Mena Creek Road
20 km
distance
25 min
Contour time
4.1
avg score
Sealed
surface
Scenery
Queensland
Innisfail is the main town of the Cassowary Coast region, set at the junction of the North and South Johnstone rivers....
Road quality
4.1 RQS
Every segment scored on 40+ data signals.
Accessibility
Fully sealed
Best in Sports car. Peak season: May-Nov.
7-day forecast
A good transition stage suitable for all vehicle types on the lower section. The hilly section benefits from sports car or motorbike.
Scored 4.1/10 by Contour's road quality algorithm across curviness, surface, elevation and traffic. Best suited for sports car drivers.
The road
The road from Innisfail to Paronella Park follows the Innisfail-Japoon Road through the Cassowary Coast - a route that starts in sugar cane country near sea level and transitions into the rainforest hinterland south of Innisfail. The change from agricultural flatlands to forest hills happens quickly, the road character shifting from fast and open to narrower and more technical within a few kilometres. The Targa Great Barrier Reef rally used this area as the Mena Creek stage at 13.8 km - the competitive section. The full drive from Innisfail to Paronella Park is approximately 20 kilometres and 20 minutes. Paronella Park at the end of the stage is the destination that makes this route distinctive. A remarkable 1920s pleasure garden built by Spanish immigrant Jose Paronella on the banks of Mena Creek, now maintained as a heritage attraction in the rainforest. The combination of a good road and an unusual destination makes this stage worth planning around.
Why this road
The region
Innisfail is the main town of the Cassowary Coast region, set at the junction of the North and South Johnstone rivers. The area receives among the highest rainfall in Australia and the agricultural land reflects this - sugar, bananas, papaya, and tropical fruits of all kinds.
History
Jose Paronella immigrated from Spain to Queensland in 1913 and spent several years in the sugar industry before purchasing land on Mena Creek to build his pleasure garden. The castle and gardens opened in 1935 and operated as a tourist attraction until Jose's death in 1948.
Before you go
Fuel in Innisfail. Paronella Park has a good cafe and is worth allowing time for. Night tours of the heritage gardens are available on some evenings. Entry fee applies.
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Flag itWorth stopping for
Paronella Park
1920s pleasure garden and castle in the rainforest, one of the most unusual historic sites in FNQ. Night tours available.
Misty Mountains Trails
Walking tracks through the Wet Tropics accessible from the Atherton-Innisfail road.
Route
Start
Innisfail
End
Paronella Park
Gallery
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