Day 18 Atherton -Paronella Park

 Day 18

left Atherton early this morning to head to Paronella Park. Checked into the Caravan Park on the grounds of Paronella Park and quickly set up then joined a tour group. Lucky us we were the only 2. Jeepers Creepers I really don't know how to describe this place. It made me go through a variety of emotions. what this man did was absolutely remarkable in such inhospitable territory, but he never gave up on his dream he managed to see it completed then watched in 1946 as Mother Nature come through and wiped out soooo much with floods which were mostly caused by the cedar logs that had been cut down awaiting transportation they then dammed up against the bridge then BAMMM. they tore loose and came crushing through Paronella Park. Jose Paronella and his family managed to get the business back up and running but there were certain aspects of the park that were never able to be restored. Unfortunately Jose only lived another 2 years and in 1948 succumbed to stomach cancer. In about 1994 after the current owners had purchased the park. A car drew up and the new owner went to greet them asking if they would like a tour of the place. The elderly lady said "let me introduce myself, my name is  Therese Zerlotti my maiden name was Paronella I grew up here. Let ME show YOU around" I just thought that was beautiful. Unfortunately the Paronella's had to sell their beloved park due to financial difficulties and someone else bought it and it didn't go well and was basically given back to nature for 15 years until Mark Evans and his wife bought the park and started to restore it. It has got to be one of the best places I have EVER been to and will stay with me for ever. The night show was superb with the light show and various parts of the park illuminated with coloured lights. At the end of the tour Mark gave everyone a gift-a piece of the original wall that was bought down during Cyclone Larry. I am so delighted to have this little piece of history.

I'm going to stop there and let you look at some of the photos. Do yourselves a favour and go and see this magnificent Park. It was a shame to leave. Next stage is heading south towards Gladstone. See Ya xx

B

A turtle decided to try and climb up the bank to get more food that we were given to feed them. Poor darling ended up back in the water in a very undignified tumble lol

Therese and her father planted these kauri pines when she was 10

The beautiful Ulysses butterfly. This one was in the museum. but I did spot 2 flying around. They are gorgeous

Bromiliads growing up a tree

These beautiful ferns turn electric blue when the sun hits them

Changing rooms 10 each side of the building. they use to have wooden doors

The original house that Jose built for the family which is now the mueseum