Autumn 2026

A Treetop Secret at Secrets on the Lake

High up above the treetops of Montville, one destination has quietly built a reputation as one of the Sunshine Coast’s most magical destinations. Ida Fink Gundtoft gets enchanted by Secrets on the Lake.

The Sunshine Coast is no stranger to beautiful places. But every so often, you come across somewhere that feels a little different. Somewhere that almost exists in its own world. The kind of place that stays in your memory long after you’ve left, slowing your nervous system without you even noticing. Secrets on the Lake is one of those places.

Settled high above Lake Baroon in the lush rainforest hinterland of Montville, it is easy to see why people fall in love with it at first glance. The handcrafted timber treehouses, the endless views across the water, the filtered light through ancient trees. It truly feels like something out of a storybook.

But the magic of Secrets on the Lake runs deeper than its spectacular setting. Because what makes this place truly extraordinary isn’t just the view. It’s the feeling.

You notice it the moment you arrive. Your breath slows down. Conversations become softer. And it is hard to keep your eyes on the road as you drive through the treetops overlooking the lake. And as you walk inside, it’s not uncommon to see guests sitting quietly, simply taking in the moment.

And that feeling – that sense of calm, warmth and belonging – comes from the people behind it. For decades, owners George and Aldy have poured themselves into creating something far more meaningful than a venue or a place to stay. Secrets on the Lake is their life’s work. A place shaped by imagination, craftsmanship and an unwavering belief that experiences like these should feel magical.

You see it in the details everywhere. The intricate wood carvings hidden throughout the property. The handcrafted furniture. The treehouse accommodation that feels both whimsical and deeply connected to the surrounding forest. But more than anything, you see it in the way people are welcomed. Guests are not treated as “customers” here. They are invited in. And that difference is noticeable.

One of the newest members of the Secrets on the Lake team, Emilee, described the experience of arriving at the property in a way that captures its essence perfectly.

“I didn’t expect to feel this settled so quickly,” she said.

Just three days into the role, she said it was already clear that this place was different.

“You can just breathe here.”

It is a sentiment echoed by countless guests who visit the property. Some arrive for breakfast overlooking the lake and find themselves staying long past their coffee. Others book a romantic treehouse escape and discover that the outside world fades away more easily than they imagined. And many of them, according to Emilee, use one particular word to describe their experience: “Magical”.

“They say it quietly, almost like they don’t want to break the spell,” she explained. “They talk about how they switched off for the first time in months, how they slept better than they have in years, how it feels like stepping into another world for a while.”

You cannot manufacture that kind of response. It is something that grows slowly over time, nurtured through intention and genuine care. That authenticity is something guests feel most strongly when they meet George and Aldy themselves.

George, known for guiding guests through the property, has a way of sharing the story of the iconic destination that feels more like a conversation than a presentation. His tours are filled with moments of discovery – the origins of a carving, the inspiration behind a structure, the careful thought that went into every piece of timber and stone. They are not rehearsed. They are personal.

“He shares stories like he’s letting you in on something special,” Emilee said.

“You can see how much pride he has in what’s been created here.”

Aldy, meanwhile, is constantly imagining what could come next. Her creativity shapes the future of Secrets on the Lake, whether that means new guest experiences, evolving spaces, or fresh ways to deepen the sense of connection people feel when they visit.

“Listening to her talk about ideas, new concepts, new experiences, ways to make things even more meaningful, is genuinely inspiring,” Emilee said. “You walk away from conversations with her feeling excited about what’s next.”

It is this shared vision that has created something rare. Secrets on the Lake does not feel like a business in the traditional sense. It feels like a community.

Staff speak of feeling welcomed quickly, supported in their ideas and encouraged to be part of the story that continues to unfold on the mountain. And guests sense that spirit too.

Whether they are celebrating a wedding, enjoying a long breakfast overlooking the lake, or spending a weekend in one of the enchanting treehouse cabins, they are stepping into a place built on heart.

A place where the line between host and guest softens. Where people remember your name. Where time stands still.

Perhaps that is the real secret behind Secrets on the Lake. Not the extraordinary views or the handcrafted treehouses (although they certainly play their part). But the feeling that you are not simply visiting. You have been welcomed in.

And for a little while, you are part of something truly magical.