Step aboard Steam Carriage, a fully restored 1926 First Class railway carriage in the heart 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. 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 1937–1980, 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, private outdoor bath 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 + 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. <blockquote>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. Otways Loft 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 Loft. 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 Loft 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.</blockquote>
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 OTWASY LOFT Our neighbouring property, Otways Loft, is available for larger groups. Steam & Otways Loft together accommodate 10–12 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 orignial 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 -Had a beautiful stay at Steam! Couldn’t recommend enough if you are after a cozy get away with all members of the family 🐶!

Cosy, Beautiful & Dog-Friendly

Review C/O Airbnb -Magical place in a magical location, loved our stay, was very hard to leave.

Magical. Hard To Leave

We have been wanting to stay here for years, and were finally able to get a booking for our 15th anniversary. It is genuinely beyond magnificent and utterly charming. The attention to detail in the renovation is just exceptional, everything from vintage screws in the timber carriage walls to the vintage seat numbers. Everything had been thought through carefully, with affection for the fact it was a train. The bath was a highlight, as was the incredibly comfortable bed and the master bedroom ambiance on waking up. The Dufflebird team genuinely care for guests and think of everything. In this increasingly strange world, you'll feel 37% better for a stay in the Steam Carriage.

Eleventy billion stars, like no other place

Review C/O Airbnb- We had a great stay at the rail carriage, it was like walking into a film set of an old train movie. Do not look for a train carriage when driving up the street, as from the outside it doesn't look like one, but the inside is a beautifully kept and has adjusted decor that makes it exciting and comfortable, and has you looking around for the conductor. We did have a fair few mosquitoes, and could not work out how they got inside. The main bedroom has lots of space and the other sleeping areas are better suited for people who like tight spaces and smaller beds.

Like Walking Into A Film Set

The location is special - quiet and peaceful; the place is full of surprises

We had no expectations - we got a fantastic experience; no TV; just peace; quiet and comfort
We will definitely keep the Steam Carriage and is quirky character in mind for future escapes

Mark & Lyn

Dates

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