Coonawarra Attractions
Coonawarra Wine Tasting
The main reason most people make the pilgrimage to Coonawarra is to taste World Class wine. Grapes have grown in the district for well over 100 years and Coonawarra wines are recognised amongst the best in Australia. Coonawarra is also quite possibly the friendliest wine region in Australia so be sure to visit as many wineries as possible to experience their genuinely warm hospitality.
Yallum Park    -    (Click here for more information about John Riddoch)
Completed in 1880 Yallum Park is considered one of the best-preserved Victorian homes in the country. All decorations date from 1879. The garden, established in 1880, is planted with trees from all parts of the world. Yallum Park is situated eight kilometres west of Penola on the Millicent Road and was built for one of the great pioneers of the southeast, John Riddoch between 1878-1880. John Riddoch made his early fortune selling supplies to the diggers in the Victorian goldfields. Purchased by the Clifford family in 1914, the homestead is still retained as a private farmhouse and is open for public view by appointment. (Phone 08 8737 2435, Mobile 0409 372 434)
Mary MacKillop Penola Centre
It was here in 1866 that Mary MacKillop, an outstanding young teacher, and Julian Tenison Woods, a priest and brilliant scientist, founded the uniquely Australian Sisters of St Joseph. They provided a free Catholic education, initially for the isolated bush children of Penola. Since then the lives of many throughout Australia and overseas have been enriched and transformed.
Penola Fantasy Model Railway and Rose's Tea Room
Within this village there is a magical & colourful Kingdom called PENOLARAYA. It is Australia’s ONLY large scale ‘FANTASY’ model railway layout, according to the numerous model railway enthusiasts who have visited the Kingdom from around Australia & overseas since its opening on Dec. 5th. 2009