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Step aboard Steam Carriage, a fully restored 1926 First Class railway carriage in the heart of the township of Forrest. Velvet curtains, polished brass, and warm timber evoke the exuberance of the roaring 1920s. An unforgettable, immersive escape where you can slow down, explore every nook, and enjoy a genuinely different break from the everyday.
The space
Steam Carriage is a fully restored 1926 First Class railway carriage, tucked away in the township of Forrest, surrounded by the lush Otway Ranges. Steam Carriage sits within the township itself, with neighbouring homes and a pedestrian laneway close by. It's a village setting rather than an isolated bush retreat. We love one-of-a-kind places, and this is our effort to create something a little different, a carriage that celebrates the elegance of the 1920s and the simplicity of the era. From polished brass and velvet curtains to warm, salvaged timber, it works with the natural beauty and craftsmanship of the original carriage rather than feeling forced or gimmicky.
It's a place to slow down, explore every nook, and soak in history while leaving the world behind. A genuine break from the day-to-day, immersive and subtly transportive, thoughtfully put together so you can simply enjoy it.
FEATURED/RECOGNISED BY 
Airbnb Awards, 2023 Australia & NZ National Winner, Best Unique Stay 
Television / Media (Australia): Getaway TV, Better Homes & Gardens TV 
Australian Publications: Home Beautiful, The Design Files, Homes to Love, Country Style, The Guardian, Time Out Melbourne, Secret Melbourne, Broadsheet, UrbanList 
Overseas Publications: Oprah Daily (USA), House Beautiful (USA), Schöner Wohnen (Germany), The Heritage Post (Germany) 
Books: Principles of Style by Sarah Andrews, Life Unhurried by Mitchell, Eppelstun & Gannon
HISTORY 
Built in 1926 at Melbourne's Newport Railway Workshop as First Class carriage 61 AW, Steam Carriage carried passengers throughout regional Victoria, surviving a train crash along the way. Between 1937 and 1980, it was converted several times between first and second class on routes from Melbourne to Sydney and other regional lines. Retired in 1983, it was transported by truck to Forrest, where it now resides. Lovingly restored by our team, the carriage preserves its craftsmanship and character, offering a one-of-a-kind escape steeped in history.
SLEEP 
Master Bedroom: Two compartments long, queen bed, outdoor bath with a surrounding privacy curtain. The bath looks toward a neighbouring property and the laneway; the curtain can be drawn at any time for full privacy. 
Second Bedroom: Small compartment, double bed 
Third Bedroom: Single compartment, two thin single train beds (like caravan beds) 
Sleeps up to six, but ideal for a couple or family of four 
Rooms are close together, with very little sound insulation; consider guest combinations carefully: 
A couple plus up to four children 
Two couples (if good friends) 
Four adults 
Six adults possible, but Steam is primarily a place to sleep
KITCHEN AND LIVING 
The small but fully functional kitchen has a stove, oven, Italian-style coffee maker, French press, and all essentials. The cozy living space features a wood fire, books, and board games. No TV, some stream on their devices at first, but most discover they simply stop needing to.
Outside, relax in the garden with leafy trees, a hammock, and multiple seating nooks, including a covered outdoor area with BBQ.
FORREST AND THE OTWAYS 
Forrest is a beautiful, quietly unhurried timber town, the kind of place that's become harder to find. It sits on the edge of 100,000 hectares of national park, alive with birdsong and wildlife, and that is genuinely its greatest asset. Forrest is a small, lived-in village of around 240 people, and where the carriage was parked back in 1983. We love the location. You'll have neighbours nearby and may see locals walking or riding past.
Steam Carriage has direct ride-in ride-out access to over 70km of world-class singletrack across 36 trails, the Forrest Mountain Bike Trail Network is considered one of Australia's top mountain biking destinations, with trails for every level from easy to challenging. It's right on the doorstep. Forrest MTB Hire is open for bookings every day except Sunday, we recommend booking ahead or texting Michelle for last-minute availability.
Bush walks, waterfalls, Lake Elizabeth, Stevensons Falls and the Barwon River Reservoir are all within easy reach. The General Store is open daily, and Jen at Bodysmith, a beautiful little healing studio offering hot stone massage and Bowen therapy, is just a short walk from the carriage.
A note worth knowing, Regional Victoria is doing it tough at the moment and some businesses operate with reduced or changing hours. We do our best to stay across local openings and share the most up-to-date recommendations before your stay, though in a small regional town things can shift day to day. It's all part of the slower rhythm here. The carriage is thoughtfully set up as a self-sufficient retreat, and guests who come prepared to cook, explore and unwind tend to have the best time.
Thirty minutes from Lorne and the Great Ocean Road. Twenty minutes from Birregurra.
HOSTING STYLE 
We're Fleur, Mike, and the team behind Dufflebird Getaways. With over 20 years of hosting, we care deeply about this space and guests who value character, detail, and a slower, considered stay.
Before arrival, you'll receive our local guide. We can help shape your time, mountain biking, walking, long lunches, or simply switching off. Our trusted local team is nearby if anything is needed in person, otherwise we'll leave you completely to your stay. Many guests return, which says it all.
COMBINING WITH OTWAYS LOFT 
Our neighbouring property, Otways Loft, is available for larger groups. Steam & Otways Loft together accommodate 10 to 12 guests (up to 14 max). Both remain private when booked independently. If booked together, access to the connecting gate is available.
Guest access
The entire carriage and garden are yours, including the outdoor seating, hammock, and covered dining/lounge area.
Other things to note
Linen and towels included, just bring your beach towels. Beds made up to your preferences.
Dogs welcome: please notify us before arrival. We ask that dogs stay off furniture and beds, leaving the carriage trace free. The yard is fenced but not dog proof. Consider whether your pet suits our delicate furnishings.
No smoking inside or candles. The original Smoking signs and gold lettering remain as a nod to its railway past.
Pricing
Base rate covers up to 2 guests. Additional $50 per person per night. If you need to adjust guest numbers after booking, just message us and we'll take care of it.

Steam Carriage: 1926 Train Carriage, Otways

Review C/O Airbnb - have wanted to stay here for a long time, so when I saw it was free during my birthday, I booked it. The general store is walking distance for lunch and to buy food to re-heat for dinner. It was great just spending time enjoying the space.

Loved just enjoying the space

Review C/O Airbnb -The train itself is a great historic piece and well kept. Our main issue was that we feel the privacy of the property was really misrepresented. A laneway was next to the train and people walked past in the day. The claw bath at the back looks over another property’s roof and the laneway, which the listing doesn’t show. The photos make it look like it’s surrounded by bush. It isn’t.
Unfortunately the only comfortable place to be is in bed, and all of them were great. We couldn’t sit by the fire and enjoy it as the couch is very hard and uncomfortable. I understand the whole aesthetic, but it was a real disappointment to be inside a lovely old train and not enjoy the main living space. At this price point it also would have been nice to have been provided a few basics besides a small UHT milk, salt, pepper, frozen coffee, oil. Some bread, milk & fresh coffee would have really brought the vibe, but this stay felt more that it was ‘our honour’ to stay here and not to actually be guests.

Beautiful train, but misrepresented

Review C/O Airbnb- Beautiful place and great hosts!

Beautiful place and great hosts

Review C/O Airbnb -Beautiful location and what an amazing place to stay. The steam carriage is cozy and has everything needed. Loved our stay here

Beautiful location, cosy and well equipped.

Review C/) Airbnb -Well equipped. As described! Fun and relaxing!

Well equipped, fun and relaxing

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