Paronella Park - August 3

Woke up to a bit of rain but we had long ago let that affect our plans! We headed one hour south to an amazing place called Paronella Park. This property at Mena Creek was bought by an inspiring Spanish new settler Jose Paronella in 1936. He built pleasure gardens and a castle like reception area for public enjoyment. After Jose's death, family neglect and a few cyclones, the place was in ruins, until the current owners bought it in 1993. They were traveling around Australia on the lookout for something "interesting". They have been slowly renovating the gardens and building remnants. A photographer's paradise. I will let our photos speak for any more words....

Paronella Park

Morning tea

Scones for tea

Paronella Park Mena Falls

Water Lilly

The Kiosk

Fast growing bamboo

Pattern used by the ADF

Turtle soup!

Suspension bridge over Mena Falls

Following this delightful visit it was off to Babinda National Park and a visit to the Boulders. Babinda is arguably Australia's wettest town - how typical!

Babinda National Park

The Boulders at Babinda National Park

Cherry sponge upside down cake from camp oven