Want to know a secret? It can be found tucked away in the rainforest of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Baroon. Couples who discover this hidden haven often return to revel in the unique luxury treehouse accommodation, sublime natural setting, and warmly welcoming service. Others double back to savour high tea and lake views at signature restaurant, Dining on the Deck. This romantic retreat is perfect for just-because getaways and life’s most magical moments — and the name to know is Secrets on the Lake.
We’re leaving the daily grind behind and delving into how you can stay, dine, and even say ‘I do’ at Secrets on the Lake.
Discover a secret place …
The magic of this place will enchant you — just as it did for the visionaries behind Secrets, owners Aldy and George, when they arrived in the area decades ago. Hidden away between the hinterland villages of Maleny and Montville, this lakeside escape is set in a tranquil natural landscape of ancient trees and stunning gardens. It’s everything you could want for a truly relaxing romantic getaway: peace, privacy, and all the luxury extras to elevate your experience. “It took so little time to settle in and relax. Normally it takes a few days!” is something heard often from guests here. And isn’t that something we all want from our holiday or honeymoon?
Which luxury treehouse is for you?
One of the special parts of any stay at Secrets is choosing your treehouse. Each has been lovingly crafted by hand, individually styled, and filled with amazing woodcarvings, bespoke blacksmithing, suspended fireplaces, and sumptuous spa baths. All are thoughtfully immersed in the landscape and perfect for couples.
Follow the hand-carved timber boardwalk that winds through the rainforest and open the door to your private wonderland. Picture yourselves high in the rainforest canopy in The Possums, right on the lake’s edge at Waterlilies, or perhaps curled up by the fire in Two Frogs. There’s even a special ‘honeymoon suite’ called The Secrets Cabin which is set high in the rainforest, immersed in a grove of palms and ancient red cedar trees with its own waterfall!
In-room indulgence & dining on the deck
Your stay at Secrets includes fresh croissants and barista-brewed coffee delivered to your treehouse each morning. You can also choose to add a delicious breakfast, lunch and/or dinner hamper to your booking. Imagine a lazy, sunlit picnic by the lake, a summertime barbeque on the deck, or wine and cheese by the fire.
Just remember to book a table for two at Dining on the Deck, the signature restaurant at Secrets on the Lake and a hidden gem of the Sunshine Coast food scene. This alfresco space enjoys sweeping lake views and is open for breakfast, lunch, and lovely morning and afternoon teas. In fact, high tea at Secrets has become a local favourite for its premium Basilur tea and exquisite bite-sized delights.
Choose your own adventures
While many couples will be perfectly content to relax into their treehouse, sipping coffee on the deck or bubbles in the spa bath, there’s much more to explore. From browsing for treasures at the onsite art gallery to private picnics and fishing in Lake Baroon to discovering hidden waterfalls and freshwater swimming holes in the nearby national park. Nature-lovers and hikers will delight in the bushwalks surrounding this beautiful property, with the entrance to The Great Walks trails of the Sunshine Coast just a five-minute walk away.
After 27 years of welcoming guests to their little slice of heaven, Aldy and George know this region back to front. They’re always happy to help book a special experience or recommend a day trip to nearby attractions including the Montville Artisan Village, Australia Zoo, and the Glasshouse Mountains.
Craft the perfect Queensland proposal or honeymoon
That big question or intimate honeymoon deserves an unforgettable backdrop. At Secrets, you can enjoy time together in a magical location focused on providing you with a uniquely personalised experience. The team will help bring your romantic vision to life with indulgent packages (see the Ultimate Romance Package below) and lovely lakeside interludes. They can also help orchestrate a grand gesture, such as a scenic helicopter flight that reveals a custom message spelled out in white stones on the lawn below.
Celebrate your love story at Secrets
Of course, this stunning location lends itself perfectly to lakeside weddings — whether you’re planning to arrive by foot, helicopter, or even kayak! Your choice of locations includes the charming, colonial-style Lake House as well as Dining on the Deck for a memorable restaurant reception. In addition to the natural beauty of the rainforest, lake and mountains, you’ll also have the glorious Secret Garden (complete with decks, rock pools, arbours and a carved bar and servery) and picture-perfect jetty for your photo shoot.
The Ultimate Romance Package
Spoil yourselves at Secrets by adding this decadent package to your booking. It includes …
- Locally made chocolates, a cheese platter, and French bubbles on arrival
- A bountiful BBQ hamper for two
- Picnic lunch hamper
- Secrets monogrammed glasses
- Your choice of two monogrammed bathrobes or a Temple in-room couple’s massage
- $70 voucher to use at Dining on the Deck restaurant
Even if you’ve visited Secrets before (one couple has returned to the Wait Awhile treehouse every year for the last 20 years!) there’s always something new to explore. George and his talented team have lovingly maintained and continuously improved the treehouses, reception and restaurant, and beautiful grounds since the property opened over two decades ago. Find out more about this magical Queensland getaway at secretsonthelake.com.au
