PENOLA - SOUTH AUSTRALIA - 5277
Population: 1,250,  
Height above sea level: 73m
Latitude: 37.22.54
Longitude: 140.50.17
Location:  400km south east of Adelaide
Highway: Riddoch Way 
Nearest Major Town: Mount Gambier
Nearest Airport: Mt Gambier
Touring Area: Limestone Coast - Coonawarra


50km. north of Mount Gambier is the oldest town in the south-east and the visitor interested in heritage will be delighted by the many original cottages (1850s) which can be seen.
Yallum Park mansion, west of Penola, was built in 1880 by pioneer settler John Riddoch, who is remembered in many ways in Penola and the Highway between Mt Gambier and Keith now bears his name.
Petticoat Lane and Wilson St. contain many old buildings and a visit to the interpretive Centre will give an insight into the history of the town. The Information Centre in Arthur St, has pamphlets and brochures to ensure you get the most out of your visit
In recent times the town has gained international recognition as the workplace and one-time home of Mother Mary MacKillop, beatified by the Pope in January 1995 and now sanctified as Australia's first saint. Mother Mary founded the Sisters of St. Joseph here in the 1860's and the order is now spread throughout the world. There are many buildings and places where she worked and lived still existing around the town and brochures on her life and work are available.

PLACES OF INTEREST:
  • Coonawarra Wineries
  • John Riddoch District Interpretive Centre: Ph: 08 8737 2855
  • Penola Heritage Walk: 08 8737 2855
  • Petticoat Lane: Restored heritage buildings
  • Woods/ MacKillop Schoolhouse: Ph 08 8737 2248
  • Yallum Park Mansion: 08 8737 2435
    ACCOMMODATION & SERVICES:

    Category: 


    INFORMATION CENTRE:
    Penola Coonawarra Visitor Information Centre
    John Riddoch Centre, 27 Arthur St. Penola SA 5277
    Ph: 08 8737 2855.

    HOW TO GET THERE:
    By car along the Riddoch Hwy. Off the Dukes Hwy at Keith or Princes Hwy at Mt Gambier or Millicent.
  • Regional airport at Mount Gambier
  • Coach or Rail


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    © Copyright Peter W. Wilkins