José discovered a picturesque region surrounded by rolling plains, mountains and lush rainforest on which to build his dream. Attracted and inspired by exquisite natural beauty, Jose built his park beside 40 foot Mena Falls.
What attracted Jose still
attracts visitors today.
In Tropical North Queensland, the gateway to the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef region, you will find the The Great Green Way (Cairns to Townsville) , and there you will discover The Canecutter Way, a region of immense beauty that is steeped in history and natural charm through the hamlets of South Johnstone, Mena Creek and Silkwood.
Paronella Park is located in Mena Creek, a small town just south of Innisfail. Staying at Paronella Park's caravan park or at Mena Creek Falls Guesthouse across the road can be the best option to experience the park at night.
Paronella Park proudly sells products made locally including Denizen Designs, locally made rainforest bugs & other handcrafts.
Just a short drive up the road is Innisfail (more), 'Green like you've never seen!'. If you're looking for a place to stay, 4 star Riverlodge BnB is a real home away from home and also gives you the opportunity to to dine at Innisfail's premiere Thai restaurant.
Just down the road is the Barrier Reef Motel where you can have a drink and meal at their fully licenced restaurant and bar.
The Innisfail Riverside Motel offers accommodation from motel units to family size holiday apartments with balconies overlooking the beautiful Johnstone River. If you are caravaning or camping you may choose to stay at the Mango Tree Tourist Park in the heart of Innisfail.
Looking for something to fill an extra day? Innisfail Golf Club offers a 9 hole course
providing a truly enjoyable golfing experience.
Up for some adventure? Crocodari guarantees crocodile spotting during a cruise through the mangroves. Or perhaps Paradise Estate Wines is more for you, offering tropical and Australian native fruit wine tasting.
Further south, about half way between Townsville and Cairns, you will find Cardwell(more)and Hinchinbrook Island. Cardwell is the gateway to
Australia's largest Island National Park, Hinchinbrook Island, which is uninhabited apart for Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge,
a romantic, intimate, and completely refreshing experience. Hinchinbrook Island Day Cruises brings you to the Eco Resort, and allows you to discover the island from a new perspective. If you wish to stay in Cardwell, the award winning Mudbrick Manor is a unique BnB option. If you are travelling further south, Conway Beach Tourist Park is via Airlie Beach, Whitsundays and offers
caravan, camping, cabin & villa accommodation.
Up for a spot of fishing? Hinchinbrook Explorer Fishing & Eco Tours offers guided fishing and Eco Tours around Mission Beach and Hinchinbrook Island. Or perhaps Cardwell Air Charter is more your thing, allowing you to explore the region in comfort on a scenic flight.
A short trek inland and you will come across the Atherton Tablelands, home to many spectacular lookouts and waterfalls including Millaa Millaa. Accommodation in the region includes the Atherton Blue Gum BnB and Atherton Halloran's Leisure Park. A popular attraction is Crystal Caves, one of the largest privete mineralogical museums in Australia.
The major city of Cairns is the main destination of travellers to the region, and offers many options for accommodation, including First City Caravilla, offering motel accommodation right in cairns.
Many tours depart daily from Cairns which take you on round trips of the region. Tropical Horizons Tours offers 6 different routes including a "Waterfalls, Wildlife and Paronella Park" tour. Northern Experience Eco Tours has several options bringing you on the tours to the park
for a fantastic informative and fun day out. Down Under Tours offer full days out exploring the magnificent Cairns Highlands, waterfalls, rainforests and Paronella Park.
If driving is more your thing, cars can be easily hired from cairns:
Just a short drive up the road is
Further south, about half way between Townsville and Cairns, you will find 
The major city of 
Other Interesting Tourism Links 