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Paronella Park: A Dream in the Rainforest

Discover a magical Spanish castle in the heart of the Australian rainforest. Explore ruins, waterfalls, and lush gardens at Paronella Park.

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Paronella Park is a historic, heritage-listed park and garden built in the 1930s by José Paronella. Inspired by Spanish architecture, this enchanting destination features castle ruins, lush rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and a unique blend of history and nature.

A brief summary to Paronella Park

  • Monday 9 am-7:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-7:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-7:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-7:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-7:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-7:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-7:30 pm

Local tips

  • Allow at least 3 hours to fully explore the park's grounds and appreciate its history.
  • Take both the day and 'Darkness Falls' tours for different perspectives of the park.
  • Bring insect repellent, especially if visiting in the evening.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces.
  • Your admission ticket is valid for 24 months, so you can return and explore again.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Paronella Park is located at 1671 Innisfail Japoon Rd, Mena Creek, approximately 20 minutes south of Innisfail. From Innisfail, head south on the Bruce Highway and turn right onto Boogan Road. Follow the signs to Mena Creek and Paronella Park. Parking is available on-site. There are no known parking fees.

  • Taxi

    From Innisfail, a taxi to Paronella Park is a convenient option. The distance is approximately 20km, and the ride takes around 20 minutes. Expect to pay around $60 - $80 AUD for the trip.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transport to Paronella Park, you can take a train or bus from Cairns to Innisfail. Queensland Rail operates trains from Cairns to Innisfail four times a week, with tickets costing $4 - $324 AUD. Premier Motor Service operates a bus from Cairns to Mourilyan once daily, with tickets costing $24 - $35 AUD. From Innisfail, you can then take a taxi to Paronella Park, which is approximately 20 minutes away and costs $60 - $80 AUD.

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Discover more about Paronella Park

Paronella Park is a testament to one man's extraordinary dream, nestled in the heart of Tropical North Queensland. José Paronella, a Spanish immigrant, arrived in Australia in 1913 with a vision to create a 'Spanish Castillo' and commercial pleasure garden. In 1929, he purchased 5 hectares of land beside Mena Creek Falls and began building his dream. Construction began in the early 1930s, with Paronella hand-building the park's features using stone and concrete, reinforced with railway tracks. The park officially opened to the public in 1935, boasting a castle, tea rooms, a movie theatre/ballroom, tennis courts, bridges, and a tunnel through a small hill. Paronella even harnessed the power of the Mena Creek Falls by establishing Queensland's first private hydroelectric system in 1933, providing electricity to the park and nearby townships. Over the years, Paronella Park has faced numerous challenges, including floods, cyclones, and a fire in 1979 that damaged the castle. Despite these setbacks, the park has been lovingly restored and continues to enchant visitors with its unique blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. Explore the castle ruins, wander through the lush rainforest, hand-feed fish and turtles, and marvel at the cascading waterfalls. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including the Ulysses butterfly. Guided tours are available, including a fascinating 'Darkness Falls' tour at night. Today, Paronella Park is recognized as a historical treasure, listed on the National Trust and Queensland Heritage Register. It stands as a reminder of José Paronella's vision and the enduring power of dreams.

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