the setting
all about the surroundings to frogshollow at flaxton B&B accommodation - the garden, the virgin rainforest and the native wildlifefrogshollow at flaxton B&B accommodation is located on rich red volcanic soils in the heart of the hinterland on the Sunshine Coast. It sits on 13.5 acres of which 11 acres are old growth high canopy rainforest preserved for posterity by a Vegetation Protection Covenant. It is also registered as Land for Wildlife. The cleared part of the land used to be an avocado farm and contains a variety 50 year old avocado trees – totally organic and spray free.
The main dwelling on the property is totally separate to frogshollow at flaxton B&B accommodation. The overall setting is secluded and peaceful.
The external walls and roofs of the cabin and our dwelling are sheeted in corrugated iron (zincalume), reminiscent of the Australian outback ‘tin shed’. They are well insulated to keep out the summer heat and the winter cold.
the garden
The gardens are a mixture of native and exotic plants, with a dedicated vegetable and fruit tree area, more than a dozen huge avocado trees, large Australian Red Cedar trees and a heliconia and ginger growing area producing cut flowers for the Noosa Farmers’ Market. We also grow some native flowers for the farmers market as well. A flock of chooks assists with the gardening chores. The garden is featured in the July 2016 issue of Australian House and Garden. Click here to read the article. It also features in “Great Australian Gardens” Vol 2, published in 2019.
the rainforest
The old growth rainforest is recognised as containing a number of rare and threatened species and is protected by a Voluntary Conservation Agreement with Sunshine Coast Council. Luckily it was never cleared or logged by the early farmers on the Blackall Range. The canopy is very high and the understory is open enough to permit easy access in many places for walking. The whole property is registered with Land for Wildlife. Click here for a copy of the vegetation survey which gives a snapshot of the variety of rainforest plants found in the forest, including piccabeen palms, giant strangler figs and Australian red cedar trees.
Visitors staying in frogshollow at flaxton B&B accommodation are more than welcome to take a wander through this wonderful pocket of rainforest however be warned initial access is very steep, which is what protected it from farming and logging endeavours.
the wildlife
There is a variety of native life both near the cabin and down in the forest. The dam close by the house is home to four freshwater turtles and a number of species of frogs, as well as native rainbow fish. Yellow tailed black cockatoos regularly visit with their distinctive cries, and the forest chorus includes calls from the Emerald Dove, Woompoo Dove. Wonga Pigeon, Eastern Whipbird, Catbird and the Satin Bowerbird to mention just a few.
The vulnerable Richmond Birdwing Butterfly and endangered Pink Underwing Moth can also be found breeding in the rainforest. For a copy of a frogshollow rainforest fauna survey click here.