Paronella Park
Paronella Park – Voted #1 on RACQ’s top 150 “must-dos” list.
Paronella Park – In our top 10 of Queensland Attractions.
Paronella Park, an historical structure, occupying 13 acres of on the banks of Mena Creek, more a river than a creek, cascading down through the tropical Far North Queensland rain forest, opening to tumbling falls beside this unforgettable park. In some ways, a remnant of a bygone era.
This is one attraction you cannot miss. Lying approximately 1.5 hours south of Cairns or 20 minutes south of Innisfail it is one of the highlights of any North Queensland adventure.
Paronella Park is the culmination of the dream and determination of one man and the continuing hard work of his family and others to bring the amazing attraction to fruition.
The story of Paronella Park takes you back to the 1920s with vistas of long ago Spain, and is a celebration of the Paronella family’s achievements, particularly those of it’s founder, José Paronella.
When guests arrive at the Park they are taken on a 45 minute tour of the numerous, spectacular attractions, and the scene is set for the rest of the visit.
Paronella Park has something for everyone. Fantastic photo opportunities, remarkable architecture, an incredible story, 5ha of tropical gardens, a fully restored and operational 1930’s hydro-electric generator, wildlife and fish feeding, a boutique caravan and camping grounds, a café with fresh local produce and much more.
You arrive not knowing what to expect and depart with memories you will cherish forever.
The History:
In 1913, José Paronella arrived in Australia from Catalonia in Spain. He originally cut sugar cane for a living, and soon his hard work earned him enough to enter into the business of buying and selling Cane Farms.
He returned to Spain in 1924 and married his bride Margarita in 1925, bringing her back to Australia.
He purchased the site of Paronella Park in 1929 for $120 and commenced building his dream, a commercial reception centre and pleasure gardens. They opened to the public in 1935. The hall doubled as a movie theatre, showing movies on Saturday nights, and the reception centre for wedding celebrations, parties and dances.
Most of these featured survive today alongside the many other features which have made Paronella Park the must-see attraction which it is today.
To find out more about Paronella Park click here to go to the website.