Paronella Park
Paronella Park
4.5
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
Everyone has a dream. Jose Paronella’s dream became a reality. On 5 Hectares beside Mena Creek Falls he built his castle, picnic area by the falls, tennis courts, bridges, a tunnel, and wrapped it up in an amazing range of 7,500 tropical plants and trees. He even harnessed the waterfall for his electricity. It opened to the public in 1935.Today, visitors to the park marvel at the achievements of one man. Admission to Paronella Park is valid for 24 months and covers all of the tours (a 45 minute guided walk that explains this extraordinary story & takes you through the highlights,the stunning Darkness Falls Tour where the castles and waterfall are flood-lit to allow for amazing photo opportunities, and the hydro tour, giving you an in-depth look at the hydro electricity system that harnesses the power of the waterfall to provide the electricity for the whole Park). Admission also includes a souvenir guide book, fish food for feeding our resident fish and turtles, a bookmark, as well as a site for one night in the adjacent van park.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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from £28.84
All you need to step foot in the door.
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- Debbie B14 contributionsDefinitely worth the visitWe were really impressed with the park, information about it, the care taken to preserve the history and the staff. We did both the night and day tour and it didn't disappoint. I was super impressed with the owner personally greeting and farewelling park visitors and even expressing his gratitude to all for their support. It's a beautiful place and quite unique. Definitely will go again.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 9 April 2023
- Kerrie DCanberra, Australia6 contributionsTropic tours Paronella Park Wednesday 10th May 2023Simon from Tropic tours picked our group up from Cairns for a day/night tour of Paronella Park. On the way we stopped at an amazing bakery in Babinda followed by another stop at Etty or Eddy bay on the Cassowary coast where we were lucky to see 3 of these amazing birds followed by morning tea provided by Simon, onto Paronella park for pm guide and dinner at the pub before returning for night light and music show. Informative and interesting history of park. Simon was a friendly and helpful guide. Would recommend Tropic ToursVisited May 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 15 May 2023
- KB3Airlie Beach, Australia9 contributionsWell worth turning off the highway for this one.Wonderful park. Really didn't know what to expect but honestly it was well worth it especially when you team it up with the night tour and the night included at the van Park plus you can return within 2 years. They have done an amazing job and the staff are some of the most friendliest I have come across in a long time! I don't know how they managed to get that many lovely people to work for them but they really made a difference to the whole vibe and just couldn't do more for you. Wonderful for families too!Visited May 2023Written 21 May 2023
- Pacificwoman59358 contributionsParanella Park worth the tripWe have wanted to go to Paranella Park for many years and we weren't disappointed. It's fascinating to see the ruins of the castle and the other buildings. Be sure to do the free half hour tour as it really does give you so much more information about the family. And don't leave without going to the cafe and having a devonshire tea. The best we've had in years!Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 July 2023
- Nanette BAustralian Capital Territory, Australia21 contributionsAn absolute must see.This place is extraordinary. Its creation at all tells of one man's determination to make his dreams come true, and the legacy is maintained by family and now the new owners. The staff could not be friendlier, and our guide Angie was full of knowledge and extremely personable. All physical abilities are well catered for, and everything is accessible. The grounds are magnificent by day and night - I strongly recommend both a day and night tour. The accommodation and facilities were great too. Throw in the Skywalk and a meal at the Mena Hotel and you have the perfect day.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 August 2023
- Janeane1965Melbourne, Australia549 contributionsSimply MagicalOh wow thank you Jose Paronella for turning your dream and vision into reality for people like me to enjoy. What an incredible and serene location. Learning of your journey and tragedies along the way make this place even more beautiful. Congratulations and what a wonderful experience you created for us. A must see in FNQ. Entry ticket gets you 2 x to enter including night show and one night complimentary at caravan park.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 August 2023
