Thank you Paronella Park !!  Thank you especially to the Evans family who has embraced the park to continue the dream and build it into an even greater experience for visitors today. And how fabulous it is that the hydro electricity plant is getting restored.

I was fortunate to meet Mark and Judy at a Tourism Conference in 2007, shared with them my memories and congratulated them on their vision. I treasure the little red sack of Kauri Pine which they handed out during Mark’s inspiring presentation.

Forty five years ago, I was born in Innisfail, and my family moved to South East Queensland when I was about five. My mother’s family (Ivan and Danica Erceg) were also pioneers of the area and set up a cane farm on Liverpool Creek at Japoonvale, only a couple of miles from the Park. My family made the annual trek to Japoon every Christmas til I was 16, and visited the Park many times.

Paronella Park holds such a very special place in my heart. I remember going there as a small child and as a growing teenager. How amazing it was to have a castle just down the road !! I have travelled many times to North Queensland as an adult and have always had to include Paronella Park in my itinerary, and share its beauty and majesty with my travelling friends. I have seen it change though time with fire and flood. I remember stories from my parents and family of parties and weddings held there. One of my Aunt’s was actually married there in the late fifties. A special treasure in my home is a very old unopened set of Paronella Park drink coasters, which I discovered at an op shop many years ago.

I have since had children, and desperately want to share with them the wonder of Paronella Park. I haven’t been there for years and hope that we’ll venture up north soon to visit again.

Thank you for the opportunity to share in the ongoing history of Paronella Park.

Julie
Boonah