Understanding Luxury Accommodation on the Sunshine Coast
When you think of luxury Sunshine Coast accommodation, the first images that often come to mind are ocean-view suites, infinity pools bes0ide the beach and sleek coastal resorts. The Sunshine Coast certainly offers that style of stay in destinations like Noosa, Mooloolaba and Maroochydore, where five-star and boutique properties line the foreshore and riverfront. For travellers who want immediate access to surf, dining strips and waterfront promenades, these coastal options are appealing.
However, the Sunshine Coast region also includes the Sunshine Coast Hinterland – a ridgeline and valley network behind the coast, home to Montville, Maleny, Mapleton and Lake Baroon. Here, luxury accommodation takes on a different character. Instead of high-rises, you will find architect-designed lodges, treehouses, cottages and boutique retreats hidden in rainforest or perched on escarpments with sweeping views towards the Glass House Mountains and the coastline.
- Secluded locations on acreage, in rainforest or beside features such as Lake Baroon, with long views and minimal neighbours.
- Architectural or handcrafted design, with natural timbers, stone, leadlight, fireplaces and large decks that frame the Sunshine Coast Hinterland landscape.
- In-room indulgences such as spa baths with views, hanging or glass-fronted fireplaces, curated welcome hampers, fine linen and quality local amenities.
- Onsite or nearby dining that showcases regional produce, often with views over lakes, ranges and rainforest rather than over city streets.
Montville and Lake Baroon play a key role in this luxury picture. Lake Baroon, on Obi Obi Creek just below Montville, is home to retreats described by Queensland’s official tourism body as “magical”, with luxury treehouse cabins that offer private spa baths and unparalleled rainforest vistas, making them ideal for romantic escapes. Staying here still counts as Sunshine Coast accommodation – you are typically around 30 minutes from the beaches – but the experience is entirely different: misty mornings, birdsong, rainforest trails and starry skies replace the constant rhythm of surf and nightlife.
For many guests, the ideal luxury Sunshine Coast itinerary combines both elements: a night or two by the ocean followed by several nights in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. That way, you can enjoy the full range of what the Sunshine Coast offers, then retreat to a quieter, more intimate luxury stay in the hills around Montville and Lake Baroon.
Why Secrets on the Lake Is a Signature Luxury Sunshine Coast Stay
Among luxury Sunshine Coast accommodation options, Secrets on the Lake stands out because it fully leans into the strengths of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland – rainforest, lake and elevation – and expresses them through handcrafted, high-end treehouse design. Official tourism listings describe Secrets on the Lake as a world-class treehouse retreat and one of the region’s best-kept secrets, offering a blend of romance, relaxation and intimate accommodation on the tranquil shores of Lake Baroon.
The retreat sits in rainforest above Lake Baroon near Montville, with around ten to eleven individually themed treehouses and cabins positioned in the canopy or closer to the water. Elevated boardwalks link the retreats with shared spaces, winding past lush gardens, lookouts and the lake edge. From many decks you can see across Lake Baroon to forested slopes and distant ranges, bringing the Sunshine Coast Hinterland into your living space.
What gives Secrets on the Lake its luxury status within Sunshine Coast accommodation is the combination of artistry, amenities and setting:
Handcrafted treehouses and cabins
Interiors feature unique timber joinery, stained glass, wrought iron and pottery details rather than standard hotel finishes, creating a sense of staying in a livable artwork.
High-end in-room comforts
Many treehouses include double spa baths with lake views, double showers with heater lights, fireplaces or hanging fire pits, air-conditioning, quality bedding and generous private decks with built-in swing seats.
Gourmet touches
Guests typically receive a complimentary breakfast basket with provisions, plus the choice of freshly baked croissants or muffins delivered in the morning. Welcome inclusions like a bottle of wine and scones on arrival are common in some packages, underscoring the premium feel.
Onsite dining with a view
Secrets Café & Deck (also known as Dining on the Deck) sits in the rainforest overlooking Lake Baroon, serving homemade food and drinks on a wide covered deck with panoramic views – a dining experience reviewers often highlight as part of the luxury stay.
Reputation and recognition
Secrets on the Lake is regularly profiled as one of Queensland’s best luxury treehouse stays and has been featured on national television as an ultimate romantic escape, with traveller review platforms rating it among the top accommodation experiences in Montville.
This style of luxury Sunshine Coast accommodation particularly suits:
- Couples seeking a romantic escape, honeymoon or anniversary retreat where privacy, atmosphere and special touches matter more than being on the beachfront.
- Guests building a luxury itinerary that combines Noosa or another coastal location with a few days of deep relaxation in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
- Small celebration groups who want a cluster of cabins or treehouses in one location, with upscale yet character-rich accommodation and a lakeside backdrop.
In all cases, Secrets on the Lake functions as luxury Sunshine Coast accommodation anchored firmly in its environment: a treehouse retreat on Lake Baroon near Montville in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, where design, service and landscape are all part of the same experience.
