Mourilyan, Queensland

A service centre surrounded by fields of sugar cane.
Location: 1624 km north west of Brisbane; 6 km from Innisfail.
Origin of name: derived from the naming of Mourilyan Harbour in 1872 by Capt. John Moresby (1830-1922) hydrographer and explorer of HMS Basilisk, after his Lieutenant TL Mourilyan.
Brief history: A Spaniard named Jose Paronella emigrated to Australia in 1911 to work on the local cane fields. He made his fortune and between 1930 and 1946, proceeded to build a huge mansion which included a ballroom, a cafe, a music pavilion and a remarkable 45-metre tunnel which led into a secret garden. 'Paronella Park' was his extraordinary and eccentric vision.
Built features: localities of Cowley Beach, Japoonvale, Silkwood, El-Arish; Kurrimine Beach; Garners Beach, Bingil Bay
Natural features: Etty Bay; Mourilyan Harbour; Hall Point; Double Point; Licuala State Forest; Kurrimine Beach National Park; Great Barrier Reef; Coral Sea.
Heritage features: Australian Sugar Industry Museum; Paronella Park (rainforest and ruins); Natural History Museum (Etty Bay)