Otways Loft - Train & Tree House : Forrest

Otways Loft is a whimsical marvel of imagination and craftsmanship.

A three-story cabin, where vintage train carriage parts and mountain ash logs come together to create a treehouse-lodge retreat, so charmingly unique it might just inspire a wry smile.

As far as we know, Otways Loft is the only three-story cabin in the world built from mountain ash logs and vintage train carriage parts, making it truly one-of-a-kind.

Crafted by timber designer Michael Patterson, the log frame was cleverly spaced to match train panels, with salvaged church flooring and locally felled timber woven throughout. Every detail reflects his dedication and craftsmanship.

The original train carriage next door, Steam, is a separate property. Rent both together to sleep up to 14 guests, or independently for a more private stay.

Forrest is a charming timber town, alive with birdsong and wildlife. Eco-tourism thrives here, with bush walks, waterfalls, lakes, and world-class mountain bike trails. Towering mountain ash and lush rainforest reach right to the edge of town, just 30 minutes from Lorne and the Great Ocean Road.

FEATURED / RECOGNISED BY
TV & Media (Australia):
Better Homes & Gardens (TV)
Postcards (TV)

Australian Publications:
The Design Files
Homes to Love / Country Style
Forte Magazine
Urban List

International Publications:
Elegance Magazine (The Netherlands)
Nya Rum (Sweden)

Everything you need to know

Sleep

· Master Bedroom (second storey): King bed. Relax in a claw-foot bath with treetop views.
· Hemingway Room (second storey): King + single or three singles. Balcony for morning coffee.
· White Room (ground level): Queen bed with sliding train carriage door to deck. Close to the main bathroom with ground-level ease and no steps.
· Loft (third storey): Access via a permanent ladder to a double futon, ideal for older kids (not recommended for little ones or those less nimble).

Capacity: Up to 8 guests

Groups
Combine with neighbouring Steam, which together can comfortably accommodate 10–12 guests, with 14 being the maximum capacity.

Normally booked separately with a fence & locked gate for privacy; gate can be opened if booked together

Amenities

· Master bedroom with freestanding claw-foot bath
· Newly renovated main bathroom & upstairs powder room
· Wood-fired heater with firewood supplied
· Split-system heating & cooling in lounge and master bedroom
· Fully equipped kitchen: oven, stove, microwave, dishwasher
· Italian-style coffee maker & French press, Coffee grounds
· Essentials provided: olive oil, spices, tea, dishwasher tablets, and more
· Piano, Bluetooth speaker, books & board games (no TV — WifI)
· Deck with lounge furniture overlooking the garden
· Lawn chairs. Outdoor dining.
· Outdoor hammock

Guest access
The entire house and garden are completely private for your stay, including the deck, outdoor dining area, lounge furniture, and hammock

The Finer Details

Our rates are based on four guests; additional guests are $50 per person, per night.

Bed linen, towels, and cleaning are included. Beds will be made up on arrival according to your preferences - just let us know in advance.

Pets are welcome, but it is extremely important that dogs are kept off all furniture and beds. Not all of our guests are dog owners, and maintaining a zero-trace policy is vital for everyone’s comfort.

The yard is fenced but it is not dog proof, so we have a dog run which is a gated section of the balcony. It's roughly two metres wide and ten metres long, running around one corner of the house. We provide a dog bed and bowl, and when we visit we like to set up the bed so our dog can see into the living room from the balcony.

No smoking inside and no candles, please.

Please review our postponement and cancellation terms before booking

Highlights and considerations for Otways Loft

While Otways Loft is standalone, neighbours are nearby and guests may be at Steam Carriage next door. We’re alongside a laneway used by walkers, cyclists, and horse riders.

Walkable to the General Store, Brewery, Pub, and Bike Hire. For more seclusion, consider Liptrap Loft or Dufflebird Farm.

Mountain bike trails: Easy ride-in / ride-out access to the 65 km+ Forrest Mountain Bike Trail Network, including the Forrest Loop and Baridjaru / Red Carpet trails.

20-minute drive to Birregurra; easy access to Lake Elizabeth, Stephenson Falls, and Barwon River Reservoir.

Log cabin construction: The Loft is not fully insulated for temperature or sound. Air-conditioning is in the living areas, with a wood burner and split-system heating in winter. The master bedroom has a split system, while bedrooms 2 and 3 are equipped with panel heating and fans.

Otways Loft is a large property, ideal for groups, but is also frequently enjoyed by couples. For a cozier stay, couples may also consider Steam Carriage, Liptrap Loft, McQueen Anglesea, or Dufflebird Farm, all listed on Airbnb.

Board games, books, piano, Bluetooth speaker, and WiFi are provided. No TV on site — guests often tell us they love the chance to truly disconnect, though some stream on their own devices.

Children: Very popular with children (and teenagers, interestingly), who delight in the Loft’s curious nooks and playful design. The stairs are steep and sound travels. We provide a fireplace guard, high chair, porta-cot, and child gate at the top of the stairs.

Wildlife sightings are common: wombats, koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, and echidnas. Mosquito and bug supplies are provided. Snakes are possible in warmer months, though we haven’t seen any on the property.

Our team is always available via phone or the Airbnb App. A compendium is provided on-site, and we use the Guidey App, which includes how-to guides and local tips to help make your stay smooth and enjoyable.

The Loft is intentionally unconventional and rustic, with quirks that add to its charm. Please consider whether a unique, non-standard property is right for your stay.