The History of Sweet Creek Cottage
Built in 1920, Sweet Creek Cottage was named after Sweet Creek in Palm Cove where Captain Cook stopped in 1770 to collect fresh water.
The original dwelling on the site was a beach hut built by the Veivers family from bush timber and bark. After World War II it was converted to a canecutter’s barracks and in later years, a Kuranda railway works hut was added to the residence to complete the cottage that you see today.
Sweet Creek Cottage has welcomed many families since 2015. We hope that you and your family enjoy the warmth and comfort of the cottage and make many happy memories during your stay.
The Original Veivers Beach Hut (Photo 1941)
Pictured is Rob Veivers with sons Brian and Doug. The beach hut was built in 1920 by Rob Veivers and Adam Hamilton and was where the Veivers family came together from around Cairns, Speewah and Kuranda for their holidays.
The original bush timber from the beach hut still forms part of Sweet Creek Cottage today. If you look around at the footings of the cottage you will be able to see the original stumps that the beach hut was built on.
The Canecutter’s Cottage
After World War II, the beach hut was converted into a canecutter’s barracks and used as accommodation for local cane workers. In the 1950s, an old railway worker’s hut from Kuranda was added onto the cottage to expand the residence to include an additional bedroom and bathroom.
Sweet Creek Cottage
In 1999, the cottage was purchased by a local resident and renamed Sweet Creek Cottage, after the creek that runs between the Alamanda Hotel and the Sea Temple. Sweet Creek was named by Captain Cook in 1770 when he reached the waters of Far North Queensland and stopped at the creek to collect fresh water before sailing north.
Over the last five years, the Cottage has been lovingly restored and improvements made so that both family and guests can enjoy relaxation and privacy just a short walk from Palm Cove Beach. Sweet Creek Cottage exudes warmth and homeliness and the history of the families who have enjoyed it in the years gone by remains.
Historical Map of Palm Cove (1972)
Sweet Creek is just a short walk from the cottage between what is now the Alamanda Hotel and the Sea Temple Resort.
