The Story of Secrets on the Lake
Where Dreams, Family and Nature Meet
Long before Secrets on the Lake existed
For centuries, Baroon Pocket was an important gathering place for Aboriginal people of South East Queensland. In 1843, explorer Ludwig Leichhardt recorded that the plain known as “Booroon” was a meeting place for Aboriginal groups who travelled from near and far for gatherings, including the seasonal harvest of the Bunya Pine.
Leichhardt also travelled through the area around Obi Obi Creek, believed to have been named after the warrior Ubie Ubie, and recorded the presence of several bora rings.
Today, the rainforest, mountains, waterways and ancient landscape remain an important part of what makes this place so special. And it was here, surrounded by that extraordinary natural beauty, that George and Aldy Johnston began a journey that would eventually become Secrets on the Lake.
Two Young Dreamers
George and Aldy first met at Dalby High School in 1958. They were just 14 years old.
They grew up together, became teenage sweethearts and were married in 1968. More than six decades later, they remain partners in life, in family and in business.
George was born in Elgin, Scotland, in 1943. His parents were among the famous “Ten Pound Poms” who emigrated to Australia when George was seven. The family settled in Dalby, where his parents built the Wishing Well Motel, one of Australia’s earliest motels.
The Wishing Well included a restaurant and grocery shop, and George grew up surrounded by hospitality, hard work and entrepreneurial spirit. His mother was a natural organiser and manager, with a wonderful sense of humour and a talent for making guests and locals feel welcome.
George himself was always a builder and creator. By the age of 22, he and his brother Sid had already established a successful fruit shop, Greenacres, in Grantham. George eventually became an electrician, a trade that would prove invaluable throughout the many projects that lay ahead.
Aldy grew up on a large mixed farm called Shiloh, just outside Dalby. Her father was a true gentleman, the first in his family to attend high school, and a lover of poetry and short stories. Her mother was a primary school teacher who instilled in Aldy and her siblings a strong education and a practical, creative approach to life.
Aldy went on to become a high school teacher, teaching Home Economics, Science, Junior Art and Human Development—a wonderfully eclectic combination that reflected her many interests and talents.
Together, George and Aldy were always curious, adventurous and willing to try something different.
A Greener Life in Baroon Pocket
In 1975, George and Aldy decided they wanted a different kind of life—a greener, more self-sufficient life where they could grow things, raise their family and live closer to nature.
They purchased a 50-acre farm at Baroon Pocket, near North Maleny. Already on the property was a disused grain silo. Most people might have seen an old silo. George saw a home.
The family began spending weekends travelling back and forth from Toowoomba, camping in a small shed on the property while George began transforming the silo into their family home.
Using poles, recycled materials and plenty of imagination, he created something completely unique.
His work was so inventive that their silo home was featured on the ABC’s national television program Weekend Magazine.
These early projects were more than just practical solutions. They became the foundation of the distinctive style that would eventually become a hallmark of Secrets on the Lake—creative buildings, unusual materials, handcrafted details, repurposed treasures and a deep respect for the natural environment.
George’s fascination with restoring old things continued. In 1977, while still working weekdays as an electrician in Oakey, he became interested in old horse-drawn vehicles.
Before long, he had accumulated a yard full of old carts, wheels and parts. With patience and plenty of hard work, he painstakingly restored a beautiful old buggy. That same buggy now has pride of place on the deck at Dining on the Deck.
Building a Life from the Land
Life at Baroon Pocket became a family adventure.
The farm developed into a productive little enterprise, growing tomatoes, watermelons, peas and other produce, with an orchard of lychees and other fruit trees and more than 640 kiwi fruit vines.
Chickens and cows joined the family, along with a huge vegetable garden.
Their youngest daughter, Lisa, was born in 1978, completing the family.
As the children grew older, Aldy returned to teaching in Maleny, while George continued working and developing the property. They were building the life they had dreamed about.
Then everything changed.
When the Dream Was Nearly Lost
The Queensland Government announced plans to build what would become Lake Baroon, a major water supply project designed to provide water for the Sunshine Coast region.
The Johnston family’s beautiful farm was to be resumed for the project.
The resumption process took several years.
By 1985, the family had sold their farm, and their much-loved silo home was demolished.
The life they had spent years creating was gone.
But George and Aldy were not finished dreaming.
Their good friend and neighbour, Steve Weiss, offered to sell them the remaining portion of his property after his land had also been partially resumed for the lake.
The Johnstons purchased approximately 80 acres of what remained, along with another 16 acres on the Maleny side of the lake.
They built a beautiful hexagonal home and began to think about what might come next.
The Beginning of Secrets
George had talked about building cabins for years.
The idea was simple: create beautiful places where visitors could experience the rainforest, the lake and the extraordinary landscape they had come to love.
But it was not until Lake Baroon was actually being built that the dream began to take shape.
Aldy threw herself into preparing for their new venture, undertaking courses at TAFE in business and marketing.
Together, they began planning.
And George being George, there was never going to be anything ordinary about it.
The cabins had to be special.
They had to be beautiful.
They had to be built with imagination, craftsmanship and respect for the natural environment.
