How it all started

Our Stories

How it all started

The Ecolodge was cleared of bushland for pineapple farming back in the early 1920’s. Keith Murray, owner of the Ecolodge, purchased the land in 1982 with the idea that some day it could become a retreat for weary travellers.

Introduction

The Ecolodge was cleared of bushland for pineapple farming back in the early 1920’s. The property was once a 40 acre soldier settler block given to soldiers returning from World War 1.

Keith Murray, owner of the Ecolodge, purchased the land in 1982 with the idea that some day it could become a retreat for weary travellers. Over the past 30 years Keith and his family members have planted hundreds of trees to replace the pineapples. They also relocated a 120 year old wooden church on the back of a truck and moved four train carriages to the site.

When it all started - 2004

In 2004 the Glasshouse Mountains Ecolodge opened for those eco-travelers that Keith knew would somehow find their way here from the four corners of the globe. Keith had more than a vision of a place for people to stay overnight. He went about creating a place that fitted with his own values of sustainability, equity, social justice and care for the environment.

Regenerative master piece trees were planted, rainforest areas regenerated and an orchard began to grow.

Words from new management - Chris (2026)

Decades later, this place has transformed into a thriving ecosystem of birds, wildlife, insects, billabongs and over 50 rare mature fruit and nut trees.

Historic train carriages were restored instead of discarded. A 120-year-old timber church was carefully relocated and given a second life.

Today, nature is beginning to sustain itself a powerful reminder of what regeneration can achieve over time, which isn’t new to us.

The Ecolodge team are incredibly thankful for what has been created and remain committed to continuing Keith’s vision of regeneration for generations to come.