- Paronella Park
Paronella Park is a
tourist attraction located inQueensland ,Australia , 120 kilometres south ofCairns .History
{|align=right |Paronella Park was built in the 1930s by
José Paronella , a Spanish immigrant. [cite web
url = http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/heritage/index.cgi?place=602017&back=1
title = Paronella Park, Mena Creek Falls and Mena Creek Environmental Park
publisher = The State of Queensland (Environmental Protection Agency)
accessdate = 2007-09-12] José Paronella built facilities, including tennis courts and a cinema and a ballroom inspired by Spanish castles, to provide entertainment for the public. Since his death, a fire, a cyclone and several floods have badly damaged the park and the buildings. The park changed owners several times until, in 1993, it was bought by the present owners. Nowadays, the overgrown, heavily damaged buildings impart an almost medieval atmosphere.Hydro Electric Plant
In 1933, Paronella installed a hydro-electric plant, the first (privately owned) in Queensland, on the waterfall in the park. He used it to supply power for the park's lighting, pumps, refrigeration and cinema. The town of Mena Creek also used some of the electricity.
Activities
The Dream Continues TourA 45 minute guided walk takes the visitor through the highlights of the Park and tells the story of José Paronella’s dreams and vision.
Departs every 30 minutes from 9.30am until 4.30pm.
The Darkness Falls TourThe Visitor is shown the secrets and delights that are Paronella Park at Night - a special way to extend the Paronella Park Experience.
6.20pm each night. (also at 8:30 during busy times) Duration 1 hour approx.
Self-guided Botanical WalkA 16 page Listing Booklet containing details of 88 of the Park's flora. The trees are identified throughout the Park.
Awards and recognitions
In 2004, Paronella Park was named Queensland's premier significant attraction by the Queensland Tourism. [cite web
url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/australia/qld/cairns/200411/s1253010.htm
title = Tourism awards reflect Queensland's diversity: MP
publisher = Australian Broadcasting Corporation
date = 27 November 2004
accessdate = 2007-09-12] It was also a joint winner in the "Emerging Business" category of the Reconciliation Awards for Business (2004), awarded by the Queensland Government. [cite web
url = http://www.reconciliation.qld.gov.au/awards/2004winners.html
title = Reconciliation Awards for Business: 2004 winners
publisher = The State of Queensland (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships)
accessdate = 2007-09-12]References
External links
* [http://www.paronellapark.com.au Official website]
* [http://freesound.iua.upf.edu/tagsViewSingle.php?id=10981 Sounds recorded at Paronella Park]
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