The dream of José Paronella was to construct a castle. He chose Australia's special part and created Paronella Park. He built his castle on 5 Hectares next to Mena Creek Falls, a picnic area by the falls, tennis courts, bridges, a tunnel, and wrapped it in an incredible range of 7,500 tropical plants and trees (now a lush rainforest!). It opened in 1935 to the public. Paronella Park has been awarded several Queensland tourism awards, is listed as State and National Heritage, and is a listed property of the National Trust. It is owned and operated privately and accredited by Eco.