Paronella Park & Coastal Wilderness

OVERVIEW

Spend a full day enjoying Queensland’s natural beauty, culminating with a magical evening at Paronella Park, which will be beautifully illuminated for dramatic effect. A walk through the rainforest to Babinda Boulders will serve as an introduction to bush medicines and the Aboriginal people as you will hear about their Dreamtime story of the Devil’s Pool. Etty Bay Beach will present a different look at the natural world. Besides being a gorgeous stretch of sand, it is inhabited by southern cassowaries, massive flightless birds that can run as fast as 30 miles an hour. Following tea at the secluded beach, you will travel to nearby Paronella Park, a botanical wonderland that Spaniard José Paronella opened in 1937. The family’s original stone home remains as well as a castle, bridges, and tunnels. The setting is mesmerizing, especially at night as you sit under the stars for the light and sound show.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold the natural beauty inland and along the coast of eastern Queensland.
• Delve into the Aboriginal culture and learn about rainforest bush medicines.
• Observe massive southern cassowaries walking around Etty Bay Beach.
• Explore Paronella Park, an unusual tropical garden that opened in 1937.
• Watch a spectacular light and sound show at the park after sunset.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a hat, towel, and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.