Paronella Park is a heritage-listed tourist attraction located at Mena Creek, Queensland, Australia, 120 kilometres south of Cairns. It was designed and built between 1929 and 1935.

Can you see Paronella Park for free?

When you visit Paronella Park, you can walk around freely but you also have the option of taking a few free tours. The Paronella Park Day Tour gives you background information about the park, its different buildings, and its founder Jose Paronella.

How long do you need to spend at Paronella Park?

An average visit to Paronella Park is 2 to 3 hours. Every visitor to Paronella Park is encouraged to participate in the guided tour, it is included in the admission cost, and is an important part of the Paronella Park experience.

Do you have to pay for Paronella Park?

The entry fee of $42 buys you a tiny tub of the most expensive fish food on the planet.

Can you eat at Paronella Park?

The Paronella Park 'Cafe on the Deck' is open daily for lunch or a morning or afternoon treat. Serving fresh, not fast, food, you can enjoy sandwiches, wraps, cakes and slices, along with decadent fruit smoothies.

This eccentric man built a castle in Australia nearly 100 years ago | Travel + Leisure

Can you fish at Paronella Park?

The park has become an amazing habitat for hundreds of varieties of birds, butterflies, fish and many other animals.

When did Paronella Park burn down?

The Park was sold out of the family in 1977 and sadly, in 1979, a fire swept through the Castle. For a time, the Park was closed to the public.

Are dogs allowed in Paronella Park?

While pets are not allowed inside Paronella Park, a complimentary pet sitting service is available for all visitors. This No1 Must-Do Tourist Attraction in QLD is a State and National Heritage listed property.

Can you take a caravan to Josephine Falls?

The campsites close to Josephine Falls are part of the Bartle Frere Trail camping area: Big Rock Camping Ground, Eastern Summit Camping Area, Western Summit Camping Area and Junction Camping Ground. It is only for tent camping and no facilities are provided.

Who built Paronella Park?

Paronella Park was built in the 1930s by José Paronella (ca.1888 – 23 August 1948), a Spanish immigrant. Paronella arrived in nearby Innisfail, Queensland, Australia in 1913, having sailed from his homeland, Catalonia, in northern Spain to plan a life for himself and his fiancée Matilda.

What is there to do between Townsville and Cairns?

• Cairns Lagoon. Behana Gorge. ...
• Emerald green pools of Behana Gorge. Babinda Boulders. ...
• Babinda Boulders. ...
• Josephine Falls. ...
• The Grand Staircase, Paronella Park. ...
• Vibrant Cardwell Spa Pools. ...
• Wallaman Falls from the base.

How far is Cairns from Mena Creek?

The distance between Mena Creek and Cairns is 84 km. The road distance is 105.9 km.

Is Paronella Park worth visiting?

Wondering whether it's worth visiting Paronella Park in Cairns? With a $50 entrance fee, it might seem steep for many. We can 100% say it's totally worth it, even if it means the cost will help keep this insanely magical place alive!

What time are the night tours at Paronella Park?

Tours depart every Tuesday to Saturday at 1pm and return at around 9.30pm - a full day outing filled with wonderful scenery, unique destinations and plenty of adventure.

Are there crocs at Josephine Falls?

There are no crocodiles at Josephine Falls, however, crocodiles sometimes wander inland so keep an eye out for crocodile signs. Start planning for your trip to Cairns with this list of the best things to do in Cairns with kids.

Can you swim at Josephine Falls?

Yes Josephine Falls is a safe place to swim but you must follow the directional sings and don't do anything silly. For safety reasons the top section of the waterfalls are not accesible to visitors for good reason! It can be dangerous!

Can you swim at Babinda Boulders?

Babinda Boulders is a popular swimming hole and picnic area for locals and tourists, and a place of spiritual significance for Aboriginal people. It is managed as a flora and fauna reserve by the Cairns City Council. Please swim and walk in the designated areas here.

Is paronella park wheelchair accessible?

Paronella Park is not very accessible.

Are there crocodiles at Paronella Park?

A 2.3m long saltwater crocodile was captured by rangers at Paronella Park, south of Innisfail mid-last week, after it was spotted sunning itself next to the park's hydro-station, underneath the Mena Creek waterfall. ...

When did Paronella Park open?

Since opening its doors in 1935, this five-hectare mystical wonderland, complete with Spanish-style castle, waterfall and over 7000 tropical trees and palms, has earnt its place as one of North Queensland's premier tourist attractions. Get to know Paronella Park before you go with this guide.

What should I pack for Cairns in July?

In terms of clothes, pack lightweight garments for warm weather. Honestly, you won't need a warm jumper or even a pair of jeans. Shirts, t-shirts, singlets, shorts and thongs are the go-to for Cairns locals because that's what the weather calls for. I'd also suggest packing clothes that dry quickly.

How do I get from Cairns airport to Mission Beach?

The best way to get from Cairns Airport (CNS) to Mission Beach is to bus which takes 3h 25m and costs $40 - $60. Alternatively, you can train, which costs $130 - $180 and takes 4h 23m.

Which is better Townsville or Cairns?

The Cairns area generally has more to do and more to see than the Townsville area, and a wider choice of accommodation. Also easier to get to if flying with many more flights, and generally the airfares are lower to CNS than TSV.

Where should I stop between Townsville and Cairns?

• Cairns, Queensland. ...
• Babinda, Queensland. ...
• Innisfail, Queensland. ...
• Paronella Park, Queensland. ...
• Cardwell, Queensland. ...
• Ingham, Queensland. ...
• Wallaman Falls, Queensland. ...
• Crystal Creek Falls, Queensland.