World Heritage-listed ‘Mana Carroo’ offered for the first time in decades

Mana Carroo, a 64-hectares sanctuary located at 3077 Christmas Creek Road, Lamington, offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a private portion of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest, complete with 400 metres of private Christmas Creek frontage.

The property is being marketed by Ray White Rural Queensland sales agents Peter Douglas and Jason Mattiazzi and is set to go under the hammer on 31 July.

For owners Rozie and Mark Farmer, the decision to buy the property 28 years ago was born out of a mix of childhood nostalgia and historical fascination.

Mr Farmer had fond memories of attending a school camp in the area as a primary student, while Mrs Farmer had always been captivated by the 1937 Stinson air crash and the heroic rescue that took place in the nearby mountains.

While living on an acreage property in Brisbane and raising two small daughters, the couple discovered the land for sale further down the creek.

It was an opportunity they knew they couldn't pass up.

“We were just driving around the area and saw this property with incredible creek frontage,” Mrs Farmer said.

“You only get these opportunities once in a lifetime.

“Even though our daughters were busy with gymnastics and rowing in Brisbane, we were there every spare moment we had.

“Our girls have always been deeply drawn to it - it’s a place where you can totally get away from everything.”

Over the years, the Farmers transformed the property from its original state into a unique, purposeful retreat.

They completed a comprehensive rebuild of the now-comfortable two-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage, adding expansive, north-facing decks specifically designed to take in the soothing sounds of the cascading creek and the breathtaking views of Buchanan’s Fort.

Mrs Farmer said when they designed and rebuilt the property, they built the walls out of flitches, to give the feeling of being in the forest and surrounded by nature.

For nearly 30 years, Mana Carroo has served as a hub of adventure and deep rejuvenation for the family and loved ones, Mrs Farmer said.

“We have made the most beautiful memories here, from swimming in the adventurous creek to hosting countless friends who still talk about how special this place is,” Mrs Farmer said.

“It has a genuine healing energy. A close friend of mine, who recently passed, was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer in 2014.

“She absolutely loved it here and always talked about the 'magical water' of Christmas Creek.

“Within two years she was in remission, and coming back here was a massive part of her recovery at that point. It truly is a retreat where you can soak it all up.”