Paronella Park: Is It Worth the Drive from Cairns?

Paronella Park is one of Queensland's most unusual attractions: a crumbling Spanish-style castle and gardens built by hand in the rainforest beside a waterfall. Most visitors say it's worth the drive.

The story

José Paronella, a Spanish immigrant who had worked in the cane fields, bought the land at Mena Creek in the late 1920s. He built a castle, a grand staircase, picnic areas, tunnels and tennis courts for the public, much of it by hand. The park also had one of Queensland's earliest hydro-electric plants. Floods, cyclones and time have reclaimed parts of it, and that's a big part of its charm.

What you'll see

• The castle ruins and grand staircase down to Mena Creek Falls
• The Tunnel of Love and the Kauri Avenue
• The restored hydro-electric plant
• Gardens full of fish, turtles and eels you can feed

Day tour or night tour?

Do both if you can. The day tour tells the story and shows the gardens. The night tour lights up the castle and the falls, and it's a different experience altogether. Check the park's website for current tour times and ticket options.

How far is it?

Paronella Park is at Mena Creek, about 1 hour 30 minutes south of Cairns (roughly 2.5 hours from Port Douglas). It makes a long but easy day.

Combine it with

• Babinda Boulders. Rainforest creek and swimming spot. Swim only in the marked area and never in the boulders.
• Josephine Falls. A natural rock slide at the base of Queensland's highest mountain, Bartle Frere. It can be dangerous after rain, so follow all closures.
• Mission Beach. A long, quiet beach and a cassowary habitat.

Getting there

We run private transfers from Cairns to Paronella Park, Babinda and Mission Beach. See prices for southern routes or service areas.

Keep reading

• Hartley's Crocodile Adventures: Visitor Guide
• Atherton Tablelands Day Trip: Waterfalls, Crater Lakes and Local Produce
• Kuranda Day Trip: Skyrail, Scenic Railway and the Village