Paronella Park

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I decided to do a separate blog on Paronella Park as we were very impressed with what one man managed to do virtually on his own using local sand and cement and lots of 'scrounged' materials from around the area. Fabio, you would be impressed!

Born in a poor family Jose had always dreamed of building his own castle. After moving from Spain to Australia and making money on buying, clearing and selling land, he started Paronella Park in 1912. About 13 acres of amazing planning , hard work and ingenuity. There was even a cave with tiny bats in it. He died in 1948 but his legacy remains in spite of fire, floods. and cyclones.

A few photos will help you get a feel for it.

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Photos

The Castle
or what is left of it after a fire and 'Cyclone Larry' taken from where the front porch of the house framed it.

The Grand Staircase
Rhonda adorning the Grand Staircase

Kauri Avenue
Even more impressive in person.

Second Castle
The second of two castles overlooking the fountain and tennis court.

The Fountain
All made by hand and gravity fed.

Waterfall
How did he get into that photo?!!

Eel
One of many big ugly eels in 'lovers lane'

Comments

[Virginia and Keith]

Paronella Park
What a fascinating place! We must go and have a look when we are down Mission Beach way...you find some amazing things when travelling, don't you?