When most of us think of Far North Queensland (FNQ) in Australia, we think rainforest, reef, beaches, gorges, humid days and balmy nights. It is all that …and a LOT more. I was lucky enough to live in Cairns in the early 1990’s and discovered many treasures off the beaten track, and am delighted to find there’s another reason to go back. Late last year, EcoTourism Australia awarded Paronella Park the coveted Gecko Award, that recognizes outstanding excellence in sustainable tourism.

Lush & Green ~ The Refreshment Rooms and Fountains

Situated just over an hour’s drive South of Cairns, Paronella Park is like discovering a hidden oasis in the desert..except that it’s more hidden castle in delightful lush rainforest.

The story behind Paronella is as captivating as the concrete moss covered buildings themselves.  Put VERY briefly, a Spaniard named Jose Paronella purchased the 13 acres of scrub in Mene Creek in 1929 whilst on his honeymoon. Just six years later, it was opened to the public featuring grand open air staircases, reception centre buildings complete with dance hall (with giant mirrored ball of course), a theatre and refreshment rooms.  Over subsequent years 7,000 trees were planted, a hydro electric generating plant installed, natural swimming pool tennis courts and children’s playground.  All however has not been beer and skittles. Over the past 70 years, various natural disasters have struck – flood, fire, and three cyclones have proved challenging, but somehow Paronella with its’ old and now present owners Mark and Judy Evans, has faced those disasters, picked up the pieces and soldiered on.

The Grand Staircase & Hydro electric waterfall system

The old Theatre Ballroom

Mark and Judy Evans have made Paronella Park their home for the past 9 years, and have embraced the legacy of founder, Jose Paronella in continuing to provide a special place for the public to visit.  Since 2009 they have injected an impressive $450,000 into bringing the hydro-electric pump back to life which again provides all electricity to the park. Here, they share with us a little insight into their life at Paronella Park:

1.     Tell us about how you first came across Paronella Park in the early 1990’s.  We came across Paronella Park almost by chance.  As a family, we had been travelling around Australia in a caravan for 18 months.  We arrived in Cairns in late 1993 and were told about a “Castle for sale down the road”.  It seemed interesting enough to at least drive down and take a look!  What we found was very run down and overgrown, but we could see enormous potential.  We purchased the Park just before Christmas that year and were greeted by a flood just a few weeks later – this was our introduction to life at Paronella Park, in the tropics.

2.     What sustainable features have been implemented into Paronella Park since 1993?    Initially, it was more about uncovering and repairing some of the sustainable features that the Park’s founder, José Paronella,had put in place back in the 1930s.  José was a pioneer in Ecotourism – he planted over 7000 trees and plants, he used recycled materials in his building, he harnessed the waterfall to create hydroelectricity, and he used gravity to feed the fountains.  Amazingly, things like José’s gravity fed fountain was almost still operational.  We unblocked some piping and the fountains sprang back to life!  Initially, the most significant project was clearing away many of the weeds that had taken hold throughout the gardens.  This was a gradual task and remains an important part of our maintenance program.  

3.    What can visitors expect to experience whilst staying at Paronella Park?  Visitors to Paronella Park can expect to experience a remarkable place, and to hear an amazing story.  The wonderful thing about Paronella Park is that the majority of our visitors arrive not really sure what to expect, but always leave amazed and delighted at having discovered something special.  We always encourage our guests to make the most of what Paronella Park has to offer.  The day tour, the night tour, a 2 year return pass, and a night in our caravan and camping grounds are all included in the admission fee.  If possible, it’s great to be able to take advantage of everything – it’s better value, and a better experience.

4.     What do you see as your best achievement over the past 8 years at Paronella?   To have suffered through a devastating Cyclone (Cyclone Larry) in March 2006 and to not only recover and reopen, but also to improve and enhance the Paronella Park experience as a result.  The cyclone was a major setback but it also acted as a catalyst for a number of changes in how we operate our business.  In the years that followed, we picked up several Queensland Tourism Awards, were voted the “Number 1 Must Do” in RACQ’s 150 must do’s campaign, restored the original 1930s era hydro electric system, re-built major infrastructure at the Park (including 6 new cabins and new amenities) and won the Ecotourism Australia GECKO Award for Ecotourism.  We also had some of our busiest years ever.

Fancy a tranquil picnic and a refreshing dip?

5.     What do you see as key issues for ecotourism in Australia?   Lack of interpretation.  So many ecotourism businesses have some great innovations in place, but don’t do enough to share their story with their guests.  Interpretation and education is such an important element of ecotourism and is very often overlooked.

6.     Can you give us a sneak peek into what’s planned for the rest of 2012?   As always, we have plenty going on.  Most importantly, there will be a continuation of major structural work following Cyclone Yasi (February 2011).  This work is crucial as it ensures José’s work remains safe and structurally sound.  We also have an exciting new project on the horizon.  At this stage we can announce that it will include accommodation, food service, and a whole new visitor experience.  More news on this soon!

7.   Can you share with our readers a local MUST DO tip whilst visiting Cairns?   A visit to Cairns isn’t complete without a trip down through the Atherton Tablelands, and to Paronella Park of course!  Many visitors to Cairns, particularly returning visitors, are looking to do something different from the usual (the reef, the beach and the rainforest).  There’s plenty of unique and interesting things to see and do for visitors willing to get out and explore a little.

~~ Paronella Park – Cairns, Australia ~~