What Luxury Means in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Luxury Sunshine Coast Hinterland accommodation sits in a very different environment from Noosa or Mooloolaba. The hinterland stretches along the Blackall Range and surrounding valleys, taking in Montville, Maleny, Mapleton and the Lake Baroon area. Here, mist drifts across ridgelines in the morning, forest and farmland roll away to the Glass House Mountains, and small villages cluster around galleries, cafés, cellar doors and farm gates.
In this setting, luxury is less about showy lobbies and more about how a property connects you with the Sunshine Coast Hinterland itself. Hallmarks of true luxury hinterland accommodation typically include:
- A setting that feels “of the landscape”: accommodation built into rainforest, facing Lake Baroon, or opening towards distant ranges, rather than turning inwards.
- Architectural or handcrafted design using natural materials like timber and stone, with generous verandahs, decks and windows to frame views over Montville’s hills, Lake Baroon and the wider Sunshine Coast region.
- In-room indulgences that match the cooler hinterland climate: fireplaces, spa baths, deep soaking tubs, heated bathrooms, plush bedding and curated amenities.
- A quieter, slower pace, where the day might revolve around breakfast with a view, a short drive to Montville or Maleny, a walk near Kondalilla Falls or Lake Baroon, and a long afternoon on the deck rather than a schedule of crowded resort activities.
To think about three broad styles of luxury accommodation across the region:
- Coastal luxury: beachfront resorts and apartments along the Sunshine Coast offering pools, beach access and vibrant dining strips – ideal if you want surf and nightlife at your doorstep.
- Hinterland “country-luxe”: cottages, villas and houses with high-end finishes, often on acreage or near villages like Montville and Maleny, combining rural charm with upmarket inclusions.
- Immersive rainforest and lakeside retreats: small properties where luxury is delivered through privacy, craftsmanship and immersive nature – such as treehouses and cabins above Lake Baroon in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Choosing luxury Sunshine Coast Hinterland accommodation usually means you are prioritising time in nature, connection with a partner or small group, and a sense of staying somewhere distinctive. Montville, perched above Lake Baroon, is especially appealing because it offers quick access to cafés, restaurants and galleries while still feeling like a genuine hideaway. Staying right on Lake Baroon adds another layer again: you are both in the hills and on the water, with the broader Sunshine Coast and Brisbane still within comfortable driving range.
Secrets on the Lake – A Signature Sunshine Coast Hinterland Stay on Lake Baroon
Secrets on the Lake is one of the clearest expressions of luxury Sunshine Coast Hinterland accommodation because it combines all of these elements into one carefully considered retreat. Located on 20 acres of rainforest on the edge of Lake Baroon near Montville, the property offers a collection of artisan treehouses and luxury cabins designed to feel like individual hideaways in the canopy.
From the moment you arrive, the emphasis is on craftsmanship and setting. Elevated boardwalks guide you under towering trees to treehouses that appear to grow out of the forest itself. Interiors are richly detailed: carved red cedar, forged iron, hand-blown glass and custom ceramics create spaces that feel personal and expressive, rather than generic. Each treehouse or cabin has its own theme and layout, but all open out to private decks that look across Lake Baroon, into dense rainforest, or over the Sunshine Coast Hinterland ranges.
Key features that define Secrets on the Lake as luxury Sunshine Coast Hinterland accommodation include:
- Lake Baroon frontage in the hinterland: Few properties offer direct access to a hinterland lake. Secrets on the Lake sits right on Lake Baroon in the Montville area, so you can wake to still water views and finish the day watching light fade over the lake and hills, all while being firmly within the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
- Indulgent in-room amenities: Many retreats feature spa baths with views, double showers, fireplaces, air-conditioning, generous decks with swing seats, kitchenettes or kitchens, and outdoor furniture with barbecues so you can dine in as part of your stay. Guests typically receive a complimentary breakfast basket and can choose freshly baked croissants or muffins delivered to their door in the morning.
- Onsite dining above the lake: The onsite Secrets Café & Deck (often known as Dining on the Deck) is set in rainforest overlooking Lake Baroon, offering homemade food and drinks on a broad, covered deck. It functions as both a relaxed dining option for in-house guests and a destination in its own right for visitors exploring the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
- A focus on romance and special occasions: Official tourism listings describe Secrets on the Lake as luxurious, intimate accommodation for couples, with treehouses nestled high in the rainforest of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Many guests choose it for honeymoons, anniversaries, proposals or mini-moons after weddings in Montville and Maleny.
Because there are multiple styles of retreat on the property – from secluded treehouses for two through to larger luxury or heritage cabins – Secrets on the Lake can also cater to small groups who still want a refined hinterland experience. But at its core, it is a luxury lakeside treehouse retreat, designed so that Lake Baroon, Montville and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland are present in every part of your stay.
