PARONELLA PARK EXPERIENCE

Voted the number one must-see attraction in Tropical Far North Queensland, Paronella Park is a truly unique experience that invites you to step into another world and another time. Tropic Tours takes you on a scenic journey through rainforest, coastal landscapes, country towns, local history, wildlife, and one of Queensland’s most magical heritage attractions.

Your day begins with pickup from your accommodation in Cairns or the Northern Beaches before departing at approximately 11:15am and travelling south towards Babinda Boulders. Set at the foothills of Queensland’s tallest mountain, Mount Bartle Frere, this beautiful freshwater gorge is surrounded by dense tropical rainforest, wildlife, birdlife, and rich cultural history. Here, enjoy an interpretive guided walk to the Devil’s Pool lookout or take the opportunity to swim in the pristine waters of the swimming area.

We then continue south towards Innisfail, enjoying scenic touring and commentary about the surrounding agriculture, local history, and the character of this tropical township. Driving through Innisfail feels like stepping back in time, with colourful Art Deco buildings lining the main streets.

From here, we travel towards the coastline, taking the scenic route past Mourilyan Harbour, a local port used for exporting raw sugar and molasses from Babinda, Innisfail, Tully, and the Atherton Tablelands.

As we cross the headland, enjoy beautiful views of the Coral Sea before descending towards the beachside village of Etty Bay, where the rainforest meets the reef. Here, we stop for a beach walk and afternoon tea while keeping watch for one of the local cassowaries, often seen strolling along the beach or resting beneath the shade of the trees. Your guide will share interesting facts about the characteristics, behaviours, and importance of this remarkable bird within the Wet Tropics region.

Continuing through the South Johnstone area, we pass banana farms, cattle country, and rich agricultural landscapes before arriving at Paronella Park, where we are welcomed by the Paronella Park team. Join a guided tour of the upper level of the park and hear the inspiring story of José Paronella and his dream to create a Spanish-style castle and pleasure gardens in the rainforest.

Set across 13 acres of lush tropical rainforest, creeks, waterfalls, bridges, and landscaped gardens, Paronella Park offers time to explore at a relaxed pace. Wander the pathways, discover the ruins, feed the fish, eels, and turtles, and take in the beauty of this extraordinary heritage-listed property.

After exploring the park, join your Tropic Tours guide for an early dinner at an authentic Australian country pub, where you can relax and enjoy a hearty evening meal. After dinner, we return to Paronella Park with your guide, who will share more stories of the region and the park’s fascinating history. You may also wish to walk across the suspension bridge above Mena Falls and take in the magnificent views over Mena Creek.

As evening falls, rejoin your Paronella Park guide and receive a torch before setting off to experience the park by night. See the waterfall and gardens illuminated by hydroelectricity, and step inside the open-roofed ballroom where the grand mirror ball sparkles beneath the stars.

The evening concludes with the magical Spanish Castle light show, an unforgettable finale under the night sky in the heart of the rainforest.

After this memorable experience, we return to the bus for a relaxing drive back to Cairns. On the journey home, your guide will play a podcast featuring current owner Mark Evans, sharing his journey, challenges, and achievements in preserving the remarkable legacy of Paronella Park.