Paronella Park & Cairns Rainforest | Cairns International Hotel

Discover Cairns rainforest...

Come and experience a unique part of the Cairns rainforest, incorporating guided tours, indigenous aboriginal cultural experiences, bush tucker walks, self-guided botanical walks and night tours.

Originally created in the 1930's by José Paronella, a man with a dream, Paronella Park continues to be enjoyed by visitors from near and far. José Paronella arrived in Australia from Catalonia in Spain, in 1913. For the next 11 years he worked, cutting sugar cane initially, then purchasing, improving, and reselling cane farms.

Built on 5 hectares (13 acres) of rainforest beside Mena Creek Falls, Paronella Park heritage gardens is a "must see" for all visitors to tropical north Queensland.

It is the fulfilment of José Paronella's dreams. From the turret-topped balconies of the concrete castle, to the Hydro Electric generating plant below the falls, we stand in awe of his achievements.

When driving from Cairns, be sure to head to Mena Creek; take the "OLD" Bruce Highway after Innisfail rather than turning right and heading for Townsville along the Bruce Highway. Just south of Innisfail (before the Old Bruce Highway) you will find a Visitor Information Centre.

Paronella Park is open every day (except Christmas Day) 9am - 7.30pm. The last day tour is at 4.30pm, and the Evening Tour is at 6.15pm. Discover more...

The Cairns International Hotel is your ideal Cairns hotel accommodation choice…fabulous harbour and mountain views, spacious hotel rooms, our luxury day spa and of course, first class service. Experience for yourself our exceptional hotel facilities including some of the best Cairns restaurants & bars.

Make your Cairns International Hotel reservations online, make an online enquiry or call us on +61 7 4031 1300 …our friendly reservations team will be happy to tell you more about our Cairns International Hotel packages, deals and special offers or our Cairns International Spa packages for your next Cairns holiday, romantic getaways or weekend escapes.