We bought “Sunny Ridge” in May 2006. The previous owners had established the gardens over approximately 25 years, and so most of the gardens were well established when we moved in. Some too established!! We have spent considerable time and effort pruning, weeding and regaining control of the gardens, and have added our own special touches to what already existed. We couldn’t have accomplished what we have without a lot of hard work and dedication, and would like to thank our original gardener, Russell, and new gardener Dave. We have also had a lot of help and support from Margaret & Jim (mum and dad). Other family members and friends have also given their time and talents to contribute to the gardens as they are now. We sincerely thank all who have played a part in the transformation of the gardens since we bought “Sunny Ridge”. As you stroll through the gardens we hope you enjoy the diversity of the different areas. Please take as long as you like and enjoy the experience. There are seats along the way. Ron & Kathy Masters

 

Until January 2001 Ron and Kathy lived on a regular building block on a main road in Brisbane. Two lanes of traffic each way, and very large streetlights!!! 

Kathy’s parents lived in Memerambi at the time, and had always hoped Kathy’s family would move closer. On a visit to Kingaroy to celebrate a family birthday, by chance, Ron and Kathy saw and fell in love with a 5 acre property at Wooroolin. They packed up and brought one son, one bird and one dog and moved to the bush! That was the start of a country journey ……

Over time they acquired another two dogs, two mini horses, chooks and a few 3 day old calves to hand rear. The calves thrived, and that was the start of the current cattle herd.

As much as they loved living at Wooroolin, when the opportunity arose to buy Sunny Ridge, it opened up a whole new adventure. The previous owners said how they had the gardens open to the public, with the opportunity for weddings as well. The Masters’ menagerie moved to Couchmans Road in May 2006.

Kathy has always been a keen gardener, and Ron is very handy with a chainsaw, shovel and the mower!! What a team….

The gardens were very overgrown when they moved in, so the decision was made to close the gardens to the public for some major maintenance, with the aim of re-opening at a later stage. After many, many trips to the Kingaroy rubbish tip, the help of the Rural Fire Brigade and many hours of hard work by family and friends, the first wedding was held in April 2007.

The gardens were officially re-opened to the public by Dorothy Pratt MLA, Member for Nanango, on Saturday 15 September 2007. During the weekend of 15 & 16 September (open days) up to 400 people visited the gardens and enjoyed the scenery and refreshments while wandering through the gardens.

The menagerie has continually increased – they now have alpacas, sheep, goats, mini horses, peacocks, chooks as well as the ever-increasing herd of cattle. All the animals have names and visitors have the opportunity to pat most of them.

There have now been many weddings held at Sunny Ridge and it continues to be a great place for family and wedding photo sessions - not to mention Formal photos and even kid's birthday parties. It is ideal for bus trips – plenty of parking, and adults and children alike enjoy seeing and patting the animals.

In April 2008 the first "Relax at the Ridge" afternoon was held, with live entertainment, wine & cheese, coffee & cake.  Approx 70 people enjoyed being entertained by talented local muso, Lloyd Back. This became a regular feature on the Sunny Ridge events calendar. The entertainment is provided by various local talent and adds to the ambience of an afternoon at the gardens. 

Keep an eye on our What's On page for details of upcoming events.