Paronella Park

After a very unexpected week at Port Douglas, we were finally on our way, though I’m sure the women in the office fully expected us to be back for “just one more day!”

We were headed south to an attraction I had heard sooooo much about - a romantic decaying castle in the forest. The couple who bought it a few years ago were hammered by Cyclone Yasi and changed their ticketing arrangements. Because the forest was mostly blown away, they made every ticket valid for 2 years and allowed people to camp overnight. This business ploy has meant their customers have skyrocketed. They even give night tours to those staying in their caravan park.

Sadly (and not unexpectedly) Bertha wouldn’t fit in the caravan park, but they did have a lovely big parking area out the front where we were welcome to ‘free camp’. It was rather hot and muggy, and we were unable to run the air conditioning, so we were happy to get out and do our guided walk. We were the only ones for the 2.30pm tour, so we had our own private guide, Yang, who was lovely and very funny.

Between the afternoon tour and our night tour, we hung out on the shady deck and drank milkshakes while utilizing the wifi. Our night tour was a highlight, with the wildlife adding to the excitement. Lexie and I were at the front of the group and saw the red-bellied black snake on our path, and we all saw the cute little bandicoots at the picnic areas.

Angus and I were up early to catch some morning light. Sadly we didn’t get out until 7am and that’s NOT early light in this state! The bloody sun is well and truly up by 5am without daylight savings..

We had a wonderful morning together – taking photos and watching the fish, eels and turtles. I collected a trusty big stick to ward off the spiderwebs and we eventually got back home at about 9.30!