TOURIST numbers in Penola are booming these school holidays as national and international visitors discover the town’s treasures.
Numbers visiting the historical town have increased from last year and Wattle Range Council economic development manager Paula Bennet said this was due to improved weather conditions and the timing of school holidays.
“The Victorian and South Australian school holidays have not overlapped this year, which means we have families visiting for the entire month,” Ms Bennet said.
She said around 50pc of the town’s visitors were international, and national tourists were most likely to visit from Victoria and New South Wales.
“When visitors pass through the town they familiarise themselves with the region’s food and wine, along with our historical attractions such as the Mary MacKillop Centre or Petticoate Lane.”
Ms Bennet said Penola was a unique area filled with history, which people appreciated exploring.
“Many people stop by the town due to visiting family or friends in the region,” she said.
Frank and Lucy De Rossi from Griffith NSW were visiting the Mary MacKillop Centre as part of their stop over in Penola, on their way to visit friends while doing the Great Ocean Road.
“We have heard a lot about Mary MacKillop and found the display interesting as she became famous from such humble beginnings,” Mr De Rossi said.
Penola’s Catholic Sister Sue McGuinness said the centre always noticed an increase of visitors during the school holidays with many more children passing through with their families.
A family on holiday travelling from Gawler decided to pay a visit to the famous centre, as they had a religious connection to the Saint due to being Catholic.
“I also wanted to discover the centre as I find it extremely interesting as I am a teacher myself,” tourist Renee said.
“My daughter was eager to go on holiday and I thought Penola would be a great destination.”
Another distinct attraction to the town is the newest addition to the John Shaw Neilson Art Gallery with 2017 winner Penny Dowie’s art on display for lovers of local art filled with rich history.
