Blending historical glory with modern sustainability – Paronella Park in Queensland, Australia is a demonstration of passionate and visionary sustainable stewardship.
Founded by José Paronella in the 1930s, this unique destination has evolved into a shining example of eco-friendly tourism, nestled within 14 acres of lush tropical rainforest in Queensland.
José Paronella’s ambitious dream transformed the rainforest into a mesmerising garden with castles, tunnels, fountains, and bridges, all powered by its own hydroelectric system. Since its opening in 1935, the park has showcased both its natural beauty and the vision of sustainable practices. Today, Mark and Judy Evans who took over ownership in 1993 continue this legacy, preserving and enhancing the park’s unique features.
“José Paronella was an ecotourism pioneer who used discarded cane train tracks to stabilise his buildings and planted 7,500 trees, ensuring they would remain for future generations. The park was powered by Queensland’s first privately owned hydroelectric system, which he continued to use even after grid power arrived. Inspired by his work, we’ve created a Landscape Master Plan for an adjoining property with Sensory Gardens, a Plant Maze, Bush Tucker plants, and formal rainforest plantings,” says Judy Evans, Director of Paronella Park.
In 2024, Paronella Park celebrated 20 years of ECO Certification by Ecotourism Australia and achieved Hall of Fame status, setting as an example of how historical and natural attractions can embrace sustainability while offering exceptional visitor experiences.
Judy says, “Sustainability is core to our survival as a business. Ongoing stabilisation of the infrastructure, and maintenance of the grounds, means the story of the founder, José Paronella, lives on.”
Ecotourism Australia has certified more than 2,000 tours, attractions and accommodation experiences across the country. While more than half our Australian members have been certified for over 10 years, only 11% have achieved Hall of Fame status demonstrating a profound commitment to sustainability as a core component of their ecotourism businesses.
Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Certification program standards provide operators with key business development tools equipping them to champion their dedication to sustainability. It ensures continuous accountability towards long-term sustainability goals through regular auditing and reporting against global standard sustainable tourism criteria including business sustainability, environmental, social and cultural impacts.
Adopting sustainable tourism practices not only helps to meet customer expectations but also ensures your business has a greater positive impact on the local environment and community.
Paronella Park offers various visitor experiences that highlight its natural and historical beauty while promoting sustainability. Day tours explore the park’s history and architecture, and evening tours feature floodlighting powered by the hydroelectric system, showcasing sustainable energy use.
They also practice comprehensive waste management and conservation to protect local wildlife and plant life, with educational tours raising visitor awareness.
Judy adds, “Eco initiatives underpin all our operations procedures, grounds maintenance, and building preservation processes. Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle is our mantra. We encourage guests to recycle used items, and have relevant bins in multiple locations, explaining what they are for. We also mention to guests that we are Eco Certified and explain what this means. This provides us with a vehicle to inform our guests.”
For a blend of history, natural beauty, and sustainability, Paronella Park’s Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame legacy journey highlights innovative approaches that enhance the park’s appeal and contribute to responsible tourism.
To discover more about Paronella Park you can find them on the Green Travel Guide: Paronella Park | Green Travel Guide