We packed up and left Ringers Rest and turned southwards - and of course ran into some showers around Millaa Millaa! Morning tea was at Mareeba and we enjoyed the Falls there plus a beautiful rain forest walk. The trees were lovely and a treat was to see all the turtles looking for a feed. The drive off the tablelands was spectacular with forests, mountains, tea, sugar, bananas - such a rich area agriculturally.
Our destination was Mena Creek to see Paronella Park - so many people have told us we must go, so we heeded their advice and wow, we were amazed at everything. We set up behind the hotel and although we were supposed to be self contained, we did use their showers and toilet. This area is going to be set up as a real camp ground as the ground next to the park is very small. We thought the deal was very reasonable as we camped free, had three tours and could stroll around the park at our leisure.
The park of 5 hectares beside the Mena Creek Falls, was the vision of Spanish migrant Jose Paronella in the 1930’s. He built a castle, picnic areas, tennis courts, a ballroom, tunnels and bridges - all in an amazing range of tropical plants and trees. He did all this for his wife and they lived in the cottage which houses a museum today. One of Jose’s amazing feats was to build a hydro electric plant - way before electricity came to this area. The plant fell into disrepair but was refurbished in 2009 and today it provides power for the park.
The park was hit by floods, a fire and several cyclones and the for some years, it was derelict, until the current owners started the long process of stabilising the buildings, making them safe for visitors to enjoy as Jose had intended. The result is we could tour the grounds and learn the history and marvel at his vision and dreams.
The night tour was fantastic - the waterfalls and castles were lit up by search lights but the coup de gras was the beautiful concert by a stringed trio - with the castle ruins as backdrop it was very emotional and beautiful.
We completed the evening with a meal at the hotel which was a lovely way to end such a wonderful day.
Now we are in Townsville - not by choice but because our car a/c decided to not work and believe me, travelling in Queensland without air conditioning is not pleasant!! So the cars have had a good clean, we’re set up in a city park which really isn’t our cup of tea, but hopefully the car will be fixed tomorrow and we’ll head off again.
So until later, love to you all from the Townsville campers. ❌❌❌❌
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