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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 Penthouse Treehouses feature a stunning hanging fireplace, 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 there are plenty of entertainment options with TV/DVD and CD/iPod dock. 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. Mmmmmm ...utterly indulgent!


Secrets - the ultimate Penthouse

Perched high in the rainforest on a ledge surrounded by lush palms and regal red cedar trees, this ultimate luxury penthouse has a spectacular private waterfall that splashes down an ancient cliff face. Viewed superbly from the large walk in shower with a beautiful mosaic floor, it's simply breathtaking. Combined with panoramic vistas over Lake Baroon, Secrets is a place of pure enchantment. Larger than other penthouses it has an extra dining area with an outlook to the natural beauty of the rainforest. Every feature from the hand carved door with its rainforest theme to the stained glass and unique ironwork makes this a very special hideaway for a honeymoon or celebration. With one queen bed, it's perfect for a couple.


Dragonfly - Queen

Dragonfly is nestled in rainforest on a large sandstone rock backing onto a cliff face, with stunning views over the treetops to the lake. Dragonflies flit throughout the treehouse, in stained glass, carved timbers, mosaic and iron sculptures created by Secrets' talented artists, starting with the striking dragonflies on the hand carved door with delicately inlaid timber and hand forged iron handle. A step down spa bath chiselled uniquely into the polished floorboards has delightful curves to entice and delight. Beautiful furnishings complement the lovingly created artistry that surrounds you here. For one couple only, this is a perfect getaway.


Platypus - Queen

At the end of a private boardwalk a secluded treehouse is perched on the edge of the vast waters of the lake, with views from a sunken spa through gently swaying palm fronds to the waters and lawn of the Lake House where special events are celebrated. At Platypus be charmed throughout by this sweetly shy water mammal, where artists' expressions result in underwater scenes that cascade down ceramic walls, are illuminated by the sun through brightly coloured stained glass windows in hand hewn frames, or swim through iron reeds across a wall. It's a living world of art for the enjoyment of just two.


Wait-A-While - Double Queen

Wait-A-While contains an elevated second bedroom looking out over the lounge area and rainforest, so it's perfect for two couples. Entertainment equipment is housed in an amazing wooden forest sculpture. A bedhead grows tendrils across the wall, while sweet mice nibble in sculptures and glass. A hand carved breakfast bar has gorgeous views of the rainforest, as does the sunken spa with double glass windows. A gallery of features to bewitch and charm you, this penthouse has it all.


The Nest - Triple Queen

This beautiful treehouse is one of the most versatile, catering for small groups, couples, family reunions, honeymoons, tiny weddings, romantic getaways, short breaks or longer holidays. It is located away from other tree houses for the peace and privacy of other guests. It is popular with wedding parties in a flurry of preparations for their big day. Large secluded twin decks catch the morning sun or rainforest views to the lake. A gorgeous outdoor spa bath enables enjoyment of the surrounding rainforest. Family friendly, The Nest sleeps up to six people. Ideal for those wishing to explore the natural beauty of the rainforest or relax with family or friends near the wonderful waters of Lake Baroon.


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.


See also Secrets on the Lake - Luxury Treehouses, and Secrets on the Lake - The Whistle Stop

 

 

Map


    Complimentary breakfast basket

    Free bottle of wine on arrival

    Choice of croissants/muffins each morning

    QS bed

    Spa bath

    Bathrobes

    Linen supplied

    TV/DVD/CD/iPod dock

    DVD library

    Hanging fireplace

    RC airconditioning

    Fully appointed kitchen

    Large deck

    Built in swing seat

    Canoes

    Fishing gear

    BBQ

Kondalilla Falls

Kondalilla National Park

Maleny Cheese Factory

Maleny Dairies

Glasshouse mountains

Mary Cairncross Park

Baroon Pocket Dam

Art Gallery Trail

The Lake Cafe

Flame Hill Winery

The Edge Restaurant

Wild Rocket at Misty's

What was fabulous about this place?



 





 


 


Amazing places, great spaces...

Be inspired by the natural beauty of this region. See it, feel it, taste it.