On to Paronella Park, a heritage listed treasure built on 13 acres outside of Innisfail by a hopeless romantic from Spain who migrated to Australia in the early 1900's and built a series of small Spanish style castles and gardens for his wife and two children. The grounds were hit by flood and fire and fell into ruin. He died, the wife died and the son died. The daughter and daughter in law didn't want it. So the property was sold to new owners who abandoned it for 15 years before the current owners took it on. It was overtaken by the rainforest and in quite a state and they have spent much time and energy restoring what's left and are dong a great job. The owner greeted us in the car park. He was gorgeous and so passionate. The world needs people like them. They take guided tours through the park and its worth the visit. The kids enjoyed feeding the fish, eels and running through the gardens. By the time we left it was mid afternoon and it took about an hour to get to Cairns. The park here is fabulous, complete with guided tour upon arrival in a golf buggy with Nemo on top. Talk about royal treatment and the kids were stoked. We're two vans away from the Port Hedland crew. Dangerous. And of course we caught up for drinks at the end of the day. Their kids are sick so we got ours to bed early and headed over for a few quiet ones. It was still midnight when we left but I have wised up and got stuck into the tea rather than the vino. A late one but nice to end it with new friends as we very much enjoy their company.
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