Paronella Park
The ruins of a castle and gardens built by Spanish migrants beside a rainforest waterfall. At night, lights illuminate the ruins and fireflies.
Paronella Park lies about 120 km south of Cairns, near Mena Creek (about 1 hour 45 minutes by car). In the 1930s, Spanish migrant José Paronella built a castle, a ballroom, tennis courts, tunnels, and gardens beside the waterfall, using concrete he mixed himself. He also built one of Queensland's earliest private hydroelectric power stations. Over time, floods and fires turned the site into moss-covered ruins, which is now listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. Tickets include a daytime guided tour and a night tour, when lights illuminate the castle and waterfall and fireflies can be seen. Camping is also available on site. It is recommended to arrive in the afternoon and return after the night tour.
Opening hours
09:00–19:30 (evening tour starts approx. 18:15)
Nearby sights
- Etty Bay
- Tully Gorge & Tully River Rafting
- Bingil Bay
- Bicton Hill Track
- Mission Beach
- Licuala Fan Palm Walk
- The Big Cassowary
- Golden Gumboot, Tully