Babinda to Paronella Park -Day 43-45 - memories from 2013

DAY 43

We left Mossman after enjoying our stay and headed off again, this time to Babinda.  We had been told how lovely this area was and that there was some free camping too, so we were looking forward to it.  Along the way we stopped at the Sheridan shopping centre to get some prescriptions filled and a bit of retail therapy for me. 

Old sugar mill on way to Babinda

Near Babinda

Main street in Babinda

DAY 44

We arrived at Babinda and found the free camping area at The Boulders and were so pleased as it was a beautiful spot to camp and was organised so that everyone had a little bay to camp in and so it wasn't overcrowded, just the way we like it.  We got ourselves organised and went for a walk around the Boulders, and then back to our camp spot.

Our camp site at The Boulders

Beautiful Ulysses Butterfly

 

The Day Moth

The Ulysses Butterfly and the Day Moth were right beside our van and seemed to enjoy the flowers of the Bottlebrush.

The Ulysses butterfly was quite difficult to photograph as the blue wings only show when the butterly is flying, so it took many attempts to get the blue wings.

A lovely walk to the Boulders

The Boulders

 We enjoyed a couple of lovely days here,  had our Toyota Landcruiser serviced at the local mechanics, and browsed the little craft shops and souvenir shops, as well as enjoying lunch at one of the cafes, but as always it was time to move on and we headed to Paronella Park.

Paronella Park - The Hydro Electic plant installed in 1933 on Mena Creek Falls

DAY 45

 Paronella Park was the dream of a Spanish man , Jose Paronella, who came to Australia in about 1929.  His dream was to build a castle similar to the castles of Spain and he set to work almost single handed and by 1935 Paronella Park was opened to the public.  At that time it was also the centre of entertainment for the locals and film nights were held there as well as weddings and dances.

Paronella Park