Welcome to the Great Age of Steam… a time when life moved slower, and every journey was an adventure. You’ve packed a leather trunk, maybe with a deck of cards, a notebook, and some homemade slice, snapped its brass clasps shut, donned your Sunday best, and stepped aboard a steam train brimming with the thrill of the unknown.
The space
Steam Carriage is a captivating, one-of-a-kind Airbnb with a rich history, perfect for train enthusiasts, history buffs, 1920s lovers, and curious travellers alike.
History
Built in 1926 at Melbourne’s Newport Railway Workshop as First Class carriage 61 AW., and served passengers throughout regional Victoria.
1937–1980: Converted several times between first and second class, operating on routes between Melbourne and Sydney, as well as other regional lines.
Retired in 1983 to a rail yard in Collingwood.
Transported to Forrest: Soon after retirement, she was sold and moved by truck to Forrest, a small township in the Otway Ranges, where she resides today.
Restoration:
In 2014, hosts Mike & Fleur devoted nine months to restoring the carriage, thoughtfully incorporating salvaged materials to create a truly distinctive interior. With a full period restoration beyond reach, they embraced creativity, infusing the three-bedroom retreat with playful steampunk details—hence the name Steam Carriage.
A second renovation in 2020 added elegant 1920s touches, including an outdoor ensuite for the master bedroom and thoughtful details celebrating the romance of the decadent era. The result is a whimsical, nostalgic escape where adventure, curiosity, and old-world glamour come vividly to life.
There are three bedrooms:
A double compartment carriage with a queen bed serves as the master bedroom. Twin mahogany armchairs are the perfect spot for a nightcap, and open the sliding door to your own private outdoor bath with polished brass tap ware, surrounded by lush greenery and climbing vines. For couples, this is as romantic as it gets !
The two smaller compartment carriages each make up a bedroom, one of which has a double bed and the other has two singles. The main bathroom has an art deco washstand, shower and luxury amenities.
Whilst Steam can sleep up to six guests, it is a converted carriage and a cosy space, so we recommend a couple or a family of four would be most comfortable.
You will feel as though you have stepped back in time, surrounded by features of the late Victorian period. Warm wooden antique furniture, ornate chandeliers, pressed metal and wood panelling; deep red velvet curtains, leather lounge, exposed piping and black wooden floors, all create an interior that evokes feelings of vintage travel to a faraway place. Collecting unloved fittings and furnishings and repurposing them in to the carriage experience has been a joy.
The small but fully-functional kitchen with stove & oven is a delight to cook your evening meal or prepare your morning coffee in the Italian stove-top coffee maker or French press. Our wood fire in the living room is sure to keep you cosy on cool evenings. There’s no TV, but WiFi is available, along with a bluetooth speaker and selection of books & board games.
Outside, it’s quiet and peaceful, with leafy trees, bird life, and garden with outdoor setting and hammock to relax in. There is also an under cover outside area with second outdoor table and lounge. Plus BBQ. Around the back of the carriage is a verandah with more outdoor seating nooks
Everything you need to know
Sleep
- The master bedroom is two compartments long, with a queen bed
- The second bedroom is a small compartment, with a double bed.
- The third bedroom is a single compartment with two thin single train beds (like a caravan bed).
- Steam can sleep six, but is ideal for a couple or family of four. The two small bedrooms were train seating compartments and only 2.1m square & not much larger than the bed
- The rooms are close together, with very little insulation from sound
We are often asked for more information on guest numbers, and our suggestions are that depending on the group, Steam could work for:
- A couple, and up to four children, with a child in each of the single beds, and two sharing the double
- Two couples, as long as they were good friends as it would be close & not much sound insulation
- Four adults, one in each bed
- Six adults could be possible, but only if you are planning to be out most of the day & for dinner, and Steam is purely a place to sleep
Larger Groups
If you are looking for a getaway for a larger group, Otways Loft, our neighbouring accommodation is also available. Steam & Otways Loft combined can comfortably accommodate a group of 10 - 12, with 14 being max capacity.
Usually the properties are available for separate groups with a fence and locked gate in between, and enough distance to allow for complete privacy. If booked together, access to the gate would be available to allow the group to make the most of both properties. We recommend booking early to ensure availability of both properties.
FEATURED/ RECOGNISED BY
Airbnb Awards
2023 Airbnb Awards (Australia & NZ) – National Winner, Best Unique Stay
Television / Media (Australia)
Getaway TV
Better Homes and Gardens TV
Australian Publications
Home Beautiful
The Design Files
Homes to Love
Country Style Magazine
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
Other things to note
The dawn birdsong is an authentic, country, wake-up-call, right in the heart of Forrest. Steam is part of a historic timber town, the weatherboard shacks, surrounded by towering Eucalypts, with it’s lush & abundant rainforest. Forrest has been described as a pristine playground for nature-based things to do. It's suitable for a solo creative retreat, romantic getaway with your partner, or to explore as a small group with family and friends.
The Finer Details
Bed linen, towels and cleaning are included in our nightly rate. Beds made up for you on arrival as per your requirements, so please just let us know in advance if you have any preferences.
Well behaved pets are welcome to join you for your stay at Steam, but we do ask strictly that you keep them off all furniture. Please let us know about your pets before you come. Please also carefully consider whether your pet is well suited to our passion project with delicate furnishings. The yard is fenced but it is not dog proof.
The SMOKING signs along with other gold lettering on some walls, are a remnant from life on the tracks. Please no smoking inside, or candles.
