Paronella Park - He dared to dream

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Jose dared to live the dream planted in his impressionable young mind by his Grandma in Spain. He wanted a castle where guests would come, dance and dine - but he only had a dream.

He left school in Spain but found that what he could earn barely covered his living costs. He read of oppoertunities in Australia and migrated after proposing to his girlfriend who remained in Spain.

To see how this worked out, come to Paronella park and take a guided walk through his dream castle. An exquisite spot, beautiful but ravaged by fire, floods and cyclones, yet much of Jose's own handi work remains and is being cared for so future generations can enjoy the dream.

With accomodation on site, make sure to do a day and an after dark tour. BRING A GOOD CAMERA AND TRIPOD!

Cyclone Yassi hit this area very hard about 12 months ago, but the bush is recovering, the birds at last are returning, and the fish are huge, but protected!

The hard work our early pioneers put in leaves a deep impression on us of how lucky we have been to follow their pathways and see their dreams blossom.

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Photos

Josea and his wife
Wedding day in Spain 12 years after migrating to Australia - but come to find the unusual twist to this romance!

Castle Built
See if you can find Jose's finger prints in the construction.

Mena Creek Falls
These falls became central to Jose's dream.

His vision through the rain forest
Focus on the falls

The grand stair case
All the building materials were carried up the rock face via these stairs.

His castle
Sadly fire, floods and storm have left just this beautiful reminder of former glory.

The falls
Through the entrance to the castle ballroom and resteraunt.

Fish for dinner
Sorry, a protected species. A 1.5 mtr croc has recently moved in as well, so swimming is now discouraged.

Nature 01
A bug lifting itself back up into the tree by a fine silk thread.

Large Bugs
Ever heard bugs that sound like chainsaws? This is it!

Golden Orb
Even he's a beaut