North Queensland's first hydro electric plant was built in 1933 to power the 5 ha (13 acre)
park, and the castle grounds were ready to welcome the public in 1935.

In 1979 a fire swept through the Castle leaving only the walls and the Turret as a
reminder of what had been, and in 1986 Cyclone Winifred tested the Park's endurance once again.
With help of the Paronella family Jose's story was written; paths were uncovered, buildings repaired,
trees identified and a Museum created in the original home built by Jose
for his family. Cyclone Larry in 2006 added another chapter of endurance to the
story, and the dream continued once again.

2009 saw the refurbishment of the original hydro turbine which once
again provides power for the entire park.

A safety warning not to swim because of crocodiles