Gecko Valley history

Owners Tony and Coleen McCray met and married in Gladstone and developed an interest in wines and wine tourism.  Enthusiastic to do something worthwhile for local environmental development, employment and the economy, Gecko Valley was born in 1992.   The correct site was important for environmental sustainability, viticulture and tourism.  We acquired 100 hectares of beautiful rolling woodland country on the urban fringe of Gladstone, adjacent to the Tondoon Botanical Gardens for this wonderful visitor experience in Central Queensland. 

Queensland’s leading viticulturist and winemaker, Bruce Humphery-Smith was engaged, and 4500 of the best quality grafted vines established.  The first wines were released to fantastic local interest and support at Easter 1999.  Larger subsequent vintages have enabled the expansion of the business, and diversification into other delights of Central Queensland. 

SUSTAINABILITY

Installation of a 20 person tertiary waste treatment plant in April 1999, and operate it in conjunction with our 100% composing facility.  We were rewarded in June 2003 when we won the first local Eco-efficiency Action Plan award recognising that practical 
eco-efficiency principles can be successfully implemented in other local businesses.

BUSHFIRE 1 & 2 OCTOBER 2011
Gecko Valley property was ravaged by an out of control bushfire in massive gale force winds (and flooding in January 2013).  Unfortunately we lost the fight to save the vineyard and had to watch as water bombers dropped water and chemicals on the burning vineyard.  Only 30 vines have survived, and we are fortunate to have enough stocks to last us for several years.  We will not be attending promotions and shows for the next couple of years until we re-plant grafted root stocks.  Keep up to date as to where we are up to.  Thanks for everyone's support.

It has been with great courage and support that Tony and I have continued trading since the bush fire.  Our cafe, cellar door sales has been busier than ever.  You will always find a friendly face when you visit Gecko Valley.