Romancing The Rainforest
They came to Rockhampton on their honeymoon in 1977…and never left. John “Marto” Martin, a former industrial chemist, and his nurse wife Genevieve, came from wheat and wool properties down south, and were adamant they wanted a block of land with permanent water. A chance encounter with a policeman for speeding saw Marto tell the cop he was looking to buy some land and not only was his speeding fine waived, but the police officer recommended a real estate agent who knew of a place at Byfield.
Pioneer Cabin was the first cabin to be built in 1981, and by 1990, the Martins were ready to open Ferns Hideaway Resort and its five cabins built from yellow stringybark and bloodwood on the property.
On a Saturday night with Marto, who played in bands all around Queensland in the 70s and 80s, performing on guitar and vocals.
Sleep in one of these charming cabins, replete with fireplaces, swim or canoe the cool creek, or camp among the bloodwoods here.
Back in the cabin, late at night, the fireplace crackles and cackles, just like this couple who are as much in love as they were back in 1977, and who burn just as bright.
