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. Each treehouse has its own theme. Enter through hand carved curiously shaped doors, marvel at the stunning hanging fireplaces, admire hand carved mirrors featuring forest creatures and savour gorgeous kitchens with carved shelving suspended from beautifully crafted iron fittings. Enjoy light filtering through riotous colour of stained glass stories of local species, encased in beautiful hand carved window frames. Sit on extraordinary hand made swing seats - love seats for two - an engineering masterpiece in a state of perpetual suspension. Sip champagne while immersed in bubbles in a sunken spa with spectacular views. Be inspired by sights and sounds - the beauty of the rainforest, mists on the lake, a frog symphony after dusk reverberating through the air, water splashing in the lake as fish chase ever elusive moths. Enjoy nocturnal calls of local wildlife, and maybe even a few visitors. Massages are available on request, and you can eat all meals in Secrets Cafe if you prefer. It just doesn't get any better than this.

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.

All these Luxury Treehouses feature hand carved queen beds, double spas, double showers and extraordinary artisan detailing in wood, glass, ceramic and iron. Swing seats for two defy gravity on outdoor decks. All have fully appointed kitchens with unique elements and TV/DVD and CD/iPod docks. Air conditioning and private undercover parking is provided. Luxurious bathrobes and linen are supplied, along with breakfast provisions and the choice of croissants or muffins delivered each morning. All treehouses are for one couple only.

Waterlilies

Along a winding private walkway through palms and rainforest and at the lakes' edge is the luxury treehouse Waterlilies. Like the penthouse treehouses, it has a stunning hanging fireplace with unique ironwork features. Inspired by nature, the decorative elements of this treehouse reflect the abundant natural beauty of this extraordinary locale. From ceramic art of waterlilies in the shower, to lake eddies carved into the red cedar entrance door, and a stained glass image of birds entwined continue the very creative theme of these delightful treehouses.

The Bower

The Bower is reached by a drawbridge section of the elevated wooden walkway. Secluded and spacious, it contains a romantic fireplace, and features stained glass kookaburras and tree sculptural elements reflecting shelter for wildlife. High in the rainforest, it provides scenic views across the treetops to the lake. The idea of lifting the drawbridge evokes thoughts of ultimate seclusion.

Lizards Lair

Lizards Lair has a dazzling frill-necked lizard carved into its massive front door and a very private balcony overlooking the lake. Wide recycled red gum floorboards lend a richness to the rooms with colour and depth. Ochre, terracotta and turquoise echo the environment outside evoking a calming feel of Australian natural wonder. An indigenous artwork adorns a wall, and a sunning lizard filters light through coloured glass. A fireplace makes it even cosier, and a stunning feature door that implies life within reminds one that in this special place life is abundant and surprising. There are gorgeous views from the sunken spa and the bed, and with a 5 metre elevation at the front you will feel like you're sleeping on air.

Two Frogs

The very first treehouse to be built, with the reputation for the most proposals of all the cabins, Two Frogs is very private, with a fireplace, wide red gum floorboards and timber shutters that combine to create a warm ambience. Beautiful reflections of sweet amphibians feature throughout, and views across the lawns to the lake can be enjoyed by couples lucky enough to stay here.

Possums

At 8 metres above the ground and with a luxurious sunken spa bath with a spectacular outlook, Possums treehouse has panoramic views of gardens and lake, and a unique aspect to Lake Barron Pocket Dam. A fireplace creates a cosy feel for perfect relaxation. Enjoy the many unique timber and ironwork elements surrounding you here. With its little possum face appearing throughout the treehouse this sweetly curious marsupial is a common visitor to Secrets, often found curled up asleep in dark shelters or climbing about on the decks and through the trees.

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.