And, above all, they had to be the very best that George, Aldy and their family could create.
From a Boathouse to a Forest of Treehouses
The first project was the boathouse, built using recycled timbers and salvaged features.
Then came an unexpected piece of history.
The old Beerburrum Railway Station was looking for a new home.
The Johnstons gave it one.
Slowly, the vision grew.
Treehouses began appearing high among the rainforest, each one individually designed and handcrafted. Timber carvings, unusual architectural details, suspended fireplaces, luxurious spa baths, private decks and beautiful views became part of the experience.
The buildings were not simply constructed—they were imagined, designed, tested, adapted and created.
And throughout it all, family played a central role.
Their son Rob became an extraordinary craftsman, builder and artist, contributing much of the major construction and artwork that helped bring George and Aldy’s ideas to life.
Family, friends and talented artisans all became part of the story.
Beautiful gardens, panoramic views and lake side walks are all a part of the Secrets on The Lake experience
In addition to the natural beauty of the rainforest, lake and mountains, Secrets has stunning gardens and a charming lake house. All guests have access to the grounds unless there is a wedding that has exclusively booked the grounds for their ceremony. Our Secret Garden has stunning flowers, decks, rock pools, arbours and a carved bar and servery. There are toilets at the lakehouse.
The Lake House is a beautiful colonial style building on the foreshore of Lake Baroon. It is cream and white with a crystal chandelier, spacious deck and internal balcony. It has a kitchen, disabled access and toilets. There is also a beautiful jetty which is a lovely spot for fishing, relaxing or wedding photo shoots. Lake Baroon has been stocked with lots of fish, including bass, and canoes, fishing rods and life jackets are available for use – please ask at reception.
OUR MAP
Secrets on the Lake’s interactive map is your guide to exploring our enchanting retreat. Discover the location of our luxury treehouses, Dining on the Deck, walking paths, gardens, and scenic lookouts — all set within the stunning rainforest beside Lake Baroon. Use the map to plan your stay and uncover the hidden gems that make Secrets so magical.
The Nest
This is our special new ‘house’ sized cabin that has all of the facilities of the treehouses while being able to cater for up to six people. It is very family friendly and private.
Whistle Stop Cabin
This quaint cabin includes one queen bed and two singles and is ideal accommodation for small families. The cabin is a heritage building and has it’s own unique personality.
The Moons
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Dining on the Deck
Dining on the Deck is part of the enchanting Secrets on the Lake, a luxury retreat offering treehouse stays, romantic escapes, and unforgettable celebrations.
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The Bower
Discover beauty everywhere: The Bower’s shower features a captivating ceramic sculpture, turning bathing into an experience.
Two Frogs
This treehouse surrounded by the rainforest up amongst the treetops, has the most ‘treehouse feeling’.
Waterlilies
Beautifully appointed and with a view directly to Lake Baroon, Waterlilies is a delightful and very private treehouse, perfect for a couple’s retreat.
Lizard Lair
Lizards Lair has an amazing frill-necked lizard carved into its massive front door with a very private balcony overlooking the lake.
Possums
At eight metres above the ground, the Possums cabin is our highest treehouse, giving it a very special view of the lake and gardens below.
Wait A While
Wait A While has 2 Bedrooms (2 x Queens), a spacious kitchen/dining area and large exterior deck.
Platypus
Platypus is built near the lakes edge and has its own private walkway access and cosy fireplace suspended above the floor.
Dragonfly
Backing onto a cliff face and sitting on a large sandstone rock, Dragon fly is suitable for a couple and has a step down spa bath with a television nestled into a rock and cedar sculpture.
The Secrets Cabin
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Experience our “honeymoon suite” cabin, high in the rainforest on a rock ledge, offering a private oasis surrounded by a grove of palms and ancient red cedar trees. A private waterfall cascading over an ancient cliff face.
The Lake House
Your wedding reception is a dream come true when you book at Secrets on the Lake. You can choose from our stunning lakehouse chapel for a day time reception right by the shores of Lake Baroon, or a beautiful night time reception at our Dining on the Deck restaurant.
The Secret's Garden
Secrets offers a range of ceremony locations to choose from. With stunning panoramic views of the water and beautiful carved decks overlooked by lush rainforest mountains, Secrets Gardens is a beautiful place to get married!
The Jetty
The Jetty at Secrets on the Lake offers a truly magical setting for your wedding ceremony. Suspended over the tranquil waters of Lake Baroon, this stunning location is surrounded by lush rainforest and breathtaking lake views, creating the perfect backdrop for exchanging your vows. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a romantic lakeside celebration, The Jetty brings a sense of serenity and natural beauty that makes every moment unforgettable.
Helicopter
Take your special event to new heights at Secrets! From proposals and honeymoons to “just because” celebrations, arrive in style by helicopter with stunning aerial views — or make a splash by arriving by kayak. Our team is here to bring your unique vision to life.
Canoeing
Add a touch of adventure to your special event at Secrets! From proposals and honeymoons to “just because” celebrations, arrive by canoe and glide across the tranquil waters of Lake Baroon. Our team is here to help make your unique vision a reality.