Practical Details – Location, FAQs & How to Enquire
Secrets on the Lake is located on the shores of Lake Baroon at 207 Narrows Road, near Montville in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The retreat sits in elevated rainforest above the lake, capturing views across the water, surrounding hills and typical Queensland rainforest, while remaining only a short drive from Montville’s main street.
Despite its secluded feel, this luxury Sunshine Coast accommodation is easy to reach. Official tourism information notes that Secrets on the Lake is around 30 minutes from the coast, about 40 minutes from Maroochydore Airport and just over an hour from Brisbane, making it accessible for weekends away as well as longer stays.
Phone: +61 (0)7 5478 5888
Email: info@secretsonthelake.com.au
Google Business Profile : Secrets On The Lake
Booking : Secrets On The Lake Booking.com
Tripadvisor : Secrets On The Lake TripAdvisor
Expedia : Secrets On The Lake Expedia
Accommodation FAQ
Is Secrets on the Lake considered true luxury Sunshine Coast accommodation?
Yes. Secrets on the Lake is consistently described in tourism and travel sources as a world-class treehouse retreat offering luxurious, intimate accommodation on the shores of Lake Baroon in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. High-end features such as spa baths, fireplaces, handcrafted interiors, elevated walkways and an onsite restaurant with lake views place it firmly in the luxury category within the wider Sunshine Coast accommodation scene.
How does staying at Secrets on the Lake compare with a luxury beachfront resort on the Sunshine Coast?
A luxury beachfront resort gives you immediate access to the ocean, promenades and a resort environment, while Secrets on the Lake provides a quieter, more immersive nature-based experience in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Instead of high-rise towers, you stay in individually crafted treehouses and cabins in rainforest above Lake Baroon near Montville, with spa baths, fireplaces and views over the lake and hills. For many guests, combining a coastal resort with a few nights at Secrets on the Lake delivers the best of both luxury Sunshine Coast worlds.
What in-room luxuries can we expect at Secrets on the Lake?
Most treehouses and cabins at Secrets on the Lake include features such as double spa baths with lake outlooks, double showers, fireplaces or hanging fire pits, air-conditioning, large private decks with built-in swing seats, quality bedding and kitchen or kitchenette facilities. Guests typically receive a complimentary breakfast basket on arrival and can choose between options like freshly baked croissants or muffins delivered each morning, reinforcing the high-touch luxury feel.
Is Secrets on the Lake suitable for honeymoons and romantic luxury getaways?
Secrets on the Lake is particularly well suited to honeymoons and romantic escapes. Tourism and media coverage frequently highlight the property as an ultimate romantic getaway, and many of the luxury treehouses are designed specifically for couples. The combination of spa baths, fireplaces, lake views, rainforest surrounds and the Montville location in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland makes it ideal for celebratory stays.
Can Secrets on the Lake be part of a broader luxury Sunshine Coast itinerary?
Absolutely. Many guests plan a split stay, spending a few nights at a luxury coastal property in Noosa or the central Sunshine Coast and then moving inland to Secrets on the Lake for a contrasting experience in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Because Lake Baroon and Montville are only around half an hour from the coast, it is easy to combine ocean-side indulgence with a treehouse retreat overlooking the lake and rainforest.
Is the onsite dining at Secrets on the Lake consistent with a luxury stay?
Yes. Secrets Café & Deck, located in the rainforest above Lake Baroon, offers homemade food and drinks with expansive views from a covered deck, and it is regularly praised in reviews and regional guides as a highlight of the property. Being able to dine onsite at a quality venue with lake and hinterland views aligns well with expectations for luxury Sunshine Coast accommodation.
Is Secrets on the Lake more suitable for couples or can families also enjoy a luxury stay there?
The core identity of Secrets on the Lake is intimate, romantic accommodation for couples, reflected in its treehouses and recognition as a couples’ retreat. However, there are also heritage and larger cabin options that provide more beds and space for small groups or families, allowing broader use while keeping the overall experience refined and peaceful on Lake Baroon near Montville.
How far in advance should we book a luxury stay at Secrets on the Lake?
Because Secrets on the Lake is a well-known luxury and romantic retreat in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, high-demand periods such as weekends, public holidays and wedding seasons often book out early. If you are planning a honeymoon, anniversary or special luxury Sunshine Coast escape, it is wise to check availability several months ahead, particularly if you have specific treehouses or dates in mind.
If you are exploring luxury Sunshine Coast accommodation and want something that feels unique, private and grounded in nature, consider blending a stay by the ocean with time in the hinterland. When you are ready to plan, you can look at dates, choose the style of treehouse or cabin that best suits your occasion and contact Secrets on the Lake on Lake Baroon near Montville. That way, your luxury Sunshine Coast escape can deliver both the energy of the coast and the tranquillity of a handcrafted treehouse retreat in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.