Tablelands Attractions

When Spanish-born Jose Paronella emigrated to Australia in 1913, his vision and ambition eventually gave birth to a magnificent Spanish castle. Built in the 1930s amidst the rainforest, beside a gentle creek and cascading waterfall, Jose's castle was later developed into a park, open to visitors.

After years of alternating fortune and misfortune, Jose's family sold the property in 1977. Two years later the castle burnt down and the park was closed for several years. It wasn't until 1993 that Jose's dream came alive again when new owners invested some much needed capital, and a passion equal to Jose's. The park gained National Trust listing in 1997, and has since been constantly winning awards.

Today, the dream continues by way of the interpretive guided tours. The Paronella Story - a 45 minute guided tour - tells the story of Jose Paronella and his dream. The Rainforest Indigenous Experience starts with a bush tucker tour followed by demonstrations of firelighting, didgeridoo playing, and a dance performance. The Evening Light-up Tour brings you along a 1 hour guided evening walk culminating in the lighting up of the fountains, buildings and waterfall.

Paronella Park features a cafe, but you are more than welcome to enjoy a picnic by the waterfall.

Discover rare giant ferns proliferating alongside native and exotic gingers, palms and cycads. Watch beautiful rainforest birds flying around and spot river turtles, eels, and large fish in the clear waters of the creek.

 

Step back in time at Mareeba Heritage Museum. Its backyard displays a unique rail ambulance, a historic railway carriage and a workable blacksmith shop. See an old settler's hut with historical memorabilia, a turn-of-the-century telephone exchange, a printing press and an extensive Aboriginal cultural exhibition. You can also enjoy displays on mining, forestry, tobacco, agriculture and the Wet Tropics.

The Museum also hosts the Tourist Information Centre, where you can get free tourist maps and information on the Mareeba Shire and surrounding regions.

Everyone knows about Australia's European settlers, but they tend to forget about the many Chinese who migrated to Australia soon after them. In fact, thousands of Chinese moved to Far North Queensland in the late 1800s during the gold rush.

Pop in to the Hou Wang Temple, which was once the social and religious heart of Atherton's Chinese community. This unique building houses elaborate carvings and has an intriguing past. It now belongs to the National Trust of Queensland.

You can also visit the Chinatown Museum. Thanks to the work of archaeologists and historians, the museum brings together stories of the community that once lived here. Names like See Poy, Jue Sue, Gee Kee, Fong On and Low Choy are an integral part of North Queensland history. Explore their lives through a series of interactive multimedia displays, guided tours and exhibits.

 

The Beck aircraft and military museum features fascinating and unique military items and weapons of war, and showcases the determination and pride of the soldiers of yesteryear.

Get on a scenic journey from Ravenshoe to Tumoulin with the historic Millstream Express. This genuine steam train will take you through the open bushland, around the Millstream River and across trestle bridges.

Before or after the ride, don't forget to stroll in Ravenshoe, a picturesque country town also popular for its crisp winters and 'air-conditionbed' summer climate, away from coastal humidity.

 

Take a step back in time and share the experience of pioneers who farmed in the area more than a century ago. The hardy men and women of the 1800s recognised the potential of the rich volcanic soils and high rainfall unique to the Eacham Shire area, and proceeded to foster and develop the only tropical dairy farming industry in the world.

Follow the guided tour through the fascinating museum and onto the dairy factory. Watch the various stages of milk production and then head to the cafe to taste a selection of Malanda cheese and browse through the gift shop.

The cafe is open 7 days a week and offers a delicious, modern menu featuring local produce. Don't miss the milkshakes!