Location
Paronella Park
What it is?
José Paronella Arrived in Australia in 1013 from Catalonia Spain. He worked on Sugar Farms until 1924. He returned with his wife Margarita in 1925 and purchased the block of land known as Paronella Park in 1929. José laboured with determination until the park opened to the public in 1935. The theatre showed movies every Saturday night and the hall was used for many dances and parties. During the mid 1960s, the theatre ceased operation and the hall was used primarily for weddings.
Paronella Park is approximately 1hr 20mins from Cairns and 20 minutes from Innisfail. The skywalk is a 28min drive away from the park.
What it offers?
Over 7000 trees were planted by José which are now a beautiful rainforest. There is Kauri Avenue, lined with magnificent Kauris, Teresa Falls is spring fed and named after José’s daughter. The hydroelectric plant was commissioned in 1933 and today powers a lot of the park, including the EC charging station. The park has suffered many a tragedy, but has always prevailed. The current owners purchased the park in 1993 with a goal of putting the park back on the map.
There are day and night tours offered. Camping at the campground onsite, or there is also camping available behind the nearby Mena Creek Pub. You can also buy a ticket at the same time to do the Mena Creek Skywalk.
Wheelchair Access?
May require assistance.
What we did?
We had been told that it was magical and to take the camper so we could stay the night, and that is what we did. I am really glad that i listened to the advice, as they weren’t wrong.
When we got there we checked into the caravan park onsite. The owners also have the caravan park behind the Mena Creek Pub, just up the road, and the Mena Creek Skywalk. If you can, allow yourself enough time to check it all out.
We opted for the day and night tours and we not disappointed with either. The amount of hard work that went into building this place is remarkable. Before starting the day tour, we had enough time to have a Devonshire Tea at the cafe, yummy. At the start of the walk they give you a small container to feed the turtles/fish. When you get down the bottom, the fish are waiting and follow you backwards and forwards in anticipation of food. The turtles were further down and were scrambling over the rocks and each other to get to the food. The whole place is magical and beautiful.
We travelled to the skywalk after checking out the next morning and did the walk before heading back home.
Highlight?
Kauri Avenue. Amazing!
Would I do it again?
Most definitely.
What do you need?
As a couple: Pre-downloaded maps on your phone (reception is patchy); water bottles; wide brim hat: sunscreen; bug spray; good sturdy shoes.
With Kids: water; snacks; wide brim hat; sunscreen; bug spray; good sturdy shoes.
With Pets: There was a man at the front looking after peoples dogs, someone mentioned he was the owner, but i am not 100% about that. He was very friendly and helpful nonetheless.
Yearly Events
N/A