Should I Visit Paronella Park?
Yes, you should definitely visit Paronella Park! Paronella Park, located in South of Cairns, makes you feel as if you’re stepping into a page from the Jungle Book. Visitors from across the globe come to see Paronella Park for many reasons; its rich and unusual history, its natural beauty, the tropical location and it’s wander-worthy scenery. Whatever brings you to Paronella Park you are sure to be met with breathtaking views and colourful rainforest flora and fauna.
Tours of Paronella Park
Your purchase of a ticket to Paronella Park also includes a 30-minute guided walk through the Park. The wonderful tour guides of Paronella Park take you on a journey through the park and its highlights whilst telling the extraordinary story of Jose Paronella’s dreams and visions.
For any night owls looking for a unique experience, we would recommend booking the darkness falls tour, to see Paronella Park in a whole new light. At night, you get to see the park lit up by floodlights courtesy of the restored hydroelectric generator. Booking for this is essential, as you wouldn’t want to miss out!
There is no need to rush your experience at Paronella Park – your ticket is valid for 24 months! Don’t forget to take advantage of the surrounding towns too. Book a combined ticket for Paronella Park’s sister property, Mamu Tropical Skywalk to get elevated above the Wooroonooran National Park, just a 15 minutes drive from Innisfail. Stroll along the elevated walkways and take a moment to appreciate the World Heritage-listed rainforest with panoramic views from the observation tower.
The History of Paronella Park
Paronella Park has a romantic story about a visionary, José Paronella, who came to Queensland in 1913 to work as a sugar cane cutter. He refurbished cane farms and would resell them for a profit. He loved the region and purchased a piece of land there in 1929 with the vision to one day build a castle and garden for his future wife. His future wife, Margarita Paronella, received the castle. While it was always Jose’s dream to build a castle, his love for his wife was designed for the construction of this project.
It took José six years to build the castle by hand, and the couple lived in a small, stone cottage within the garden. While Paronella Park may have been a gift from Jose to Margarita, the greatest gift of all was leaving the castle for the enjoyment of visitors to enjoy. Book a tour for more stories about Paronella Park and its lovely history.
The nature in Paronella Park
Paronella park is situated in Tropical Far North Queensland, along the Cassowary Coast. The natural wonderland is home to the bright blue Ulysees butterflies, Kauri pine trees, Cassowaries, flying foxes, freshwater turtles and so much more. Just at the entrance of Paronella Park, you cannot miss the spectacular Mena creek falls. This waterfall cascades over seven million-year-old basalt rocks and is even more stunning when seen at night.
On entry to Paronella Park, you are given fish food to feed the fish at the creek. To our surprise, this creek is not only home to a lot of Fish but also a lot of freshwater turtles!
Where is Paronella Park?
Address: 1671 Innisfail Japoon Rd, Mena Creek QLD 4871
Paronella Park is in Mena Creek just 120kms South of Cairns, about 75 minutes by car. It is also just a 20 minute drive South of Innisfail. Paronella Park is located in Tropical Far North Queensland, Australia.
The accommodation at Paronella Park
Heading out to Paronella? Why not stay at Paronella park! Experience Paronella Park day and night by staying in the on-site cabins. If you’re travelling by caravan, there are sites available on the camping grounds.
If you decide to stay at the campground, a night entry fee to the park is included.
Other accommodations include The Mena Creek hotel, and for a more romantic option, there is The Old Church, both are within walking distance of Paronella Park. Mena Creek Flower House and Top Hill Lodge are just a short 7-minute drive from the Park.
Tropical North QLD has so much more to offer. Whilst you're in the area, why not check out the surrounding Waterfalls?
