We are locals and first went to Paronella Park in 1991.  It had just been discovered by a couple who had the dream, but not the means to expose the amazing experience that is Paronella Park.  It was overgrown and still belonged to the rainforest that engulfed it.  Yet even at that time we thought it was amazing - the love story, the engineering feat, the unique feel of a castle in a rainforest. 

Now it shows glimpses of its former glory, lovingly reclaimed from the rainforest and gradually brought back to life through careful restoration.  It is presented in a way that allows for mass tourism but allows it to remain the hidden secret of Far North Queensland, as if you have stumbled across it yourself.  A visitor can marvel at the feat of its creator or be caught up in the imagination of its romance. 

And unlike most tourist destinations you can explore at your own pace, or take an informative tour.  You can wander among the tree-lined pathways during the day, stopping for a picnic.  Or visit at night where the fireflies dance, and carefully placed lighting gives the castle a whole new dimension - two destinations in one.  

We have seen it at its worst and loved it.  We have seen it at its best and enjoyed it even more.  We visited after the cyclone and were almost heartbroken at the work that had been destroyed.  And then we were inspired by the commitment that brought it to life - yet again. 

Paronella Park has survived the floods, then the fires, and then Cyclone Larry.  We were captured again.  Jose Paronella's dream lives on...... 

Paronella Park is the only 'Hidden Jewel'.  When you visit you almost feel like you have found it yourself, it almost becomes 'your secret'.  We have shared 'our secret' with everyone that comes to visit. . . yet it remains 'our secret'.   

Thanks.  Hope you enjoy reading 'our Paronella Park'.  Even if you don't use it, we hope it will help inspire you to carry on. 

Phil & Cathy

PS  New Year's Eve 2007, we stayed at My Sanctuary for the weekend.  Their chef was on holidays so they booked us into the Mena Creek Falls Guest House for dinner.  The hosts dropped us off at Paronella Park where we did the night tour.  Then we went to the Guest House where the owner had placed candles all around the deck and cooked us a special private meal in the middle of the rainforest.  It was one of the best evenings one could spend and will stay with us forever.