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The History of
Mitta Glen

Photo: Courtesy of Frank and Eunice Corley and the State Library of Queenland https://explorer.corley.slq.qld.gov.au/#!/photograph/6169-0199-0010

Built sometime in the early 1900s, the house was originally located at 35 Ferry St, Maryborough, about 2 hours north of Flaxton. Typical of the Federation style of Queenslanders, with wide verandahs and stained glass windows, the house is of wooden construction, with VJ (vertical joint) walls and hoop pine floors. Some houses of similar era and design remain in Maryborough, and can be seen in nearby streets.

The house was relocated to its current location by Jill and Maurice O'Conner in October 1988. As the original name of the house could not be found, Jill and Maurice coined the name Mitta Glen, in reference to their respective family homes in Mittagong and Glenore.

Over the last (almost) 40 years, the original house has been restored and extended and is now an extensive family home with guest accomodations. The property boasts views to the south east all the way to Morton Island about 75-80 kms away, and we often watch the storms breaking over Brisbane from the comfort of the deck.

The name "Mitta Mitta" has its roots in the Aboriginal language, specifically the term "mida-modunga". "Mida-modunga" means "where reeds grow," referring to the abundance of reeds along the river and in the surrounding area. The name "Mitta Mitta" was first applied to the Mitta Mitta River, which flows through a region known for its diverse vegetation and habitats. Over time, the name "Mitta Mitta" was extended to other locations and features within the broader region, including towns, settlements, and even a pastoral run.

The name "Mitta Mitta" continues to hold significance as a reminder of the Aboriginal connection to the land and its natural features.

The name Glen traces its origins to Scotland, a country renowned for its breathtaking valleys and enchanting landscapes. Derived from the Gaelic word gleann, meaning wooded valley, the name Glen perfectly encapsulates the natural beauty and tranquility associated with such settings.

Mitta Glen now sits high on the Range in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland on a former pineapple plantation, next door to the iconic cafe - The Barn on Flaxton. The Barn is the original working barn for the plantation and now operates as a wonderful cafe and gift shop. The pineapples are now all gone, and the property has been manicured into extensive gardens, with more than 100 different types of flowering plants. It is very rare to visit Mitta Glen and find nothing in bloom, there is always a beautiful flare of colour happening somewhere. Popular with the locals is late March into June when the 150 metre long camellia hedge bursts into beautiful white blooms all along the front of the property.