OPERATORS of the Penola Fantasy Theme Park, Model Railway and Tea Room have celebrated eight years of attracting visitors to the unique tourist destination.
Turning eight on December 5, creator Graham Russell said he was proud of what the fantasy model railway had developed into.
“No one has seen this fantasy-based theme combination which incorporates Merlin the Wizard, Dracula, rock stars, gnomes and dinosaurs, ” Mr Russell said.
New works to be added to the fantasy creation include robots, which will offer a futuristic element.
In addition to the fantasy kingdom titled “Penolaraya”, the tearoom is run by Mr Russell’s partner Rose Zemlany offering baked scones, Devonshire tea and coffee.
While reflecting on the eight years, Mr Russell said time had passed quickly, with visitors from every continent, including Antarctica, coming to see all the attraction had to offer.
To assist visiting children, they are given a clue-based detective sheet to complete and in the future an adult detective sheet may be introduced.
“I have had some requests from adult visitors to also take part in a detective course,” Mr Russell said.
“People of all ages are able to enjoy the model railway and we gain much enjoyment out of talking to a wide range of people.”
Mr Russell said there was something at the theme park for everyone to enjoy, which he was conscious of when designing the fantasy railway.
“I fell into fantasy art while studying in Year 10 and following this I went on to become an art and design teacher later in life,” he said.
“I have a love for surrealistic art and for me the trains are second to my fantasy theme.”
Mr Russell and Ms Zemlany said the attraction had reached a stage where they were certain people would walk out with smiles on their faces.
