Cafe by Night.jpg
Hydro Falls
Guided Tours
Jose's Cottage
Indigenous Experience
Gift Shop
Castles in the rainforest
Cafe by the Pool
Fire Lighting Demonstration
It is the fulfilment of José Paronella's dreams. From the turret-topped balconies of the concrete castle, to the Hydro Electric generating plant below the falls, we stand in awe of his achievements.
Experience this truly unique North Queensland tourist attraction incorporating guided tours, Baddagun indigenous aboriginal cultural performances, bush tucker walks, self-guided botanical walks and night tour. Easy access from Cairns, Mission Beach, Townsville and Tablelands.
Originally created in the 1930's by José Paronella, a man with a dream, Paronella Park continues to be enjoyed by visitors from near and far.
Mark and Judy Evans, the current owner/operators, purchased the Park in 1993 and formulated a plan to put the Park back on the map. They see the Park as a work of art, and work on maintaining and preserving, rather than rebuilding. Small restoration projects have been undertaken, pathways uncovered and improved, and the Museum, an ongoing project, is continuously being enhanced.
NEW PARONELLA PARK EXPERIENCES
(Included in the admission price)
The Dream Continues Tour
A 45 minute guided walk takes the visitor through the highlights of the Park and tells the story of José Paronella’s dreams and vision.
Departs every 20 minutes from 9.30am until 4.30pm.
Bush Tucker Walk and Indigenous Cultural Performance
Indigenous Tour Guides take the visitor on a 45 minute story telling Tour, telling Dreamtime Stories and explaining the indigenous uses of many of the trees as Food, Medicines, Tools, Shelter etc.
Demos of shelter making, fire lighting and the didgeridoo followed by a 15 minute culturally authentic dance performance in a natural Rainforest setting. Opportunity to meet with and talk to Local Aboriginal people.
The Darkness Falls Tour
The Visitor is shown the secrets and delights that are Paronella Park at Night - a special way to extend the Paronella Park Experience.
6.20pm each night. Duration 1 hour approx.
The Park gained National Trust listing in 1997, and has been recognised by a total of 11 Tourism Awards in the period from 1998 till April 2000.
Queensland State Tourism Awards
2004 Winner - Significant Tourist Attraction
Winner - Heritage & Cultural Tourism
2003 Winner - Heritage & Cultural Tourism
2001 Winner - Heritage & Cultural Tourism Best Submission
1998 Finalist - Tourism Product Marketing
1999 Finalist - Tourism Product Marketing
2000 Finalist Heritage & Cultural Tourism
Finalist Tourism Product Marketing
Paronella Park's life as a pleasure gardens continues as José intended, for visitors, and with social gatherings, particularly weddings, continuing to make use of this unique location.
THE HYDRO RESTORATION PROJECT
This year we are undertaking the largest project taken on by Paronella Park since it was built.
The Hydro Restoration Project is going to get Queenslands 1st hydro electric scheme up and running again. This will allow Paronella Park to run fully off Eco power. The hydro-electric system utilised in Paronella Park was the earliest application of hydro-electric technology in Queensland,
and as such is both rare and significant as an example of creative and technical achievement, and has the potential to reveal further information about the development and application of this technology.
Engineers from the South Johnstone Sugar Mill helped to design and install the system. It was the earliest application of hydro-electric technology in Queensland.
We are currently raising money and all donations and help will be greatly appreciated!
Inclusions
Souvenir Guide Map of the Park
Botanical Walk Guide Book
Baddagun Indigenous Aboriginal Cultural Performances
Bush Tucker Walks
Self Guided Botanical Walks
Night Tour
One night's free camping
Season 2010/11
Notes About Rates
Pensioner and Student rates available - $28.00 upon presentation of card. Group Rates apply - Enquire for details. Privilege Cards available for frequent visitors. Prices subject to change without notice.
Family Rate is for 2 Adults and 2 Children (children 5-15 inclusive). No charge for children under 5.
