Paronella Paradise

Starting with almost no resources, working physically for many years, saving frugally and finally, being in a position to buy some land and start improving it.  That scenario is almost unheard of today.  Yet, Paronella Park, at the gateway to the Atherton Tablelands, tells the story of a young Spanish immigrant who came to Australia after the ashes of the Great War, laboured as a cane cutter in Tropical Queensland and then eventually, saved enough to buy a property near Mena Creek.  A baker by background, he then did most of the work himself to create a recreational park that would be open to the public. The means each stair, balustrade, picnic table and pot planter was made by him.

In 1930, just as the Depression is starting to bite, he opens his estate - with rendered castles, a ballroom, a theatre, bathing and picnic area, and rambling walks.  All is centred on the waterfall, which would make each vista majestic and would power the park in more ways than one.  Jose Paronella had the foresight to commission and have installed a hydro-electric system which provided the electricity and water needs of the complex.  In the 30s in Australia, he was ahead of his time!  He was an enterprising and visionary man. Though the park has been ravaged by cyclones and one fire, the current owners have brought the place back to life and have some restoration projects planned.

On Thursday, we went on two tours - one in the afternoon and one after dark, ate lunch on their extensive deck area, had a caravan site for the night and were looked after well by the family friendly staff.  I can’t recommend this experience enough and hopefully the photos will reflect some of the grandeur.

They gave the boys some food to feed the fish - they also had eels and the creature below in there.

TRAVELLER'S TIP:
Detouring off the highway can be where you have some lovely "finds".  Take Paronella up on their various offers - stay for the complementary night, go on the night tour (at no extra cost), and see the park through the different moods of the day.