From Bowen north to Molongle Creek is only about 60 kms so an very easy drive that day. Molongle Creek has a small caravan park right on the creek. It is friendly and clean and very economical. It is also where people that live at Cape Upstart put their boats in to cross the Bay to get to their houses as there is no road access to these homes. Getting the tinny off again we explored the creeks and caught a big Blue Salmon.
On a calm day we went across to Cape Upstart to have a look and were surprised to see how many houses there actually were. Trolling the lures we caught a nice Golden Trevally.
Now we were off to Paronella Park one of the must do’s on our journey. I have been wanting to see this place for years and I wasn’t disappointed. The owners Mark and Judy Evans were the friendliest, most informative and accommodating hosts anyone could hope for. Mark and Judy have owned Paronella Park for nearly 25 years and have worked tirelessly to keep this magical place for every one to see and experience.
Mena Creek Falls at night.
The beautiful Paronella Park at night.
The story of Jose’ Paronella is fascinating, born in Spain he arrived in Australia in 1913 working on sugarcane farms then purchasing, improving and selling them. Returning to Spain to marry Margarite, he then returned to Australia to buy this land and build (by hand) this amazing place for all to share. His castle with gardens, theater, ballroom, tennis courts, picnic, swimming and refreshment areas is truly something to see, enjoy and experience What a talented and clever man he was. Special thanks to Mark and Judy Evans for making us feel very welcome. Cheers guys !!!