- elizabeth PMelbourne, Australia18 contributionsPassionate ownersI'm not sure I've ever been to a business where you can say the owners are as passionate and dedicated as Mark & Judy. When Mark speaks you can hear how much they respect what the Paronella family have created and their story. Tour guide Younes was well educated in the grounds and all its history. He had a comical side and embraced the crazy kids we had. Our day tour was great, we walked and listened to our tour guide and then set off to explore. Kids under 5 managed the walk with no real issues. Pram/wheel chair friendly as they offer you a lift down the hill if required. The night tour was spectacular, very tranquil and a little surreal something like this is still around. Over all a great experience. One small whine - more signage/larger signals of where things were/used to be/what they are, maybe even a photo or two in some places, but as I said small things. Thanks for a great day/night out.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 17 September 2023
- Tina MCairns, Australia1 contributionDo a Tour With TrudyMy sister her friend and myself did the 3pm tour with Trudy, It was amazing, Trudy had so much knowledge which she shared with us. I would go back just to do another tour with Trudy. Nothing was to much trouble and she make us all feel welcome.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 2 October 2023
- Carl CTownsville, Australia10 contributionsMesmerizing attraction in the rainforest fantastic attractionThis was a fantastic way to spend the afternoon/evening. We did the afternoon tour at about 3:30pm. Then walked across the suspension bridge to the mena ck pub and had dinner. Then went back to the park for night tour. Megan was our tour guide and the passion and dedication of her and all the staff was like nothing I’ve ever seen. Well done guys. Very highly recommendVisited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 28 December 2023
- 906chas1953Adelaide, Australia29 contributionsWonderful day at a park with so much historyWe went with Simon from Tropic Tours. Visits included Babinda Boulders, Etty Bay, Paronella Park with Tea at the Mena Creek Hotel. A wonderful experience in a truly lovely forest area with amazing water flows and an inspiring history of perseverance and dedication. A hugely knowledgeable guide, Simon has a family link to the park and instilled his personable touch to the story. The night light show was a highlight. Highly recommend this trip.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 17 February 2024
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4.5
3,196 reviews
Excellent
2,347
Very good
553
Average
170
Poor
69
Terrible
57
jprd134
17 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Really a magical and unique place, with a charm and inspiration. We have spend the night in the powered campground just next to the park, included in the visit ticket, really a great value!!!
And the best part was the guided tour with KEN, special mention for him who is so passionate and thankful to share the story of this place. For my girlfriend who is not perfect with English understanding, it was the first time she understood everything because Ken did his job so well. Thanks to you for this.
Julien and Amandine, visit of the 11th March at 4.30 pm.
And the best part was the guided tour with KEN, special mention for him who is so passionate and thankful to share the story of this place. For my girlfriend who is not perfect with English understanding, it was the first time she understood everything because Ken did his job so well. Thanks to you for this.
Julien and Amandine, visit of the 11th March at 4.30 pm.
Written 14 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
906chas1953
Adelaide, Australia29 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
We went with Simon from Tropic Tours. Visits included Babinda Boulders, Etty Bay, Paronella Park with Tea at the Mena Creek Hotel. A wonderful experience in a truly lovely forest area with amazing water flows and an inspiring history of perseverance and dedication. A hugely knowledgeable guide, Simon has a family link to the park and instilled his personable touch to the story. The night light show was a highlight. Highly recommend this trip.
Written 17 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert T
Springwood, Australia33 contributions
What an amazing story of the passion put into creating a castle and his pulling together of all the favourite places from his travels. Our guides were fountains of knowledge, and it was awesome to see the variety of ideas and creativity one man put into this epic project.
You can ignore the ridiculous one star review from January 2024, it was fascinating and inspiring when you hear of what one man went through to achieve this amazing outcome.
You’re not coming here to stay in a five star Castle!
The pub serves are great meal too, an easy 5 min walk over a swingbridge for some local hospitality.
You can ignore the ridiculous one star review from January 2024, it was fascinating and inspiring when you hear of what one man went through to achieve this amazing outcome.
