Gumboots & Castles
After leaving Townsville we made a quick overnight stop at Cardwell. The town itself sits right on the coast with views across to Hinchinbrook Island, and while our camp just out of town was simple, it was peaceful and handy for breaking up the drive. Cardwell is known for its fishing and calm waters, but for us it was more of a rest point before pressing further north.
From Cardwell we headed into Tully, a small town that’s earned a big claim to fame: rainfall! Tully is recognised as one of the wettest places in Australia, and the town wears that reputation proudly with the Golden Gumboot. Standing 7.9 metres tall, it represents the record annual rainfall from 1950, and it makes for a fun photo stop right in the middle of town. Beyond the gumboot, Tully has a welcoming, small-town feel. We only stayed a night, but it was enough to wander the main street, grab supplies, and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.
From there it was on to Paronella Park, one of those places you really need to experience for yourself. Built in the 1930s by José Paronella, a Spanish immigrant with big dreams, the park is filled with the remains of his grand vision…a castle, bridges, staircases, fountains and lush gardens all tucked away in the rainforest. Nature has reclaimed much of it over time, giving the place an atmospheric, slightly mysterious feel. The guided tour helped bring José’s story to life, and the waterfalls on site add an extra layer of beauty. For us, it was also a photographer’s dream.
It was a short but memorable stretch of travel, full of contrasts: quiet coastal Cardwell, quirky and rainy Tully, and the romantic ruins of Paronella Park. With Cairns and family catch-ups waiting further north, we didn’t linger too long.
Exploring the unbeaten paths of Australia, one adventure at a time! 🌿 Follow along as we uncover hidden gems, tackle rugged terrains, and head Off the Main Road to embrace the thrill of exploring offbeat destinations. 🚙💨
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