Mission Beach Region Guide

Paronella Park

Paronella Park is a unique experience where history and romance are fused together. After a visit to this magical place, you will never forget it.

The property is situated on 13 acres of tropical rainforest along Mena Creek, south of Innisfail. It has a remarkable history dating back to 1929 when a young man called Jose Paronella bought the land and began to build a dream castle from stone. His intention was to open the glorious facility to the public, showing movies and throwing lavish parties for guests. He built pathways through the rainforest, cut tunnels through small hills, and built a tennis court and viewing platform.

The property consists of a Castle - an ornately decorated Grand Ballroom, Picture Theatre and Restaurant; the Cafe-by-the-pool beneath the magnificent Mena Creek Falls; tennis courts; the tunnel of love; and mysterious rainforest garden walks. Jose planted more than 7000 trees, including magnificent Kauri Pines that now line Kauri Avenue. His castle was an immense success and an architectural marvel.

Today most of the buildings are in a state of semi ruin after decades of ravaging floods and fires, but there is a truly magical feeling to Paronella Park. The park is continuously being enhanced and restored and in 1997 was recognised as a historical treasure and listed on the National Trust. Today, the dream continues by way of a 45 minute interpretive walk encompassing Joses life and endeavours. There are also daily indigenous cultural performances with the Baddagan Aboriginal dance performace, bush tucker walks, a darkness falls tour and a self guided Botanical Walk. The venue is very picturesque and the perfect venue for weddings and large social events.

Paronella Park is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day. The park gates open at 8:30am and close at 5pm.