Food scene
A true great old country pub. Not so much a gastropub but a great mix of pub classics; schnitzel, steak or burger with some delicious alternatives that change with the seasons. Local beer and cider on tap as well as the mainstream brews. Lots of local and further afield wines and a very impressive gin collection also from near and far.
Royal Oak Hotel Penola
31 Church StA true great old country pub. Not so much a gastropub but a great mix of pub classics; schnitzel, steak or burger with some delicious alternatives that change with the seasons. Local beer and cider on tap as well as the mainstream brews. Lots of local and further afield wines and a very impressive gin collection also from near and far.
‘Pipers of Penola’ situated on the doorstep of Coonawarra is an upmarket and contemporary restaurant and conference venue. Pipers offer an à la carte restaurant menu with an emphasis on regional produce. Chef Simon and Erika Bowen invite you to enjoy yourself at 'Pipers of Penola'.
14 locals recommend
Pipers of Penola
58 Riddoch St‘Pipers of Penola’ situated on the doorstep of Coonawarra is an upmarket and contemporary restaurant and conference venue. Pipers offer an à la carte restaurant menu with an emphasis on regional produce. Chef Simon and Erika Bowen invite you to enjoy yourself at 'Pipers of Penola'.
Close to The Winemaker's House Upstairs at Hollicks has delicious food in a modern setting.
10 locals recommend
Hollick Estates
11 Racecourse RdClose to The Winemaker's House Upstairs at Hollicks has delicious food in a modern setting.
A great place to have lunch when you are touring the wineries. Their sourdough is amazing!
Ottelia + Fodder
5 Memorial DrA great place to have lunch when you are touring the wineries. Their sourdough is amazing!
Shopping
MOSS AND WILD
45A Church StA beautiful interiors, fashion and lifestyle store in Penola. Worth a look.
Sightseeing
Best described by The Naracoorte Caves people themselves;
About Naracoorte Caves
The Naracoorte Caves are part of the 800,000-year-old Naracoorte East Range. They are World Heritage-listed, and one of the world’s most important fossil sites.
For half a million years the caves acted as pitfall traps and predator dens. Animals would fall in through a hole in the ground and not be able to escape. Bones collected – layer upon layer, year after year – creating a rich fossil record of the ancient animals that roamed the area. The fossil record covers several ice ages and the arrival of humans in the area.
Palaeontologists have excavated and dated many of the fossils in Naracoorte Caves. They have reconstructed the skeletons of many of the megafauna that lived so many years ago.
Of the 28 known caves in the park, four are open to the public. Other caves are set aside for scientific research or to protect the caves and their contents. Many of the caves contain spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.
With the caves staying at a constant 17 degrees centigrade, Naracoorte Caves is a destination for all seasons. We offer self-guided, guided and adventure caving tours year-round.
23 locals recommend
Naracoorte Caves National Park
Best described by The Naracoorte Caves people themselves;
About Naracoorte Caves
The Naracoorte Caves are part of the 800,000-year-old Naracoorte East Range. They are World Heritage-listed, and one of the world’s most important fossil sites.
For half a million years the caves acted as pitfall traps and predator dens. Animals would fall in through a hole in the ground and not be able to escape. Bones collected – layer upon layer, year after year – creating a rich fossil record of the ancient animals that roamed the area. The fossil record covers several ice ages and the arrival of humans in the area.
Palaeontologists have excavated and dated many of the fossils in Naracoorte Caves. They have reconstructed the skeletons of many of the megafauna that lived so many years ago.
Of the 28 known caves in the park, four are open to the public. Other caves are set aside for scientific research or to protect the caves and their contents. Many of the caves contain spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.
With the caves staying at a constant 17 degrees centigrade, Naracoorte Caves is a destination for all seasons. We offer self-guided, guided and adventure caving tours year-round.
Traveler advice
Getting around
When you are tired of walking...
The Winemaker's House is walking distance to some fantastic wineries at the southern end of Coonawarra but getting to the wineries at the northern end is really something that needs to happen by car. Sure you can bring along a designated driver but when no one wants that job we can highly recommend our friends at Coonawarra Experiences. They can tailor a tour for you that will include some special access tastings as well as pick you up at your doorstep. With a half-day or full-day tour, you can choose your own adventure or sit back and let Simon and Kerry make all the plans. Give them a call on 0404092611 or 0405733477.