TOWNSVILLE TO PARONELLA PARK

Got up to fine rain but still very warm. Left at 9am all fed and watered and made our way onto the Bruce Highway still heading north. Countryside was flat and we passed through miles and miles of sugarcane. Eventually arriving at Ingham where we stopped for refreshments,diesel and bit of shopping.On our way again and pulled up at Cardwell By The Sea for a salad and a "Lynns Special Desert" we love those! Landscape now changing, rain forest in the distance and lots of macaws around. Also signs warning of Emu`s and Kangaroos. We must be the only travellers that haven`t seen a kangaroo yet. We turned off the Bruce Highway at Silkwood and onto the Canecutter Highway through Mena Creek and eventually arrived at Paronella Park. We were greeted by a chap with umbrellas for us all,what a warm welcome we had. After booking in at about 3pm we were told that the next day tour was 4pm. We washed and were eager to look around we joined the tour which took us around the beautiful park. The story unfolded of a hardworking romantic young man from Catalonia who emigrated to Australia. He wanted to build a house with a castle for his wife.He eventually built it after many years using just his hands. He added a cinema,ballroom,tennis courts and two castles which were used mainly by the locals. Its a fascinating story and if you are ever around North Queensland its a must to see. After the day tour was over we had a coffee on the decking,then it was time for our evening tour, about twelve of us all equipped with umbrellas and torches got on our way. We were shown magic illuminous mushrooms and bark,fed the turtles saw the fire flies that give off a flashing light during the dark that is caused by a chemical reaction coming from their backside (Bri said that sounds familiar!) Then we were all amazed when the switch was thrown to light up the caste and waterfall. All back to camper van now to get our glasses and enjoy a drink on the decking with Neil our tour guide. Great Visit Goodnight x x