Paronella Park - QLD

José Paronella arrived in Australia from Catalonia in Spain, in 1913. For the next 11 years he worked, cutting sugar cane initially, then purchasing, improving, and reselling cane farms. In 1924 he returned to Spain and married Margarita in 1925. The trip back to Australia was their honeymoon. José first saw this 13 acres of virgin scrub along Mena Creek in 1914. He eventually purchased it in 1929 for £120 and started to build his pleasure gardens and reception centre for the enjoyment of the public.From Cairns head south along the main Bruce Highway (Highway 1) to Innisfail - approx. 98kms or 1 hr. Follow highway through Innisfail. Just on southern side of Innisfail (about 1km from CBD) the highway veers right (High School on the right) - DO NOT TURN RIGHT HERE - go straight ahead towards South Johnstone (8km) & Mena Creek (17km).NOTE: The route to Paronella Park is sign posted from here on. Built on 5 hectares (13 acres) of rainforest beside Mena Creek Falls, Paronella Park heritage gardens is a "must see" for all visitors to tropical north Queensland. On arrival, guests are taken through the many highlights of the Park on a 30 minute storytelling tour. This tour sets the scene for the rest of your visit.Tours leaving regularly throughout the day. Phone us to enquire about departure times (07) 4065 0000.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.