Paronella Park, Queensland, Australia
We got all our jobs done on our last day with Sharon and then managed a trip up Castle Hill. Its an iconic landmark in Townsville yet we'd never managed to get up there in our previous visits. Well worth the drive - don't think I'd be quite so keen to walk or run up it as many were doing - and the views were spectacular.
Sharon made us the most amazing Vietnamese prawn salad for tea - just thinking about it makes me salivate. Hopefully my pic shows just how amazing it was.
Next morning we had breakfast with Sharon, did our final pack up and then had to say goodbye. Thats the bit none of us enjoy. But it was so wonderful to spend time with her.
It was a beautiful sunny morning as we left Townsville but that didn't last to long and we had a very rainy trip to Mena Creek home of Paronella Park. We weren't able to get in to their caravan park but instead got in at their overflow park - The Paddock which is situated behind the Mena Creek Hotel.
We were lucky and the rain dried up for a while and we walked across to the park and checked in and paid our entry which allowed us one nights free camping.
We grabbed a quick snack at the cafeteria and were able to join the 2pm tour. I won't try to give you a full history -its worth googling - but here's the opening paragraph on their brochure.
Everyone has a dream. But not everyone's dreams are fulfilled. Jose Paronella's dream was to build a castle. He chose a special part of Australia and created Paronella Park. On 13 acres beside Mena Creek Falls he built his castle, picnic area at the lakeside, tennis courts, tunnels and bridges and wrapped it up in an amazing range of 7000 tropical plants and trees.
Our tour guide was an articulate clear speaker and told us the history along with a few amusing anecdotes. What a place - my photos don't come close to showing how beautiful it is. After the tour we walked back to the van - its a drive through site so we haven't unhitched so an easy pack up. We had relaxing couple of hours just reading and catching up on the news and the rain came back on with a vengeance. But fortune was smiling on us and it dried up again and we headed over to the pub for tea.
It was heaving! Great oldies music pumping from the juke box and doing a busy trade in meals. Craig had a burger and I had an Asian basket - both fabulous. Once again the rain was bucketing down but our luck held and it was dry again when we left to go on our tour. We'd booked to go on the 7.30 night tour. This visited the same areas as earlier but it looked even more spectacular with the lighting.
The finale of the tour took us to the old tennis courts area where they had a magical sound and light display - playing three beautiful pieces - the last one in particular was so poignant - and all the while the ruins being lit by gorgeous light patterns. Definitely one of those memories which will last for ever.
We then walked back to the van and settled ourselves in for the night.
GAIL
2021-04-29
Have just caught up on all Blogs, and oooh, you are getting closer and I am excited! Have been VERY busy, unfortunately not working around here, but racing off to get paperwork done. That news can wait Just rang NZ as my friends frail brother died early hours of this morning. He was in a home in Wgtn and she lives in Akld. Have LOVED all photos,you both look disgustingly happy and healthy. Second fine morning here in 2 days, so hope it stays the same for you. I 'might' get lawns cut for your arrival. Stay safe, love Us
Lou
2021-04-29
Can’t believe we’re on day 11 already! Paronella Park looks really interesting,and the night tour sounds amazing. All well here xxx
Shauna
2021-04-29
Paronella Park is one of my most favourite places. There is something magical about that place. It captures your heart and imagination of days gone by. Can you imagine how many stolen kisses where had in that tunnel of love? The staff who work there are definitely passionate about relaying information and stories about the place.
Szulca
2021-04-29
My sister and I spent an enchanting day at Paronella Park over a decade ago. Enjoyed a yummy brunch and afternoon tea. Its a must do. A monument to its maker... the waterfall spectacular with all the recent rain. Will have to visit again some day. You both look rested and very spoilt with Sharon's cooking. Yum to the prawn salad!!
Ruthie
2021-05-02
It’s a great spot - looks wonderful.
Lyn & Greg
2021-05-04
Great photos and commentaries as usual. Enjoy x