I first heard of Paronella Park via a TV Program a long time ago.  Then in 2003 I was travelling with a small group of friends when one of them mentioned Paronella Park.  I remembered the TV program and suggested to my friends we go there.  Well, what a surprise.  First of all we were personally greeted by the owner, Mark and made most welcome.  He made sure that our Motorhomes were parked and that we were happy with the location. He invited us to stay there for the night.  Wonderful.

Once parked, he led us to the Park’s reception area and handed us over to his very able staff, who  could not do enough for us.  We were informed about the Park and received a short story, just to entice us.   We learned that for our entry fare we were able to do all the Day Tours as well as the Night Tour.  It was recommended we do the Night Tour first and come back the next day for the Day Tours.  This we did.

The Night Tour was conducted by Mark himself.  Awesome – is the only descriptive word I can think of.  The entire Park is designed for ‘Love and Romance’.  Jose Paronella must have been a  very romantic Spaniard.  The lighting in the Park is nothing short of superb.  Mark is so informative about all aspects of the Park, it was a pleasure to be guided by him.

Mark also suggested we arise early in the morning and enjoy the chirping and signing of the birds as well as the general sounds of a ‘Rain Forest’ waking up.

The next day we took a tour with one of the Park Guides, who was very capable and informative.

On completion of the Tour we were invited to just meander around the Park by ourselves and enjoy its magic spell.

What a beautiful and romantic experience this was.  At one stage Marlies, my female companion and I sat on the steps for at least an hour, just enjoying the peacefulness and tranquillity of the Park, watching two majestic Wedge-tail Eagles soar over the tree tops.  I guess that’s where we fell in love, on the steps near Teresa Falls.  Marlies and I have since ‘hitched up’ together.

We hand out your bookmarks to everyone we meet and tell them that Paronella Park is a MUST see.  We invited Marlies’ cousin to come out from Germany and visit Paronella Park.  She and her partner came last year and absolutely loved the place and the atmosphere.

How did we feel the first night we entered your wonderful Park?  Calm, tranquil and at peace – the serenity was over whelming.  It was as tough we had entered a ‘Time Warp’ and transported, as if by magic, to another time and place where an ancient civilisation existed.  We did not want to leave this magnificent and peaceful place.  It is a very romantic destination and a pleasure to return to each year.  We introduce new friends each time we visit your ‘Magical Park’.

On writing this letter we have made a most pleasant discovery.  We will always have an emotional bond with a magical place in North Queensland called Paronella Park.

Regards

Leo and Marlies