An overnight stop in Japoondale as we move a little further north.

I had visited Paronella Park on my first trip to Australia 2 years ago but after having issues with my camera card, I lost all my photos. For the two of us to be able to enjoy it together; made the experience even better the second time. Virtually an unknown site 2 years ago, today the park has been voted #1 tourist attraction in all of Queensland. We were greeted by an outgoing gentleman (exact same man who I encountered 2 years prior) who gave us the run-down and informed us Canadians of how this park was to be featured on the CBC. After a short conversation about Mr. Dressup we checked in with smiles on our faces. Included in our admission was overnight accommodation in the adjoining rainforest park. First and second impressions, we were already really impressed. So Paronella Park is a Spanish castle which was built by Joseph Paronella who migrated to Australia from Spain. Once a bustling residence and recreational area, what remains today is only a moss-covered stone shell. The park is set on the Mena Creek with a large tumbling waterfall. The property winds its’ way through lush green rainforest and is complete with secret passageways, peaceful gardens, a waterfall which Joseph built for his daughter, and child-like fantasy all around. This amazing place was in its’ glory throughout the 60’s and 70’s when it was used as the local tennis courts, community dinners and banquets were held in the ballroom, and it was also a popular picnicking hot spot. One thing is clear and that is that Joseph was a dreamer and he re-created a fairytale land for people to enjoy well after his death. It’s not hard to see why he selected this picture perfect location to fulfill his dreams. The surrounding area is lush with amazing ferns, palms, vines, trees, and ancient wet tropic vegetation. After being ravaged by fire and extreme weather only the castle's shell remains. The staff are constantly renovating and making repairs due to its’ surrounding climate. The wet jungle has eaten away at the once pristine buildings but this age has also produced an incredibly mystical character by covering the stone and concrete with vibrate green mosses and life. We toured the area at our leisure in the afternoon and after a great supper (nachos with fabulous Australian Avocado), we headed out for the night tour. This tour was organized by the Park Staff and is lead by a guide who gives you fascinating information about the history of the grounds or native bush tidbits. By night, views of the castle suck you further into the fairytale. Under the moonlight and densely starry sky, the magic of the place comes alive. Staying the night is a great experience because after the night tour, the overnight guests get free range as the place becomes our own backyard for the night. We saw a ton of new insects and forest creatures as well as plants and stunning trees. One new species that particularly caught our attention was the specimen hanging a foot above the entrance to the ladies washroom. The spider was bigger than our hands. It was alarmingly large and frightening and warranted a prolonged photo section in the afternoon. Later on during our stay, we were informed that this variety of spider is called the Yellow Orb Spider and that the material from which they spin their webs is, relatively, stronger than steel. We also read an article about how their webs can catch huge moth, bats, and even small birds. Talk about frightening! Also, the staff there told us of the location of an even bigger Yellow Orb on the property so of course we checked it out. This one was easily the size of our head with its legs extended. Its’ two body segments were at least the length of a long finger with the larger section being plumper than either of our thumbs. This thing was insane. We watched it for about 15 minutes and in this time it caught and consumed about 4 medium sized insects…we now know how they get so big. Eeeks! We gave ourselves enough willies to flashback for the rest of the day. We drove the short drive back to the highway, enjoying the green pastures and hillsides all around. On to Cairns where we will get down to business.