PENOLA couple Graham Russell and Rose Zemlany have clocked up 10 years of operating the Penola Fantasy Theme Park, Model Railway and Tearooms, but their enthusiasm for the unique tourist attraction remains strong.
They are intent on adding more hands-on experiences to the Riddoch Street property.
Their involvement initially started 18 years ago when they were living in Mount Gambier.
They decided to buy two town blocks in the heart of the township.
The double-block contained an early stone cottage dating back to 1850 and built by Penola founder Alexander Cameron.
There was also the original Penola Kindergarten and a backpacker accommodation business was in existence.
For the following eight years, Mr Russell continued as a secondary school teacher of art and design while the couple began their transformation of their real estate.
By December 2009, they were ready to open the doors to the Penola Fantasy Theme Park, Model Railway and Tearooms.
The former kindergarten is now the tearooms which seats 40 while the historic cottage is now an Air BnB which is in steady demand.
With training at the South Australian School of Art and the Western Teachers College in Adelaide, Graham was well placed to create a project which featured model trains and surreal art.
“We had a blank canvass to work with,” Mr Russell said.
“It now has that ‘wow’ factor.
“Along with the St Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre, it is one of the unique attractions of Penola.
“The Penola Fantasy Theme Park is deliberately designed for people of ages.
“We believe you need at least 1.5 hours to view the displays as well as take part in such hands-on activities as the model trains and slot cars.
“People have stayed here for around four hours.”
Mr Russell is full of praise for his life and business partner.
“It is a 50/50 collaboration with Rose taking care of the garden, AirBnB and the tearooms,” he said.
“Together we work on the painting and other maintenance.
“Our next goal is to create more interactive displays for families and people of all ages.
“We have just installed slot cars and our next project is remote-controlled tug boats.”
With school holidays approaching, the couple are set to welcome many callers to their startling venture.
