Travelling along the coast of Queensland it’s easy to see that we have the most beautiful beaches in the world. No wonder everyone is chasing this slice of paradise. They are true classics, with coconut palms, crystal clear waters and oodles of golden sand that can give the worst cracked heels the best treatment ever.
And when your done dreaming of where you should throw your beach towel next, for a change of scenery we decided to head to the “paddock”. This beautiful little camp spot is part of the Mena Creek Community and is between Ingham and Innisfail. It has everything a happy camper needs; traditional Queensland style pub, General Store with Post Office and a tourist attraction that retells the story of a Spaniard’s dream known as “Paronella Park”.
It’s a peculiar find as you learn about a very energetic Spaniard that’s driven to recreate a castle like home for his family in a rainforest adjacent to Mena Creek Falls. Jose Paronella gave it his “all” building picnic areas, tennis courts, tunnels, bridges, a hydro electric scheme and planting numerous tropical plants and trees. He was a pioneer in sustainability; living and breathing the 3R’s as he wasted nothing. But above all else this man was a show man outdoing “Saturday Night Fever”. In the 1930’s, he sourced a gigantic mirrored ball to create a disco, it featured bright pink and blue lights. Definitely gives a new meaning to a blue light disco. You just have to see it to believe it!! And you can experience all of this again at a night time show.
Our final stop this week was Cairns for a quick dip and cultural experience at the local gallery. The gallery was recently opened in February this year and has been beautifully restored. It’s well worth a visit.
We are now approx 1200km away from the tip of Australia and very excited to swap the saltwater for the freshwater falls. Life’s a beach, but it’s now time to hit the top end!!
MicNSarah Travels 