You’re not coming here to stay in a five star Castle!
The pub serves are great meal too, an easy 5 min walk over a swingbridge for some local hospitality.
Written 11 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanne T
4 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Wow, definitely recommend the park but make sure you go on a tour as the park and buildings will make more sense. The night tour was a benefit and added a different element but would love more stories of what would have occurred during the night time with Jose's family. The staff definitely work there because they love it, Megan as a guide was amazing. Have dinner at the pub, the food is excellent and all meals had by our family were enjoyed.
Written 28 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ellen195420
Sydney, Australia31 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
A wonderful day thanks to our guide Simon from TROPIC TOURS. First stop was Babinda Boulders where you can swim and do a rainforest walk. It was beautiful but very humid. Then drove to Etty Beach hoping to see Cassowaries in the wild. Sadly it was too hot for them. Simon made us afternoon tea. Lovely rainforest tea for me and really nice carrot and sultana cake made by Simons wife. Next we went to Paranella Park for a guided tour. We had 3 guided tours around different parts of the park. Simon had given us so much information and history about the park it was invaluable. After the second tour we went to the gorgeous old country pub for dinner then back to the park for a night tour. We got to sit in a rainforest with bats flying overhead listening to classical music with a waterfall flowing in the background and beautiful lights over the fountain and building.
Paranella Park is an inspiring, amazing story of one man’s dream. Please go and find out about this amazing place.
Thank you Simon for a wonderful day of learning.
Paranella Park is an inspiring, amazing story of one man’s dream. Please go and find out about this amazing place.
Thank you Simon for a wonderful day of learning.
Written 22 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RBang
Sydney, Australia14 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
The pictures are misleading. The so called castle, ballroom are just ruins with moss covered concrete. It's just your imagination that has to run wild when the guide talks about fun times people had here. There are better waterfalls, better rainforest experiences and better wildlife in Cairns outside Paronella Park. The cafe is good and the staff are very friendly. The ticket includes a night guided tour as well but that's useless if you have time just for the day trip.
In my view, it is way over priced for the experience it provides. There is literally nothing but ruins and a back story! I'm surprised how this can even be called a tourist destination. While I understand that every business wants to make money, this park offers very little value for the premium price it demands. I'm kicking myself that I didn't check the bad reviews. I feel that I've been given a sucker punch.
In my view, it is way over priced for the experience it provides. There is literally nothing but ruins and a back story! I'm surprised how this can even be called a tourist destination. While I understand that every business wants to make money, this park offers very little value for the premium price it demands. I'm kicking myself that I didn't check the bad reviews. I feel that I've been given a sucker punch.
Written 21 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stacey C
6 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
A wonderful tour of the ancient Paranella Park, highly recommended to everyone. We have been twice and both tours were amazing, the guides are full of knowledge.
Written 3 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Resort608274
4 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Mark and Judy are an amazing pair of owners. The time and love they put back into this park really shows. We went just after the floods and the work they did to get the park re-opened really showed. This was our second time in going and we will certainly visit again on our next trip to North Qld.
Written 2 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carl C
Townsville, Australia10 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
This was a fantastic way to spend the afternoon/evening. We did the afternoon tour at about 3:30pm. Then walked across the suspension bridge to the mena ck pub and had dinner. Then went back to the park for night tour.
Megan was our tour guide and the passion and dedication of her and all the staff was like nothing I’ve ever seen.
Well done guys. Very highly recommend
Megan was our tour guide and the passion and dedication of her and all the staff was like nothing I’ve ever seen.
Well done guys. Very highly recommend
Written 28 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mel
Mackay, Australia5 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
The staff were friendly and extremely helpful! Les was an excellent tour guide and Karla was extremely helpful in organising accomodation and dinner at the local pub just up the road for us. Paronella is a MUST if you havent done it before, and the night tour with the majical light disply just topped the experience off! This was my third time back - il be back again for sure.
