Secrets in Season at Secrets on the Lake
A new menu designed to honour the season and the spirit of a hinterland hideaway caught the attention of Helen Walker.…
The moment you arrive at Secrets on the Lake, the whole place seems to exhale around you. The canopy closes in, the air cools, and suddenly you’re in another world – one where treehouses perch above the forest floor, sunlight flickers through the branches, and Lake Baroon stretches out like a shimmering secret waiting to be rediscovered.
Then to top it off, from somewhere deep in the rainforest, you hear the distinctive call of the whipbirds communicating with one another – a soundtrack that instantly slows your breathing and reminds you that you have stepped into a place where nature still sets the pace.
I’ve visited many places across the Sunshine Coast, but few manage to blend romance, nature and genuine hospitality quite like Secrets on the Lake. One of my favourite experiences is wandering along the elevated timber walkways, suspended gently above the forest floor. And if you’re someone who appreciates craftsmanship, then Secrets is a must experience destination.
Handcrafted timber elements are woven through every corner of Secrets, their warm tones and finely carved textures creating a cosy feeling that makes you instantly feel at home. As winter draws to a close and the last bite of cold air nudges guests toward the crackling fires and cosy treehouse hideaways, owners Aldy and George are already looking ahead.
Spring brings a fresh energy that’s reflected beautifully in their updated menu, crafted to celebrate the region’s finest local produce. For Aldy, every meal they serve has a story with each ingredient carefully chosen for its quality, freshness and the people behind it.
That philosophy is clear the moment breakfast arrives. Warm artisan bread, still fragrant from the oven, mushrooms grown just down the road, handcrafted cheeses, and locally sourced meats all find their way onto the plate. Nothing is overworked or overstyled; just honest, seasonal and connected to the land it comes from.
Dining on the Deck, their award winning treetop restaurant, is where this connection truly comes alive. Sitting above the lake and suspended between sky and water with a menu that reflects the changing seasons. Secrets on the Lake have always championed local growers and makers, highlighting the people and places that make local produce so special. It is an invitation for diners to taste the Sunshine Coast in its purest form.
“Choosing local is about more than simply buying close to home,” Aldy says. “It’s about investing in our community, supporting local families and celebrating the season and exceptional craftsmanship. Great food doesn’t just begin in our kitchen.
“It begins in the paddocks, the dairies, the bakeries, the farms and the family businesses that work tirelessly to produce some of the Sunshine Coast’s finest ingredients.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have so many passionate local growers, makers and producers right on our doorstep, and we’re proud to support them wherever we can.”
From breakfast through to lunch, High Tea experiences, bespoke picnic baskets, in-cabin dining and functions and events, Secrets on the Lake is more than a dining destination. It’s a place to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or simply the joy of being together.
On any given day, you’ll find couples exploring the Great Walk with gourmet picnic backpacks, settling into a secluded, secret Lakeside Boho Picnic styled beneath the trees, or indulging
in the Ultimate Romance Package complete with massages and curated food experiences. The team encourages guests to tailor their stay, and it shows; everything feels personal.
Before leaving, I take up the offer of a treehouse tour and enter another world of handcrafted luxury woven into timber, glass and handcrafted artistry. Standing on the balcony, overlooking Lake Baroon, I understood why so many couples return year after year. Secrets on the Lake isn’t just a getaway; it becomes part of your life’s story.
I leave with a sense of calm, a renewed appreciation for local makers, and the feeling that I’d stepped into a place built with genuine love. Whether you come to dine, stay, celebrate or simply reconnect, Secrets on the Lake offers an experience that lingers long after you’ve left. And if you do visit, ask for the treehouse tour. Trust me, it’s worth it.
SEASONAL SECRETS
Enjoy Dining on the Deck at Secrets on the Lake and celebrate the region’s exceptional local produce.
Dining on the Deck
Open every Tuesday-Sunday.
Breakfast, 8am-10.15am
Lunch, 11am-2.15pm
All Day Desserts, 8am-4pm
Don’t Miss!
High Tea
Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-2pm. Book ahead for Secrets Classic High Tea, Champagne High Tea or the Ultimate High Tea with extra goodies! The Early Bird / Petite Plate is available at 9.30am or 10am for a 1-hour sitting for just $30 per person offering a small selection of the menu with barista-made coffee and premium Basilur Tea.
Celebration Cakes can be made to order and Group Packages are also available for special occasions in The Hideaway for up to 20 guests or The Gallery for up to 40 guests with full table service.
Weddings
With on-site accommodation as well as four dedicated ceremony locations, four reception spaces and eight separate packages from 20 to 80 guests, Secrets on the Lake is the perfect venue for your perfect day. Visit www.secretsonthelake.com.au
