Paronella Park – Imagine discovering a Spanish-style castle hidden amongst a tropical rainforest, complete with waterfalls, stone bridges, tunnels, beautiful gardens and a fascinating history dating back almost a century.
Paronella Park is located at Mena Creek in Far North Queensland, approximately 120 kilometres south of Cairns and around 20 kilometres from Innisfail. It's an easy day trip from Cairns by car or as part of an organised sightseeing tour.
Absolutely! Paronella Park is one of Queensland's most unique attractions, combining Spanish-inspired castle ruins, beautiful tropical gardens, waterfalls, suspension bridges and fascinating Australian history. It's a wonderful experience for families, couples, photographers and anyone interested in discovering something a little different.
We recommend allowing at least three hours to explore Paronella Park properly. This gives you time to enjoy the guided heritage tour, wander through the botanical gardens, visit the waterfalls and discover the historic buildings. If you want to experience the park after dark as well, you'll need to allow additional time.
Yes! Paronella Park is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive south of Cairns. You can purchase admission tickets online through Visit Cairns and explore the attraction at your own pace. If you're driving yourself, consider combining your visit with nearby attractions such as Josephine Falls, Babinda Boulders or Mamu Tropical Skywalk.
Yes! There are several organised sightseeing options available, including small-group tours that combine Paronella Park with waterfalls, rainforest attractions and other highlights of the Cassowary Coast and Atherton Tablelands. These tours are ideal for visitors who don't have a hire car or prefer to have transport and sightseeing organised.
Yes! The Darkness Falls experience allows visitors to explore Paronella Park after sunset, when the historic castle ruins, gardens and waterfalls are illuminated. It's a completely different experience from visiting during the day and is particularly popular with photographers and couples. Evening admission is included with the standard Paronella Park admission ticket, subject to the scheduled tour times.
Yes! The Paronella Park Day and Night Experience is a small-group sightseeing tour departing from Cairns and the Northern Beaches. It includes visits to Babinda Boulders, Innisfail, Mourilyan Harbour and Etty Bay, followed by a guided visit to Paronella Park. After dinner at a traditional country pub, you'll return to the park to experience the illuminated gardens, waterfalls and Spanish Castle light show.
Definitely! The Paronella Park, Waterfalls, Lakes and Rainforest tour combines a visit to Paronella Park with some of the region's most beautiful natural attractions. Highlights include Lake Barrine, the Curtain Fig Tree, Yungaburra and Millaa Millaa Falls. It's an excellent full-day sightseeing experience for anyone wanting to discover the rainforest, waterfalls and history of Tropical North Queensland.
Yes! Paronella Park is a wonderful family attraction, with plenty of interesting things for children to discover. They can explore the gardens, see the waterfalls, cross the suspension bridge and learn about the fascinating history of the Spanish-inspired castle. There are also opportunities to feed the fish and enjoy the surrounding rainforest. Some pathways and staircases are uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Paronella Park was created by Spanish immigrant José Paronella, who purchased the property in 1929 and began building his dream garden and entertainment destination. The park officially opened to the public in 1935. Today, visitors can explore the historic structures and learn about José's extraordinary achievements through the guided heritage tour.
Where to go and what to see? Make the most of it.