Paronella Park
Paronella Park is located in Mena Creek, one and a half hour drive from Cairns. It's history is quite interesting and I think very romantic. I am a fan of Grand Designs, the British television show on making dream homes come to life and hosted by Kevin McLeod. I sometimes wonder if I will ever come across an individual with a vision of his home and determination to make it happen.
As we take the tour of the park, with humidity so stiffling the guide had to provide us with a fan, the story of Paronella Park unfolds. We are told that in the early 1900's, a Spanish man arrives in Australia looking to make a fortune and build his castle for his fiancee back in Spain. Having grown up with tales from his mother of castles, gardens and fountains, Mr Paronella wanted to build this vision and life in Australia. He worked long and hard to earn his fortune by learning about sugar canes, farming, buying, improving and selling farms.
With this fortune, Mr Paronella came across the Mena Creek and purchased the land so perfect for his vision. Mr Paronella returns to Spain to finally wed his fiancee. But, much to his disappointment and heart break I'm sure, he finds his fiancee married! Too much time had past (11 years). So instead he marries her sister and returns to Australia with his new wife.
Here was a man with no engineering or building background able to create a legacy well ahead of his time.
 |
| Castle in front of the fountains |
 |
| Grand Staircase... |
 |
| Mena Creek Falls |
 |
| The Castle Ruins... |
Waterfall Circuit
From here, we headed north towards Millaa Millaa following the Waterfall Circuit. The Waterfall Circuit is made up of three waterfalls...
 |
| Zillie Falls |
Ellinjaa Falls
Ellinjaa Falls is part of the Waterfall Circuit in Millaa Millaa.The Ellinjaa Falls was one of my favourite waterfalls we visited. Hidden amongst the rainforest, it is gem to find it. There was no-one in sight when we arrived and it was good to relax and enjoy the sound of water and birds.
Zillie Falls
Zillie Falls is part of the Waterfall Circuit in Millaa Millaa.
Millaa Millaa Falls
Millaa Milla Falls is part of the Waterfall Circuit in Millaa Millaa. Millaa Millaa falls is surrounded by lush greenery. It is popular amongst the tourists and locals alike. When we arrived, there were a number of people swimming and sunbathing. Bus loads of tourists were just arriving for a quick dip, and I'm sure, photo opportunities.
It was breeding season for catfish and swimmers are warned to beware "Catfish breeding season. Catfish may cause injury". We overheard some locals and tour guides mention towards the left-side of the falls is the catfish breeding area.
Malanda
Malanda is located one hour and a half hour drive from Cairns. We decided to visit Nerada Tea plantation. Unfortunately there were no tours on that day and were closing for the day. We only had time to buy a few assortments of tea.
Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine
The Crater Lakes are located one hour drive from Cairns via the Gillies Highway. We had hoped to have afternoon tea at the Lake Barrine Teahouse but did not arrive on time.
Cathedral Fig Tree
The Cathedral Fig Tree is an impressive, gigantic strangler tree.We were able to walk around the base of the tree via boarded walkways.
Gillies Highway
Wow. The Gillies Highway was an experience. This very long and winding road was interesting to drive. We had been warned about it by the helpful staff at the Babinda Tourism Centre.
To quote Wikipaedia regarding the Gillies Highway - "famous for its 263 corners, and 800m elevation change in only 19 km of road", I could not wait to get to the end. Next time, I would avoid the Gillies Highway.
Next is The Great Barrier Reef.
These places are amazing Allons-y! Wow! When I saw those pictures of the castle, they truly reminded me of the fairytales I grew up with. How wonderful that we have such places in Australia!! I want to visit this castle now hehe :)
ReplyDelete