posted walk guides visitors further into the park.

MARY MACKILLOP PARK
On the corner of Bowden and Queen Street is the site of the stable where Mary MacKillop began teaching in Penola in 1866.

THE COONAWARRA PARK
The Coonawarra Centenary Sculpture situated on Memorial Drive in the town's park commemorates the beginning of the fruit colony. BBQ facilities, tables and seating and public toilets are all in this park.

WINERIES AND CELLAR DOOR SALES OF THE COONAWARRA:

RETAIL IN PENOLA:

Members of PDBATA -