NATURE ATTRACTIONS BOOGAN

Everyone has a dream. José Paronella's dream became a reality. On five hectares beside Mena Creek Falls he built his castle, a picnic area by the falls, tennis courts, bridges, a tunnel, and wrapped it up in an amazing range of 7,500 tropical plants and trees. He even harnessed the waterfall for his electricity. Paronella Park opened to the public in 1935. Today, visitors to the park marvel at the achievements of one man. Admission to Paronella Park is valid for 24 months and covers both the tours. There is a 45 minute guided walk that explains the extraordinary story and takes you through the highlights of the park, as well as the stunning Darkness Falls Tour where the castles and waterfall are flood-lit to allow for amazing photo opportunities. Admission also includes the souvenir guide book, fish food, umbrellas, access to the online photo gallery, as well as a site for one night in the adjacent van park.

Opened in 1977 the Australian Sugar Industry Museum is a modern complex covering some 14,000 square. The Museum's collection comprises of contemporary and historical photographs, books, documents, domestic objects and artefacts related to Australia's sugar industry. Historic tractors, locomotives, harvesters, implements and a working model of a 500 horse power driven crushing engine are on permanent display. Many static displays depict the history of the sugar industry, including South Sea Islander involvement, a Cane Barrack Kitchen, Stables and a Blacksmith Shop. The professionally equipped 50 seat theatre features an audio visual presentation that describes the history, growing, harvesting, milling and refining of sugar in Australia. General, Education and Special Interest Group tours are given on request with at least one weeks notice.

The Australian Sugar Heritage Centre opened in 1977 and is a modern complex covering some 14,000 square. It houses The Australian Sugar Industry Museum, Cassowary Coast Region Art Gallery, Mourilyan Café, Post Office, Conference Room and Canegrowers Office. The Museum's collection comprises of contemporary and historical photographs, books, documents, domestic objects and artefacts related to Australia's sugar industry. Historic tractors, locomotives, harvesters, implements and a working model of a 500 horse power driven crushing engine are on permanent display. Many static displays depict the history of the sugar industry, including South Sea Islander involvement, a Cane Barracks replica, Stables, a Blacksmith Shop and the manufacturing of sugar. The professionally equipped 50 seat theatre features an audio visual presentation of the Sugar Industry. Examine the pioneering methods and processes on informative audio/visual displays throughout the Museum. General, Education and Special Interest Group tours are given on request please call them for details....

Mena Creek Falls is a spectacular sight. This waterfall rolls over seven million-year-old basalt rock and is even more stunning at night when the falls are illuminated. Located 19 kilometres south of Innisfail, the Mena Creek Environmental Park is accessible by the public at all times on the south side of the falls with public toilets, historic interpretive signs, a beautiful grassed picnic area and access to the suspension bridge that spans the falls. There is also a walking track leading from the toilets to a viewing platform on the bank of the creek with views of the waterfall across to the Paronella Park lower tea gardens. On the northern side of the falls lies the world-renowned Paronella Park. Visitors to the park are treated to many different views of Mena Creek Falls....

Located 15km from the township of Innisfail, Etty Bay is a popular locals beach, just big enough for the beach, a road, the Surf Life Saving Club and a small caravan park. The soft white-sand beach is backed by a narrow, tree-shaded reserve, then steep, forested slopes rising up to 250 m behind the beach. Etty Bay is frequented by the famous Southern Cassowary, seen patrolling the area most days with sights more common during the early morning and late afternoon. Visitors are able to swim at the beach, but read the warning signs and stay between the flags or in the stinger nets during the summer months....

The Australian Sugar Heritage Centre opened in 1977 and is a modern complex covering some 14,000 square. It houses The Australian Sugar Industry Museum, Cassowary Coast Region Art Gallery, Mourilyan Café, Post Office, Conference Room and Canegrowers Office. The Museum's collection comprises of contemporary and historical photographs, books, documents, domestic objects and artefacts related to Australia's sugar industry. Historic tractors, locomotives, harvesters, implements and a working model of a 500 horse power driven crushing engine are on permanent display. Many static displays depict the history of the sugar industry, including South Sea Islander involvement, a Cane Barracks replica, Stables, a Blacksmith Shop and the manufacturing of sugar. The professionally equipped 50 seat theatre features an audio visual presentation of the Sugar Industry. Examine the pioneering methods and processes on informative audio/visual displays throughout the Museum. General, Education and Special Interest Group tours are given on request please call them for details. ...