Take a stroll around the 4 acres of lakes, stopping to rest on one of the handmade seats to reflect on the days gone by….. Or simply enjoy the picturesque setting in tranquil silence which is only broken by the sounds of the flapping of butterfly wings or the chirping of the birds singing.
The homestead is built on 11.5 acres of landscaped gardens and sits majestically across the man-made lake which is filled with an array of fish and turtles, while ducks waddle past and claim it as their home. Five bores on the property means there is no shortage of water.
Formally a hive of activity, this acreage was purchased in 1936 and became the site of the”Silkwood Brickworks”.
In the 1930′s & 40′s, Silkwood was larger than it is today.
The bricks went into the construction of many local buildings; the Silkwood Hotel, the church, school, convent, bowling club and ambulance centre.
Silkwood bricks were also used in building of the hospital and the Canecutter Hotel in Innisfail as well as premises in Atherton, Babinda, Cairns, Ingham, Mareeba, Townsville and Tully.
It operated until its closure in about 1980.
Much of the land was sold for cane farms and the actual site of the brickworks changed hands once or twice before being purchased by its present owners, in 1986.
What had once been a hive of activity was now a desolate vista of yellow-brown clay, rubble overgrown by tall, lank grass interspersed by dehydrated Pandanus Palms and gaping pits (gouged out for clay), partially filled with murky water.
Their vision, enthusiasm and hard work coupled with a desire to retain an area and era of historical importance, have resulted in the lagoons and lush parkland of today.
TODAY….
The substantial remains of the brickworks have been preserved and exist as a reminder of the glory days and serve as a tourist attraction featuring:
- Fish feeding
- A three hole fun golf course
- Rainforest walks
- Birdlife
- Tour of the Brickworks
- Wheel chair Accessible
Other attractions in the area….
- Silkwood Pictorial Museum
- L & L Pepper Farm
- Paronella Park
- King Reef – Kurrimine Beach
- Sugar Mill Tours in Season
- White Water Rafting
- Mission Beach – Dunk Island
- Historic buildings in Silkwood :
CWA Hall, National Bank, Silkwood Hotel
The peaceful walking track around the perimeter takes you over quaint timber bridges which provide access to the tiny man-made islands. The large outdoor patio (9m x 7m) provides a viewing deck to survey the majestic scenery and is a spectacular backdrop for weddings and parties.
The home was constructed in 1987 and consists of a huge open-plan living area, 2 ensuited bedrooms, a modern timber kitchen and seperate laundry.
Beside the lilly-pad pond which is wrapped in a deep green vine and
complete with waterfall, there is a large concreted area (300m2 approximately) with pillars over which you could drape fairy lights, providing a perfect location to hold a wedding ceremony and can double as car-parking area.
While “Lakeview Water Gardens” is no longer in operation, the potential to reopen and make it a success once again is enormous – being located on the tourist route to Paronella Park.
For a virtual tour of this property go to
www.open2view.com.au and type in Silkwood.
The Dream Continues…..