Australian Bedtime Story: Paronella Park

Paronella Park Hidden in the lush rainforest of Far North Queensland, beside the rushing waters of Mena Creek Falls, stands a crumbling Spanish style castle that feels almost impossible. Paronella Park was not built by royalty or government decree. It was built by one man with a dream. José Paronella arrived in Australia from Spain in 1913 with little more than determination. He worked in the cane fields, saved relentlessly, and promised himself he would one day build something extraordinary. In the 1930s, he kept that promise. He carved terraces into rock, planted thousands of tropical trees, built a grand ballroom, a cinema, bridges, tunnels, and even a hydroelectric plant to power it all. Cyclones tore at it. Fire damaged it. Time tried to reclaim it. Yet the dream never quite disappeared. In this episode, we wander through the moss covered staircases and silent halls to uncover the love story, the ambition, and the resilience behind one of Australia’s most enchanting landmarks. It is a story of romance, vision, and what can happen when one person refuses to let go of a dream. The Nightline Australian Bedtime Story, weeknights 11:10pm The Nightline with Cheralyn Darcey from 2HD Newcastle and across Australia on the Super Radio Network live weeknights from 8pm to midnight - news, views and a bit of fun  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.