We bought “Sunny Ridge” in May 2006. The previous owners had established the gardens over approximately 25 years, and so most 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. 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 we lived on a regular building block on a main road in Brisbane. Two lanes of traffic each way, and very large streetlights!!! 

On a visit to Kingaroy, we fell in love with a 5 acre property at Wooroolin. We 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 we acquired 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 we 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 handy with a chainsaw, shovel and the mower!! What a team….

The gardens were very overgrown when we moved in, so we decided to close the gardens to the public for some major maintenance. After many trips to the tip and 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 that weekend around 400 people visited the gardens and enjoyed the scenery and refreshments.

The menagerie has continually increased – we now have alpacas, sheep, goats, mini horses, peacocks, chooks as well as the ever-increasing herd of cattle. 

During 2008 & 2009 we held a variety of music afternoons, where guests enjoyed great Moffatdale Ridge wines, with a variety of sweet and savoury delights.  As a result of many happy customers asking whether we were open every weekend for "coffee", we decided that "perhaps we should!"  And so ..... the idea of The Garden Teahouse & Fudgery was born.  We officially opened that side of the business on 15th August 2009.