This is more than a home - it's a piece of Australian history. Nestled in the heart of Boreen Point, this sweet lakeside cottage was once owned by renowned poet and environmental activist Judith Wright and her partner Jack McKinney, who purchased it in 1953.
Known as Melaleuca, the cottage became Judith's retreat during the warmer months, where she found both rest and inspiration. She spoke fondly of her "little village of nine or 10 houses and a general store, all delectably perched on a lake shore above a pink and white sandstone cliff." From here, she wrote about the local characters, immersed herself in the rhythms of the lakeside village, and deepened her connection to the environment.
Built with the help of local builder Bert Harms, the cottage reflected the modest lifestyle of the times. With Boreen Point yet to receive electricity, it featured two bedrooms, a country kitchen with a wood stove, a bathroom with a chip heater, a laundry, and-what Judith described as a true luxury-a lavatory instead of a pit toilet.
Judith's time at Boreen Point shaped her legacy far beyond poetry. It was here that she developed her fierce advocacy for the preservation of the natural environment. In 1962, she co-founded the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland and became a leading voice in the creation of the Cooloola National Park, ensuring the protection of the landscapes that surrounded her beloved cottage.
Today, Melaleuca still radiates the same warmth and character. Perched on a 589sqm corner block just 200m from the lakefront, it offers exposed timber beams, polished timber floors, timber windows, and a welcoming country kitchen. The two bedrooms and one bathroom are complemented by a separate laundry and toilet, while the north-east facing outdoor area captures cooling breezes from Lake Cootharaba.
Surrounded by Australian native cottage gardens, fruit trees, and vegetable beds, the home retains its sense of simple beauty and connection to the land. Dual street access provides entry to a carport and shed, ideal for boat storage or creative pursuits.
Enjoyed as a fabulous weekend and holiday retreat by three generations of a Brisbane based family and their friends for over 40 years, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own the historic Boreen Point cottage that played such an important role in the life and legacy of one of Australia's most celebrated poets.
Features:
- Historic cottage known as Melaleuca, once owned by Judith Wright
- Prime 589sqm corner block, just 200m from Lake Cootharaba
- Two bedrooms, one bathroom, plus separate laundry and toilet
- Character details: exposed timber beams and polished timber floors
- Timber windows and a warm, welcoming country kitchen
- North-east facing outdoor area capturing lake breezes
- Dual street access with carport and shed for storage or creative use
- Surrounded by native cottage gardens, fruit trees, and veggie beds
- Fabulous weekend or holiday retreat enjoyed by one family for 40+ years
- A rare chance to secure a Boreen Point home rich in history and heart
The information contained herein has been obtained through sources deemed reliable by Hinternoosa but cannot be guaranteed for its accuracy. We recommend to the buyer that any information, which is of special interest, should be obtained through independent verification. All measurements are approximate. Check with the local council for usage regulations.
