Combined Paronella Park / Mamu Tropical Skywalk Admissions

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One ticket for two of the best stops south of Cairns: the rainforest canopy walk at Mamu Tropical Skywalk and José Paronella's castle and gardens at Paronella Park, half an hour apart. Use them on the same day or on different days.

Days

Full day, or split over two days

Group size

Self-guided visit with guided tours

Start / finish

Mamu Tropical Skywalk / Paronella Park, Mena Creek

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Self-drive, about 30 minutes between the two sites

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Combined Paronella Park / Mamu Tropical Skywalk Admissions

View map

Included experiences

Mamu Tropical Skywalk — canopy walkway, cantilever and 37 metre tower
Paronella Park — guided tour of José Paronella's castle and gardens
Mena Creek Falls — suspension bridge and the restored hydro plant
Darkness Falls — Paronella floodlit at night

Combined Paronella Park / Mamu Tropical Skywalk Admissions

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MAMU TROPICAL SKYWALK: INTO THE CANOPY

Start the day in the rainforest. Mamu Tropical Skywalk is on the Palmerston Highway in Wooroonooran National Park, part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and home to Bartle Frere, at 1,622 metres Queensland's highest mountain. With an audio guide in your language, you walk from the forest floor up onto an elevated walkway about 350 metres long, rising to the height of the treetops, then out onto a springboard cantilever above the North Johnstone River gorge. Climb the 37 metre observation tower for views across the rainforest-covered ranges. On the way you hear the stories of the Mamu people, the area's Traditional Owners, and of the early European settlers. Last entry is 3:30pm, so do Mamu first if you're fitting both into one day.

THE DRIVE TO MENA CREEK

Paronella Park is about 30 minutes' drive away, down from the ranges through the cane fields to Mena Creek. If you'd rather split the visit, the ticket works on separate days and can be validated at either site. Catalan migrant José Paronella bought this land in 1929 for £120 and built a castle, staircases, bridges and a picnic ground beside Mena Creek Falls, opening it all to the public in 1935. A guided tour of about 30 minutes tells his story and walks you through the highlights, including the 47 step Grand Staircase between the park's two levels.

PARONELLA PARK: GARDENS AND THE HYDRO

After the tour, wander the 5 hectares of gardens with the botanical guide, feed the fish, and cross the suspension bridge above the falls. Look in on the hydro-electric plant José built in 1933, the first in North Queensland, restored in 2009 and still powering the park. Floods, fire and cyclones have weathered his castle into mossy ruins, and they look best up close. Lunch is at the open-air Cafe on the Deck, or bring a picnic, and the Mena Creek Hotel is a short walk up the road for a pub meal or a cold drink.

EVENING: DARKNESS FALLS

Stay on for Darkness Falls, included in your ticket but booking is essential. After dark, power from the hydro floodlights the castle and the falls, and the tour finishes with a sound and light show. Then pitch a tent or park your van in Paronella's camping ground, where the first night is free with your ticket if you book ahead. Cabins are there too, at extra cost.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Either site: Mamu Tropical Skywalk, Palmerston Highway, west of Innisfail, or Paronella Park, 1671 Japoonvale Road (Old Bruce Highway), Mena Creek, about 120 km south of Cairns. They are about 30 minutes' drive apart.
Departure time: Mamu is open 9:30am to 4:30pm with last entry at 3:30pm. Paronella is open 9am to 6pm, with day tours leaving regularly and the evening tour time confirmed when you book it. Both close on Christmas Day; Paronella also closes on Christmas Eve.
Duration: Allow about 2 hours at Mamu and at least 3 hours at Paronella.
Fitness: Mamu's paths and walkway suit wheelchairs and strollers, except the tower's top platform. Paronella is steeper, with a 47 step staircase and some gravel paths, but a park vehicle can take you to the lower grounds.
Please note: Visit Mamu first if you are doing both on one day, because last entry there is 3:30pm. Mobile reception at the Skywalk is unreliable.

What to bring

Photo ID to collect your tickets
Your tent or van, if you want to stay the night

What is included

Entry to Mamu Tropical Skywalk with audio guide
Entry to Paronella Park, with the guided day tour
Darkness Falls evening tour at Paronella (booking essential)
Paronella botanical guide and souvenir guide book
One free night at Paronella's camping ground (booking required)
Use on the same day or on separate days

Not included

Transport; you drive yourself between the two sites
Food and drinks
Cabins and extra nights at Paronella

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.