Penola, a medium sized town, is located in the south-east of South Australia lies on the Riddoch Highway between Naracoorte and Mt Gambier and is one of the state's oldest towns. The town was settled in the 1840's after a series of sheep runs were established in the area. In the 1860's John Riddoch purchased Yallum Park, one of the earlier stations and by the 1890's had established a significant plantation of vineyards. Upon subdividing part of the original holding, further growth in the wine and vineyard industry occurred giving rise to the Coonawarra region. The name originates from the rich red soils that support the plantations and is now a key part of the region's tourism industry with wine tasting and tours available for much of the area to the north of Penola.
The 1860's was also significant in the region for the arrival of Mary McKillop, Australia's first saint, started her teaching career in Penola and later established a series of schools across the country and in New Zealand.
Penola is nowadays the service centre of the afore-mentioned wine production region of nearby Coonawarra and the surrounding pastoral & forestry industries. The town has significant character with a series of restored heritage buildings from the mid 1800's still standing, although retains a quiet atmosphere with the nearby centres of Naracoorte and Mt Gambier primarily having the region's commercial activity.

Population: 1,400
State: South Australia
Name Origin: Of Aboriginal origin meaning "big swamp"
Pronunciation: Pe-nol-la
Postcode: 5277
Local Government: Wattle Range Council
Location: 392km south-east of Adelaide
Main Roads: Riddoch Highway
Main Watercourses: None
Radio Stations (Music): Star FM (96.1), Triple J (102.5)

Photos from Penola (Click on thumbnail for full sized image):
 

	Church Street (Riddoch Hwy), looking south outside the hospital, Penola (2006).
	Church Street, looking north from Young St, Penola (2006).
	Church Street, looking south as it approaches Young St, Penola (2006).
	And again, this time looking south-west from Young St, Penola (2006).
	Memorial Gardens, looking north, Penola (2006).
	Memorial Gardens, looking south towards Arthur St, Penola (2006).
	Arthur Street, looking east from Church St, Penola (2006).
	Looking south along the Riddoch Hwy with vineyards being the prominent land use as it approaches Penola, Coonawarra (2006).