Written 18 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristy060
Lake Cathie, Australia19 contributions
How long do you need to allow to explore the park?
Mariadingdongbell
Clifton Beach, Australia12 contributions
I would say at least 2 hours and it is worth doing the night tour as well. If you like history then you will love this place.
koalalalalala
Canberra, Australia
Is there any restaurant in the park?How much?
Joanna K
Merimbula, Australia13 contributions
Yes there is, the prices are very reasonable.
Leanne D
2 contributions
If we stay at the caravan park are we able to have a dog we will be travelling through with a small dog next year
Bob N
14 contributions
Sorry - can’t remember the policy on dogs
The staff are excellent on the phone, so that would be the best way to discover that policy.
They do have a second park behind the hotel, but you must be equipped to manage your Grey water
Dianne O
Torquay, Australia35 contributions
Is Paronella Park suitable for elderly people? I plan to bring my parents when we are in North Queensland in a weeks time. Mum is 83 and Dad is 88. Both are mobile but not up to lots of walking and definitely not lots of steps or steep walks.
Mark E
Mena Creek, Australia2 contributions
Hello Dianne,
Although the staircase is large, we offer a vehicle lift to avoid it for anyone that requires it. The rest of the Park is relatively easy to negotiate, but if your parents run into any issues, we’re able to do a vehicle tour, as well.
Either way, we’re sure you’ll all love it!
Hope to see you soon,
Bridget
Hi, we would like to camp in Paronella Park on July 4 (Wed), could you check if it is available for our camper? Also, we do browsed the website, knowing one-night camping fare is included in the tickets, please confirm whether electricity, hot shower and kitchen galley equipment are also included?
Mark E
Mena Creek, Australia2 contributions
Hi there,
Thanks for your question!
Powered sites, hot showers, and a gas BBQ area are all included in the campsites, but bookings are essential.
If you could please call the lovely reservations team on 07 4065 0000, they will check the availability for you. They'll need to know the size of your camper, how many people are travelling with you, etc, to ensure that they can fit you into the perfect site for you.
Enjoy your visit!
Bridget
Rhett B
1 contribution
Hi, can you swim there?
microlights
Port Macquarie, Australia43 contributions
No unless you don't care about the resident crocodile in the water 😁
Tracey Y
1 contribution
How often do the tours run please?
downunder45
Australia360 contributions
every half hr and 2 tours in the evening I think 6pm & 7.30?
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Claim your listingPARONELLA PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Paronella Park
- Paronella Park admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost £28.75, while a popular guided tour starts around £67.43 per person.
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Paronella Park:
- Paronella Park Admission Ticket (From £28.75)
- The Original Day Tour to Paronella Park, Lake Barrine and Millaa Millaa Falls (From £88.33)
- Paronella Park and Millaa Millaa Falls Full-day Tour from Cairns (From £104.01)
- Cairns Paronella Park Herberton and Wild life Tour (From £67.43)
- Paronella Park Half Day Tour (From £73.18)
- Hotels near Paronella Park:
- (0.14 mi) Mena Creek Hotel
- (1.59 mi) Tropical Bliss Bed and Breakfast
- (2.98 mi) Mena Creek Flower House
- (8.40 mi) August Moon Caravan Park
- (9.57 mi) Barrier Reef Motel Innisfail
- Restaurants near Paronella Park:
- (0.14 mi) Mena Creek Hotel
- (9.85 mi) Roscoe's Pizza Place
- (4.67 mi) Flow to Grow Cafe
- (4.40 mi) Criterion Hotel South Johnstone
- (6.14 mi) Currajah Hotel Restaurant
- Attractions near Paronella Park:
- (0.14 mi) Mena Creek Hotel
- (0.18 mi) Mena Creek Falls
- (9.26 mi) Mamu Tropical Skywalk
- (7.44 mi) Australian Sugar Industry Museum
- (5.13 mi) Liverpool Creek Swim Hole