Question 1

What is Penola famous for?

Accepted Answer

Penola is famous for being the heart of the Coonawarra wine region, known for world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. It's also significant as the birthplace of Australia's first saint, Mary MacKillop, and features beautiful heritage architecture and buildings.

Question 2

How do I get to Penola?

Accepted Answer

Penola is located in South Australia's Limestone Coast region, approximately 380km southeast of Adelaide. You can drive via the Dukes Highway (A8) and Riddoch Highway (A66), or fly to Mount Gambier Airport (45 minutes away) and drive from there.

Question 3

What's the best time to visit Penola?

Accepted Answer

Penola is beautiful year-round. Spring (September-November) and Autumn (March-May) offer mild weather perfect for wine tasting and outdoor activities. Summer brings festivals and events, while winter offers cozy cellar door experiences.

Question 4

How long should I stay in Penola?

Accepted Answer

We recommend at least 2-3 days to fully experience Penola and the Coonawarra region. This allows time for wine tasting, heritage walks, dining experiences, and day trips to nearby attractions like the Naracoorte Caves or coastal towns.

Question 5

What types of accommodation are available in Penola?

Accepted Answer

Penola offers diverse accommodation options including boutique B&Bs, self-contained apartments, historic hotels like the Royal Oak, farm stays, caravan parks, and luxury retreats. Options suit all budgets and preferences.

Question 6

Do I need to book accommodation in advance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially during peak seasons (harvest time in March-April, festival periods, and school holidays). We recommend booking at least 2-4 weeks in advance, particularly for weekends and special events.

Question 7

Are there pet-friendly accommodation options?

Accepted Answer

Several accommodations in Penola welcome pets, including some farm stays and self-contained cottages. Always check with the property directly about pet policies and any additional fees.

Question 8

How many wineries can I visit near Penola?

Accepted Answer

There are over 20 cellar doors within a few minutes' drive of Penola. The Coonawarra wine region is compact, making it easy to visit multiple wineries in a day. Popular ones include Wynns, Majella, Bowen Estate, and Hollick.

Question 9

Do I need to book wine tastings?

Accepted Answer

While many cellar doors welcome walk-ins, booking is recommended, especially for groups, weekends, and during busy periods. Some premium experiences and private tastings require advance booking.

Question 10

What dining options are available?

Accepted Answer

Penola offers excellent dining from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. The Royal Oak Hotel provides historic pub meals, while local cafes offer fresh local produce. Many restaurants feature wine pairings with Coonawarra wines.

Question 11

Can I buy wine directly from cellar doors?

Accepted Answer

Most cellar doors offer wine sales with many providing shipping services Australia-wide. Some offer exclusive cellar door-only releases not available elsewhere.

Question 12

What is the Heritage Walk?

Accepted Answer

The Penola Heritage Walk is a self-guided tour featuring over 30 heritage-listed buildings and sites. Pick up a map from the Visitor Information Centre and explore at your own pace, learning about Penola's rich history.

Question 13

Can I visit the Mary MacKillop sites?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Visit the Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre, the original schoolhouse where she taught, and other significant sites. The centre offers guided tours and detailed information about Australia's first saint.

Question 14

What day trips can I take from Penola?

Accepted Answer

Popular day trips include Naracoorte Caves World Heritage Site (30 minutes), coastal towns like Robe and Beachport (1 hour), Bool Lagoon for birdwatching, and Mount Gambier's Blue Lake (45 minutes).

Question 15

Are there activities for families with children?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Families can enjoy the Penola Fantasy Theme Park, heritage walks, playground areas, and many wineries have family-friendly facilities. Several accommodations cater specifically to families.

Question 16

What major events happen in Penola?

Accepted Answer

Major events include the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup (September), Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival (October), Generations in Jazz (November), and Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations (December). Check our events calendar for current dates.

Question 17

How do I find out about upcoming events?

Accepted Answer

Visit our events page, contact the Visitor Information Centre on 8737 2855, or follow our social media channels for the latest event announcements and updates.

Question 18

Where is the Visitor Information Centre?

Accepted Answer

The Penola Coonawarra Visitor Information Centre is located at 27 Arthur Street, Penola. Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, weekends 10am-4pm. Phone: 8737 2855.

Question 19

Is there mobile phone coverage in Penola?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Penola has good mobile phone coverage from major Australian carriers (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone). Some rural areas around wineries may have limited coverage.

Question 20

What services are available in town?

Accepted Answer

Penola has essential services including banks, ATMs, post office, medical services, pharmacy, supermarket, fuel stations, and various shops. The Visitor Centre can provide detailed local service information.

Question 21

Is Penola accessible for people with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Many attractions, accommodations, and restaurants in Penola offer accessibility features. The Visitor Information Centre can provide specific accessibility information for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

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Attractions & Activities

Events & Festivals

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