We are now within striking distance of Cairns where we give the van back next Tuesday and we are going to take advantage of the tourist areas that are within easy reach of Cairns. The scenery has changed quite a bit - still loads of sugar cane, bananas and vegetables but now fringed by (misty) mountains which line the coast. We cross the cane railways constantly and even drove down one for a short while! There has been quite a lot of rain in the area so the rivers are in flood which will be good for the waterfalls later in the week since the winter so far has been very dry.
We decided the visit Paronella Park today - a slightly bizarre house built by a Jose Paronella - a Spanish immigrant in the 1920's. He built the house and pleasure grounds as entertainment for the local population and since it was right by Mena Falls - it was - and still is powered by hydroelectric. Unfortunately after several cyclones and floods - and the early death of Jose - the house is now in ruins - but nevertheless the gardens were lovely and it made a slightly quirky place to visit.
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