23/08/2025
On this day, 23 August (1948), Jose Paronella, of Paronella Park in far North Queensland, died of cancer aged 60. Jose arrived in Australia in 1913 and with his wife, Margarita, they laboured to bring to life his dream โ a pleasure garden with swimming areas and lush green gardens. In 1935, Paronella Park was officially opened to the public. Many visitors continue to enjoy the gardens to this day. Their graves were originally in Innisfail Cemetery, but the original headstones (pictured) were moved to their home in Paronella Park, Mena Creek. A testament to a dream. From our 'Grave Tales: Bruce Highway' volume.