Mystery Mountain

Mystery Mountain provides an excellent opportunity to experience the wonder of Australia's flora and fauna in a natural environment.The modern yet traditional accommodation nestles beside a national conservation park with abundant native wildlife. A laneway leads 300 metres down through the rainforest to a protected shelf of 30 or more acres, where cattle graze, and horse care riding lessons are available. Further down the mountain the property runs into thousands of acres of State forest from which dingos emerge in the colder winter months in search of food. The rich volcanic soil of Mystery Mountain is ideal for growing flowers, especially dahlias, azaleas, rhododendrons, iris, gladioli, and other bulbs. Fruit trees and vegetables also thrive, although humans must compete with the pigeons, flying foxes and possums for their produce.

In Beechmont they say when you plant fruit trees, plant one for humans and another seven for the birds. Macadamia nut trees, flame trees, silky oaks, red and white cedars and hoop pines are native to the area, and abound on the property. The higher rainfall results in many trees growing epiphytes such as elkhorns, crows nests and orchids. Mosses and lichen hug the many huge boulders strewn throughout the adjacent rainforest and down the hillside.

The accommodation can cater for up to 50 people in comfort. The modern shower and toilet facilities make provision for disabled people, and are directly accessible from the accommodation via covered or enclosed verandahs and walkways. Open fireplaces provide warmth in winter, and air-conditioning in the dining room allows for visitors to experience the views over the treetops and out to sea in comfort. All water is rainwater, delivered through a state of the art plumbing system which ensures equal pressure is maintained in both the hot and cold water systems at all times. As only rain water is available, water saving devices are installed in the showers and toilets, and visitors are requested to practice water conservation. As part of water conservation, we have installed the latest waste treatment facility which also minimises negative impact on the environment.

Visitors to Mystery Mountain, especially students, are encouraged to participate in the day-to-day activities on the property, including feeding the animals, picking fruit and vegetables, assisting in food preparation, daily farm duties, and so on. Local crafts people provide demonstrations of skills and handicrafts, including sculpting, pottery, painting, weaving, and crotchet, to name a few. The close proximity of the rain forest lends itself to bush walks, which may be led by local guides well versed in bushcraft. For those who are interested, the area is an entomologist paradise, and we would not be surprised if are told that species of butterflies, moths, worms and other insects remain undiscovered.

Whilst Mystery Mountain is special all year round, September is a particularly fascinating month. It is then that the bower birds are building their nests, and the deciduous trees such as the cedars are developing their first blush of red shoots. The brush turkeys are also busy scratching under around the fruit trees and the doves and pigeons are a positive hazard. Winter has its own magic, with warm still days and cold nights when stars fill the sky. The Beechmont Plateau was settled at the end of the 19th century by people of Scottish and Irish descent, with the main industries being timber and dairying. The area has retained its rural character, and descendants of the original families remain.

Remarkably, all this is a mere 45 minutes from the beautiful Gold Coast beaches. The best of both worlds!