The Whistle Stop is a gorgeous and very romantic heritage train station, circa 1910, that oozes old world charm. Nestled in the rainforest on 40 acres right next to 'Secrets on the Lake', its renovation has preserved the vintage ambience, but with luxuries, modern comforts and Secrets' style carvings added. Relocated from Beerburrum railway over 20 years ago, it is now a quirky and unique station house for a couple or family. Situated by a rainforest stream with nearby waterfalls and the beautiful Lake Baroon, it's just 200 metres from the entrance to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk, comprising 58km of walking trails through some of the best scenery the hinterland has to offer. A short rainforest walking track leads down to the Obi Obi Creek, with its sparkling rock pools set in the lush greenery of the Queensland State Forest. A rock hop further downstream is the famous 'Narrows', a natural wilderness where the river has carved a sheer path through solid rock over the centuries. The Whistle Stop offers guests a very versatile rustic holiday experience in an idyllic rainforest setting.

Montville is an idyllic heritage town in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Popular for its village charm and local arts, you can wander through quirky shops with cuckoo clocks, fabrics and homemade sweets, and unique local boutiques. Visit one of the many galleries on the Arts and Crafts Trail, or take a drive up to Maleny on the other side of the lake. Or simply stay at Secrets on the Lake, located next to the National Park where you can take a short or long forest walk with a picnic hamper. Or maybe you would prefer to paddle a canoe on the lake, then drop into Secrets Cafe for lunch.

Weddings

Secrets on the Lake is an absolutely stunning location for a wedding and caters for up to 80 guests. The Secrets Garden is nestled beneath mountainous rainforests next to a tranquil lake and is one of the most beautiful places to get married in Montville. With carved decks and ponds overlooked by the rainforest mountains, it features rock pools, love seat swings, beautiful carvings, expansive lawns and an antique style boat house called The Lake House. There are many gorgeous choices for a wedding ceremony from stunning garden decks to the romantic chapel-like Lake House, or the elegance of lush green lawns by the lake. Handcrafted platforms are surrounded by lily ponds and waterfalls, and the Lake House is a perfect wet weather option. Create stunning memories in beautiful surrounds, the Old Woodshed's rustic charm draws romantics and photographers, with unforgettable results. For receptions choose from canapes or a daytime reception in the gardens or on the Lake House deck. Or perhaps croquet on the lawn with High Tea, Barbeque or Luncheon. Or plan a night time reception on the Cafe deck overlooking Lake Baroon, arguably one of the best views from a restaurant in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Enjoy fabulous gourmet style food inspired by Secrets' chef Erik Van Elfan. A wedding planner is available to assist to ensure everything goes to plan for a truly wonderful day.

Secrets Cafe and Gallery

Secrets Cafe is a place where food itself is pure artistry, where flavours and colours and textures combine to excite palates and senses, a place of decadence where the lick of a tiny blowtorch coaxes caramel to life, or a soufflé rises silently, golden and as light as the breeze. Where perfectly roasted pumpkin transforms into a delicious roulade with spinach, feta and herbs fresh from a garden uniquely designed as a floral like emblem. Be tempted by a steamed duck egg with porcini and asparagus custard and truffle foam, or a slow braised beef lasagne. Canapés such as grilled scallops on Japanese wakamé seaweed salad, or a delicious sweet baby beetroot crostini with goat's cheese, are ideal for functions. Fully licensed with table service, it's not surprising that Secrets Cafe won the 2012 and 2014 Award for 'Best Cafe on the Range'. Situated in rainforest on Lake Baroon with panoramic vistas of calm water, majestic mountains and lush rainforest, the cafe has been crafted with exquisite carvings and attention to detail. A little wishing pond connects to the Tree of Dreams in the Art Gallery, while a restored antique buggy is parked on the cafe deck. Secrets on the Lake is full of beautiful art where you least expect it. Naturally.

Luxury Treehouses

Secrets on the Lake is a very unique Hinterland experience for couples, a collection of individually designed artisan treehouses in the magnificent Mapleton rainforest. Built by craftsmen who have captured the spirit of the rainforest and its charming creatures, Secrets on the Lake has been created as the perfect romantic escape - a place that will enchant and delight - for each treehouse is a work of art with carved red cedar features, forged iron fittings, hand blown glass and customised ceramics that spring to life in timeless whimsical delight. Located on 20 acres of rainforest on the edge of Lake Baroon, the treehouses are secluded in the forest, offering privacy and superb attention to detail in completely unique world class accommodation. Bespoke features are a testament to the wonderfully creative talents of the artists and artisans whose combined efforts have resulted in an utterly unique experience for couples.

Whistle Stop is a fully self contained cabin with a freestanding log fire. There is a secluded bush house spa, and double spa bath along a boardwalk and undercover in the rainforest. The queen bed and two single beds have luxury linen and towels and fluffy bathrobes. A double swing seat hangs on the porch and there's a gas BBQ. It has TV/DVD/CD/iPod dock and satellite TV reception. There's a shower and reverse cycle airconditioning. You have access to all the wonderful services of Secrets on the Lake, including breakfast, lunch and BBQ hampers, light 3 course dinners, cheese platters and chocolates, petal endearments and in-house massages. You can eat at the Secrets Cafe nearby and explore the amazing art gallery.

Secrets on the Lake is the culmination of the dreams of George and Aldy Johnston, which developed and grew with the assistance of Rob Johnston and Rob Ver Maas. The amazing local artisans and artists who helped to create the unique elements throughout Secrets on the Lake include Jack Wilms, Sculptor; Ralf Driesson, Blacksmith; Marion Uithol, Stained Glass Artist; Rebecca Wilkie, Ceramic Artist; Rob Johnston, Sculptor and Roger Chadwick, Sculptor.