Secret Haven at Secrets on the Lake
It’s a well-known fact that the anticipation of booking a holiday can be almost as enjoyable as the holiday itself. Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer discovers the perfect getaway in our very own beautiful backyard.
Do you ever just truly want to get away from it all? Nestled in the verdant Sunshine Coast hinterland, there’s a secret haven that’s been crafted with love over many years, and feels a million miles away from the rest of the world – the perfect place to relax, recharge, celebrate special occasions with friends and family, and create beautiful memories to last a lifetime.
Secrets on the Lake offers romantic luxury treehouses with hand-carved details overlooking the stunning landscape of Lake Baroon, and as soon as you set foot on the property, you start to feel the Secrets magic. Perhaps the resort feels so special because of the love and passion that’s been poured into it over many years by owners Aldy and George Johnston, who bought the property back in the 80s after living with their young family on a nearby farm. Bit by bit, they painstakingly built each treehouse by hand, adding in intricate detail and creating their own dream location where couples and families have flocked ever since.
“Secrets treehouses are a joy to escape to as they’re not only timeless in design, but creatively inspiring,” Aldy said. “Each treehouse has a unique theme – such as Two Frogs, Lizard’s Lair and Waterlilies – and we’ve spent an exorbitant amount of time making them unique, comfortable and welcoming with amazing artwork, suspended fireplaces and sumptuous spas,” she added. “None of it would have been possible without the skills of our son, Rob, who’s a visionary craftsman and builder. For us, Secrets on the Lake is more than just a destination – it’s the culmination of all our life’s dreams and plans.”
For larger groups, Secrets on the Lake offers other types of unique accommodation, such as the light-filled Moon Dance House which sleeps eight and is perfect for birthday or wedding parties, plus the house-sized cabin, The Nest, which sleeps six and has a resplendent spa bath overlooking the trees for all to enjoy, a glass of bubbles in hand. And let’s not forget the old-school charm of the very first Secrets cabin, Whistle Stop Cabin – a delightful retro space for a small family that started life as the Beerburrum Railway Station, originally built in 1910. Unsurprisingly for a place that’s bursting with heart and soul, Secrets on the Lake is renowned for being the perfect spot for proposals, elopements, weddings and honeymoons, with the team offering special packages and a wealth of ideas and inspiration for those looking to celebrate their love story.
“With the stunning panoramic views of the water and beautiful carved decks overlooked by lush rainforest mountains, our gardens are a beautiful place to get married!” Aldy said. “We offer a range of options for your ceremony and reception – including The Peninsula, The Lake House, The Hideaway, and our restaurant – so you can craft the celebration of your dreams.
“Plus our dedicated wedding team will help bring your vision to life, ensuring a smooth and magical experience for yourself and your guests.”
Speaking of dining, Secrets on the Lake boasts its very own treetop restaurant, Dining on the Deck – a long-time dream of Aldy’s brought to life, offering visitors a relaxing and atmospheric place to dine, with panoramic views of Lake Baroon, fresh rainforest air and serene birdsong accompanying your meal. Now in full swing with its Spring/Summer menu featuring a range of delicious dishes, Dining on the Deck is a must-do experience for guests and non-guests alike – everyone is welcome!
One of the best-kept culinary secrets on the Sunshine Coast, Dining on the Deck can effortlessly cater for groups – from Christmas celebrations and small family gatherings to large bus groups, everyone will be taken care of in signature Secrets style.
Whether you’re staying to celebrate a life milestone or ‘just because’, the team at Secrets on the Lake are determined to make every stay special.
“Our packages can include meals in the restaurant or in your treehouse, bottles of wine, massages, and special events such as Lakeside interludes and Boho Picnics, with guests often arriving by helicopter,” explained Aldy. “We have lots of ideas, and love helping guests plan a proposal, anniversary or celebration. All you need to do is to contact us!”
Secrets on the Lake is also a nature-lovers paradise, with fishing, canoeing, walking and exploring the grounds all easily accessible to guests. The nearby walk from Kondalilla Falls to Baroon Lookout is about a four-hour hike through lush rainforest and dense bushland, and guests can enjoy a Walker’s Package where they’ll have the convenience of being dropped off at the falls before walking the stunning track back to Secrets. Whether you visit for relaxation, adventure or to celebrate a major life moment, Secrets on the Lake is the secret to a rejuvenating getaway that will give you the energy to face daily life again. You heard it here first…
