A South Australian bakery owner allegedly travelled nearly 3000 kilometres to a rural Queensland property to stab a young mother as she held her 10-month-old baby, almost killing her.

The victim’s mother has spoken to 9NEWS of the alleged attack at the hands of her daughter’s former boss, as she remains in hospital fighting for life.

“I thought she was going to die,” Donna Bateman told 9NEWS.

“This morning when I spoke to her, she thinks he is going to come back.”

Jason Wayne Greatbach, 35, was arrested at Adelaide Airport on Monday over the alleged stabbing of 21-year-old Teagan Moore and her fiancé.

Ms Moore was holding her 10-month-old son at the time of the stabbing, which left her with life-threatening injuries.

“She’s so young, she’s got so much to live for,” Ms Bateman said.

Detectives allege Mr Greatbach flew to Mackay on Sunday before hiring a car and driving to the victim’s home on Sorensens Rd, Kuttabul.

Ms Moore’s fiancé, Jake Burgess, confronted Mr Greatbach who was allegedly armed with a knife, after discovering him in the yard just after midnight on Monday.

Police allege Mr Greatbach then allegedly stabbed Mr Burgess, 23, after a “short exchange”, before entering the house and stabbing Ms Moore twice in the torso, as she held her baby.

Detectives believe the stabbing was not a random act and are working to “establish the extent of the relationship”.

It is understood Mr Greatbach had previously employed Ms Moore at his South Australian bakery in the 2000s, and was trying to track her down in the weeks leading up to the alleged stabbing, according to The Courier Mail.

Mr Greatbach has been charged with attempted murder, enter premises with intent, acts intended to maim and common assault and will be extradited to Brisbane after facing court in Adelaide.

Queensland Detective Superintendent Rob Weir said they initially feared Ms Moore’s wounds would be fatal.

“The female in particular, her injuries were life threatening (on Monday)… I understand that as a consequence of surgery her condition has improved,” he said.

Mr Burgess suffered a serious but non-life threatening injury, while the baby received minor injuries from being dropped on the ground.