Canambie Homestead

On Dixon Road in central Buderim is a timber homestead built by the pioneer Joseph Dixon who first selected land in the Mooloolah area in 1869. He was initially in partnership with a friend in a sugar plantation that flooded. He then selected land on Buderim plateau in June 1870 and erected a slab hut, which he occupied with his bride Elizabeth Fielding following their 1873 marriage. In 1875, Dixon and his father-in-law John Fielding established the first sugar mill on the mountain, using equipment purchased from Fountain's Burpengary mill. Between them, Fielding and Dixon owned numerous adjoining properties so the exact date of construction of this house is difficult to confirm. Dating to the early 1880s, it remains one of the oldest surviving sawn timber residences on the plateau. Its exposed-frame construction is typical of the era. Local beech timber has been used in the floors, wall lining and ceilings, with cedar joinery and hardwood framing. As the sugar industry declined from the early 1890s, farmers diversified into banana and orange cultivation and later dairying. Dixon moved to Flaxton, while his Buderim property was transferred to John Burnett. ‘Canambie’ remains a private home and is not publically accessible.