Dragon House, Yeppoon Whale building among CQ’s quirkiest properties

From the iconic ‘Dragon House’ in Parkhurst to Yeppoon’s ‘Big Whale’, these are the people who own some of Central Queensland’s quirkiest properties.

Homes with gardens as far as the eye can see, architectural works of art and even places rich in history - there are many homes around the Central Queensland region which catch the eyes of residents and visitors.

We took a look at some of the region’s most striking and quirky homes and buildings and the people behind them.

See our list below.

The ‘Dragon’ House - 72 McMillan Avenue, Parkhurst

Carol and Ross Mylrea in their garden. Photo Allan Reinikka / The Morning Bulletin

Commonly called ‘The Dragon House’, 72 McMillan Avenue in Parkhurst has captured the eyes of people for years.

With gardens for miles the owners Carol and Ross Mylrea spent 14 years travelling the world, collecting seeds, plants and trees as they worked to create their phenomenal garden.

They also hired a French gardener and propagator to help make the garden what it is today.

The gardens are made more magical by the various statues hidden around the property, including a dragon on the roof of the house which Carol explained fends off evil spirits.

In 2016, the couple told The Morning Bulletin they had planned on opening their garden to share with the public.

The Dome House - 57 Bishop St

Unique geodesic dome style property 57 Bishop Street, The Range. Picture: Contributed

A young German boy’s curiosity about the stories of Ian Fleming, such as James Bond, led to the construction of one of Rockhampton‘s quirkiest homes, which recently found a new owner.

Sales agent Damion Ramsay said the property was built in the 1980s by Franz Leiminer, who emigrated to Rockhampton from Germany a number of years prior.

“As a boy he was fascinated with the stories of Ian Fleming, such as James Bond and in particular Dr No,” Mr Ramsay said.

“Combining this with an interest in striking architecture, led to Mr Leiminer’s journey to build the geodesic dome on Bishop Street.”

The first geodesic dome was designed after World War I and has been used for various structures globally over the years.

The property was purchased by a Rockhampton business owner in October.

The Big Whale - 1059 Scenic Highway

The Sunshine Coast has the Big Pineapple, Bowen has the Big Mango and Kinka Beach near Yeppoon has the Big Whale building.

The whale building, which is located at 1059 Scenic Highway, was formerly known as Coral Life Marineland which is fondly remembered by people who grew up in the area as a must-visit on the Capricorn Coast.

It is understood the museum closed to the public more than 20 years ago.

The building was purchased by Sierra Holdings QLD Pty Ltd in 2019.

The ‘Glass House’ - 18 Sleipner St

The beautiful ‘glass house’ at 18 Sleipner Street not only has the benefits of a prime view.

The house has a stunning glass feature window wall that runs up the staircase.

As well as views for as far as the eye can see, the property has three car spaces, three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Animal Statues - 273 Frenchville Road

The garden of this home catches the eye of many who drive past on their way to or from Mount Archer.

Owned by the Peirano’s, who own Piranha Insurance, 273 Frenchville Rd has an abundance of animal statues on display.

From zebra’s to saddled steeds, there are creatures great and small in different areas at the front of this garden.