Paronella Park near Cairns, Australia

The Refreshments Room

Paronella Park is a unique experience where history and romance are fused together. After a visit to this magical place, you will never forget it.

The property is situated on 13 acres of tropical rainforest along Mena Creek, south of Innisfail. Adjacent to Paronella Park is the stunning Mena Creek Falls, once used at Australia's first hydroelectric source.

At Paronella Park you'll find interesting walks through the rainforest, many independant castle buildings, bamboo gardens (where movies have been filmed), a secret garden and a tunnel of love.

It has a remarkable history that is explained to visitors on regular guided tours through the property.

History of Paronella Park

The Grand Staircase

In 1929 an entrepreneurial young man called Jose Paronella bought the land and began to build a dream castle from stone. His intention was to open the glorious facility to the public, showing movies and throwing lavish parties for guests. He also built pathways through the rainforest, cut tunnels through small hills, and built a tennis court and viewing platform. Jose planted more than 7000 trees, including magnificent Kauri Pines that now line Kauri Avenue.

This incredible man also built the first hydroelectric power scheme, utilising the water pressure from the Mena Creek waterfall next to the property. His castle was an immense success and an architectural marvel.

Family Picnic by the Waterfall

In 1946 disaster struck when the property was severely damaged by a flood. Without crumbling under the massive task that lay ahead of him, again, Jose set about the backbreaking task of rebuilding his dream. Before he completed rebuilding however, Jose died of cancer and left the legacy of his work to his family.

More floods, cyclones, and a catastrophic fire further damaged the castle. Then Mark and Judy Evans bought the property and began the massive task of rebuilding the dream Jose originally had. Currently, much of the restoration has been done and their story of passion and dedication is an inspiring one. The park is continuously being enhanced and restored.

In 1997, Paronella Park was recognised as a historical treasure and listed on the National Trust.

Glorious Gardens and Gorgeous Castle

Overooking Mena Falls

The venue is picturesque and often used as a venue for weddings and large social events. It has even been used in major Hollywood films such as ‘Sniper' and ‘Traps'. Television appearances have been numerous including segments on ‘Burkes Backyard', ‘Who Dares Wins', ‘Getaway', ‘The Great Outdoors', and ‘Totally Wild'.

Tropical birds thrive in the park, although they are more often heard than seen. Emerald Ground-Doves, Yellow-Bellied Sunbirds, Figbirds, and Yellow Orioles are frequently seen in the area.

You also have the opportunity to hand feed the fish and turtles in Mena Creek.

Paronella Park is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day. The park gates open at 8:30am and close at 5:00pm.

How to get to Paronella Park

Paronella Park is located on Japoonvale Road, Mena Creek.

Tour Companies

Both Trek North Safaris and Down Under Tours take visitors to Paronella Park as well as to a number of natural Atherton Tablelands attractions including famous Milla Milla Falls.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway — Return Journey

You’ll glide just metres above the rainforest canopy before descending through the canopy layers and deep into the heart of the forest at Skyrail’s two rainforest mid-stations for the ultimate tropical rainforest experience.

Your return Skyrail experience will take approximately 2½ hours. Skyrail can commence or conclude at either the Caravonica or Kuranda, depending on your preferred direction of travel. A gondola will fit 6 people, including infants.

Booking in advance is advised for Skyrail as it is Cairns' most popular attraction, and frequently books out during the most desired timeslots especially during peak season and during school holidays. Prices are per person; families please review Skyrail's child policy below.

Prices	Adult	Child	Family
Skyrail Return Journey	$56.00	$28.00	$140.00

Child Policy:

Children are aged 4-14yrs, children under 4 travel free

Includes:

Skyrail experience between Carovonica Terminal and Kuranda and all stops in between including Red Peak Station and Barron Falls Station.

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