New direction for fantasy park

ONE OF A KIND: Penola's Penolaraya fantasy theme park is currently up for sale with business owners Graham Russell and Rose Zemlany encouraging the public to visit the site before it is sold.
ONE OF A KIND: Penola’s Penolaraya fantasy theme park is currently up for sale with business owners Graham Russell and Rose Zemlany encouraging the public to visit the site before it is sold.

PENOLA residents flocked to the town’s fantasy theme park Penolaraya recently for a large garage sale which coincided with the attraction’s ninth birthday.

With the business recently listed for sale, owner and operators Graham Russell and Rose Zemlany decided to start selling some of the park’s attractions before the property changes hands.

The property – the largest parcel of privately owned land in Penola’s central business district – is open for buyers who either wish to continue Penolaraya’s legacy or create their own vision.

Mr Russell said although it was on the market, the fantasy park was still open for business as usual.

“We are excited to have everyone visit over the school holidays,” he said.

“We may be selling off bits and pieces, but everything is still as exciting as before.

“Although we hosted a garage sale event, we still have items available for purchase for those who come to the park.”

With surreal landscapes around the grounds, Mr Russell is adamant the items on offer are one of a kind.

“No one has seen landscapes like these,” he said.

“Seeing visitors immerse themselves in the fantasy and surrealism themes has been a great joy.

“Items from the water gardens will also soon be available for purchase ,which is sure to bring out some interested buyers.”

Hoping to transition to a quieter retirement, the pair look forward to stepping away from the establishment but see it as bittersweet.

“We are ready for some time to ourselves,” Mr Russell said.

“Hopefully once we sell we will have the opportunity to do some travelling.

“We are looking to move into a retirement home, but I will not be giving up my passion for trains – I hope to build another track when we move.”