A family enjoys a picnic on the grass near the historic stone ruin of Paronella Park, surrounded by trees, whilst two children play with bubbles in the foreground, making for a perfect day out with admission tickets.
Back

Paronella Park Admission

from A$62
3 hours
Mena Creek
All Ages (0+)
Strict Cancellation

Explore the moss covered castle ruins and waterfall of Paronella Park in Mena Creek with one ticket for day and night. Join the guided Dream Continues tour, wander 13 acres of gardens and the working 1930s hydro plant, then return after dark for the floodlit Darkness Falls tour.

  • A family enjoys a picnic on the grass near the historic stone ruin of Paronella Park, surrounded by trees, whilst two children play with bubbles in the foreground, making for a perfect day out with admission tickets.
  • A family of four sits on a mossy log beside a small waterfall in the lush, green forests of Paronella Park, watching the water flow into a brownish pool.
  • Four people, two adults and two children, walk together on a path surrounded by tall, straight trees in the lush forest of Paronella Park, their admission tickets granting them access to this enchanting natural wonder.
  • A group of people stand in front of an illuminated historic building surrounded by dense trees at dusk, capturing the enchanting atmosphere that awaits with Paronella Park Admission.
  • A family enjoys a picnic on the grass near the historic stone ruin of Paronella Park, surrounded by trees, whilst two children play with bubbles in the foreground, making for a perfect day out with admission tickets.
  • A family of four sits on a mossy log beside a small waterfall in the lush, green forests of Paronella Park, watching the water flow into a brownish pool.
  • Four people, two adults and two children, walk together on a path surrounded by tall, straight trees in the lush forest of Paronella Park, their admission tickets granting them access to this enchanting natural wonder.
  • A group of people stand in front of an illuminated historic building surrounded by dense trees at dusk, capturing the enchanting atmosphere that awaits with Paronella Park Admission.

Quick read before you book.

  • Walk through 1930s castle ruins slowly reclaimed by rainforest
  • See the park lit up after dark with a sound and light show
  • Stand on the suspension bridge in front of Mena Creek Falls
  • Visit a hydro electric plant that still powers the park
  • Ticket valid for 24 months, so you can come back

What people say about this operator.

Google Reviews
4.7 Stars|6,136 reviews

What could be better?

Honestly, not much. Stay for the night tour if you can, guests say it's the highlight of the visit.

Summarised by AI, verify on Google Business Profile before booking

Included in this tour.

  • Admission to Paronella Park, Mena Creek
  • The Dream Continues guided day tour
  • The Darkness Falls evening tour (bookings essential)
  • Self guided botanical walk booklet and map
  • Souvenir guide book and map
  • Fish food, umbrellas and the History in Photos museum
  • Courtesy vehicle to the lower grounds for guests who need it
  • One night's van park site, booked by phone

Commonly asked questions.

Paronella Park is open every day from 9:00am to 6:00pm, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Dream Continues tour leaves every 30 minutes from 9:30am to 4:30pm, and the Darkness Falls evening tour runs each night.

Yes, the evening experience is included in your ticket, but bookings are essential. Call the park on (07) 4065 0000 to lock in your spot. It does not run on 23 December, when the park closes at 6:00pm.

The park is at 1671 Japoonvale Road (Old Bruce Highway), Mena Creek, about 120 km south of Cairns. After Innisfail, follow the old Bruce Highway rather than turning towards Townsville. No car? Join the guided Paronella Park experience from Cairns with return transfers.

A 15 percent cancellation fee applies to all booking cancellations.

Child tickets cover ages 5 to 15, and there are family tickets for two adults with two or three children under 15. For younger children, call the park on (07) 4065 0000 before you book.

Parts of the park are steep with gravel paths and a 47 step Grand Staircase, so not every area can be reached independently. A courtesy vehicle can take guests who can get in and out of a 4WD to the lower grounds, accessible toilets are near the cafe, and large wheeled prams or a baby carrier work best.

The Cafe on the Deck serves sandwiches, wraps, cakes and smoothies daily, and you're welcome to bring your own picnic. The Mena Creek Hotel is about a five minute walk away for a pub dinner between the day and night tours.

If you've got the morning free, yes. It's about 30 minutes' drive from the park and takes you up a 37 metre tower above the rainforest; book Mamu Tropical Skywalk admission separately or as part of the combined ticket.

More about this tour.

In the 1930s, Spanish migrant José Paronella built a castle, a ballroom and a hydro electric plant beside a waterfall in Mena Creek, and opened it all to the public. Nearly a century of floods, cyclones and rainforest growth later, the moss covered ruins of Paronella Park are one of North Queensland's most atmospheric places to spend an afternoon and evening.Your ticket covers both sides of the park. By day, join The Dream Continues tour, a guided storytelling walk of about 30 minutes that leaves every half hour from 9:30am to 4:30pm, then explore 13 acres at your own pace: Kauri Avenue, the Tunnel of Love, the suspension bridge in front of the falls and the restored 1930s hydro plant that still makes power today. After dark, the Darkness Falls tour floodlights the gardens and finishes with a sound and light show.Refuel at the Cafe on the Deck, spread out a picnic, or wander up the road to the Mena Creek Hotel for dinner between tours. Pair the park with the canopy views at Mamu on the Paronella Park and Mamu Tropical Skywalk combined ticket, or leave the driving to a local guide on the Paronella Park experience from Cairns.Explore day and night, check availability for your date, then book your admission and allow at least three hours.

Additional info.

  • Open daily 9:00am to 6:00pm; day tours every 30 minutes from 9:30am to 4:30pm.
  • Bring photo ID and the credit card used to book.
  • Call (07) 4065 0000 to book the evening tour.
  • Allow at least three hours.