Choosing luxury Sunshine Coast Hinterland accommodation usually means you are prioritising time in nature, connection with a partner or small group, and a sense of staying somewhere distinctive. Montville, perched above Lake Baroon, is especially appealing because it offers quick access to cafés, restaurants and galleries while still feeling like a genuine hideaway. Staying right on Lake Baroon adds another layer again: you are both in the hills and on the water, with the broader Sunshine Coast and Brisbane still within comfortable driving range.
Practical Details – Location, FAQs & How to Enquire
Secrets on the Lake is found at 207 Narrows Road, on the shores of Lake Baroon just below Montville in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The retreat is surrounded by rainforest, with treehouses and cabins stepping down towards the lake, giving most accommodation decks an outlook over water, forest or both.
In terms of access, this luxury Sunshine Coast Hinterland accommodation is conveniently located for both local and interstate travellers. Visit Sunshine Coast notes that Secrets on the Lake is approximately 30 minutes from the Sunshine Coast, around 40 minutes from Maroochydore Airport and just over an hour from Brisbane, depending on traffic. Montville’s main street is only a short drive away, and Maleny, Kondalilla Falls and other hinterland highlights are within easy reach, making the property a strong base for exploring as much – or as little – as you wish.
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
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Accommodation FAQ
What makes Secrets on the Lake “luxury” Sunshine Coast Hinterland accommodation rather than just a pretty place to stay?
Secrets on the Lake combines an exceptional Lake Baroon location with high-end comforts and artisan design. Treehouses and cabins feature spa baths, fireplaces, double showers, large decks and handcrafted interiors, while the property offers an onsite café with lake views, breakfast inclusions and bespoke details like carved timber and stained glass. Together, these elements lift it from simply scenic accommodation to genuine luxury within the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
How close is this luxury hinterland accommodation to Montville and other Sunshine Coast Hinterland attractions?
Secrets on the Lake is only a few minutes’ drive from Montville village, giving easy access to cafés, galleries and shops. Maleny, Kondalilla Falls, local wineries, artisan food producers and sections of the Sunshine Coast Great Walk are all a comfortable drive away, so you can explore widely and return each day to your treehouse or cabin on Lake Baroon.
Is Secrets on the Lake suitable for honeymoons and milestone celebrations?
Yes. Tourism listings and travel features consistently highlight Secrets on the Lake as intimate, luxurious accommodation for couples in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Many guests choose it for honeymoons, anniversaries, proposals and special birthdays, attracted by the privacy of the treehouses, the spa baths and fireplaces, and the romantic Lake Baroon and Montville setting.
Can families or small groups stay at Secrets on the Lake, or is it exclusively for couples?
While the heart of Secrets on the Lake is couples’ accommodation, the property also offers heritage and larger cabins that can host families or small groups who still want a refined hinterland experience. This allows multi-generation stays or small celebration groups to enjoy the Lake Baroon setting and Montville location while keeping the overall feel of luxury Sunshine Coast Hinterland accommodation.
Do we need a car to make the most of luxury Sunshine Coast Hinterland accommodation at Lake Baroon?
A car is highly recommended. Having your own vehicle makes it easy to travel between Secrets on the Lake, Montville, Maleny, Kondalilla Falls, local wineries and the Sunshine Coast beaches. While transfers can sometimes be arranged, driving yourself gives more flexibility for spontaneous scenic drives, long lunches and day trips during your stay.
How far in advance should we book luxury Sunshine Coast Hinterland accommodation at Secrets on the Lake?
Because Secrets on the Lake is well known as a luxury and romantic retreat – and also hosts weddings and events – peak periods such as weekends, public holidays and wedding seasons can book out early. If you are planning a honeymoon, anniversary or special hinterland escape, it is wise to enquire several months ahead, particularly if you want a specific treehouse type or dates.
Can we combine a stay at Secrets on the Lake with time on the Sunshine Coast beaches?
Yes, and many guests do exactly that. Because Lake Baroon and Montville are around half an hour from the coastal strip, it is simple to spend a few nights in a beachfront hotel or apartment and then move inland for a luxury Sunshine Coast Hinterland stay at Secrets on the Lake. This gives you both the energy of the coast and the calm of a treehouse retreat overlooking Lake Baroon.
If you are mapping out a luxury Sunshine Coast Hinterland escape, start by deciding how long you would like in the hills, when you want to travel and whether your focus is pure relaxation, special celebration or a mix of exploration and downtime. Once you have a sense of your dates and priorities, reach out to Secrets on the Lake to discuss availability, treehouse and cabin options and any extras you would like to add. Anchoring your stay in a handcrafted treehouse on Lake Baroon near Montville lets you experience luxury Sunshine Coast Hinterland accommodation that is both indulgent and authentically connected to the landscape.