3 minute read
PARONELLA PARK
paronella park With the world being such a busy and stressful place, sometimes the best way to take a time out, is to take a step back in time. Paronella Park, built in the 1930’s, is a magical time capsule of history, set in the stunning natural surrounds of Far North Queensland. There, you will be transported, through evocative storytelling, back to the times of croquet, picnics, and enchanting dances, all whilst a backdrop of lush rainforest and the soothing sounds of the waterfall ensures that you are feeling relaxed and reenergised. A pleasant one and a half hour’s drive from Cairns lands you in a fairytale, with castles, bridges, tunnels, and waterfalls, all wrapped up in a story of human triumph. Built by Jose Paronella, a romantic Catalonian, who moved to Australia to build a future for himself and his intended, Paronella Park was voted the Number One Must Do in Queensland, and it’s easy to see why. Included in your visit to Paronella Park are three very different, but equally captivating guided tours. There is the ‘Dream Continues’ tour, running every half an hour daily, which tells the fascinating story of José Paronella and his Dream. This tour takes in all the highlights of the Park, and really sets the scene for your visit. Feel dwarfed by the imposing pine trees in Kauri Avenue, marvel at Mena Creek Falls, a powerful waterfall that runs all year long, and be delighted by Teresa Falls – a miniature version of the larger falls, built and named for Jose Paronella’s daughter.
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Then, every evening, there is the ‘Darkness Falls’ tour. Featuring flood lighting of many of the Park’s highlights, courtesy of the newly restored hydro-electric generator, this tour delights guests nightly. Conducted by torchlight, and complemented by sweet little lanterns dotted along the pathways, this is a tour that is certain to give you goosebumps – in a good way! At certain times of the year, there are even fireflies and glowing mushrooms, adding even more magic to the moment. The Hydro Tour is, as the name suggests, a tour of the newlyrestored hydro-electric system, which uses power from the waterfall to light up the whole of Paronella Park. If you would like to stay at Paronella Park overnight and extend your experience, also included in your entry price is a site for the night in their boutique caravan/camping park, complete with gas BBQ, hot showers and a coin laundry. And if camping is not for you, for an additional cost, the dream can still continue at Paronella Park with their little cabins. Affordable, and adorable, they are a true complement to the Paronella Park experience. The list goes on, with a souvenir map guide and fish food (to feed the resident fish and turtles) also included, not to mention some of the best customer service in Far North Queensland. Paronella Park has a café, serving fresh food, and the Mena Creek Hotel, serving Aussie pub grub, is only 200 metres down the road. Mark and Judy Evans, owners of Paronella Park, have worked hard for 27 years to provide the best possible visitor experience to all guests of Paronella Park – why not come down and discover (or re-discover!) one of Far North Queensland’s true hidden treasures.
An eco adventure wonderland It’s all about exploring—designed by nature. This magazine takes you on a journey north to south, but the experience works equally as well either way. Use the maps to help you plan where to stay and base yourself. Remember it’s a guide only. For full details, check the websites and don’t hesitate to ask a local.