Otways Loft - Train & Tree House : Forrest
- 8 Guests
- 3 Bedrooms
- 6 Beds
Otways Loft – A Cabin Unlike Any Other, Forrest
The Space
It’s hard to imagine another building quite like this.
Otways Loft is a three-storey cabin hand-built from mountain ash logs and salvaged vintage train carriage parts — the creation of timber designer Michael Patterson, who spent years crafting every joint, panel and detail by hand. Salvaged church flooring, locally felled timber, train carriage doors that slide open to morning light.
It’s the kind of place that stops people in their tracks the moment they walk in — and then keeps revealing itself. A detail you missed yesterday. A view that shifts with the light.
Featured in Better Homes & Gardens, The Design Files, Postcards, Country Style and publications in Sweden and the Netherlands — Otways Loft has earned its reputation. But no photograph quite prepares you for it.
This is a place that rewards guests who appreciate craft, character and the kind of stay that doesn’t need to be filled with noise. If that sounds like you, you’ll love it here.
Sleeping
The master bedroom on the second storey features a king bed and a freestanding claw-foot bath with treetop views.
The Hemingway Room sleeps up to three, with a balcony perfect for morning coffee.
The White Room sits on the ground level, with a queen bed tucked behind a sliding train carriage door that opens to the deck.
And above it all — up the permanent ladder — the Loft itself, with a double futon ideal for older kids or the more adventurous.
In total, the house sleeps up to eight.
The Kitchen and Living
The kitchen is fully equipped and well-loved by guests — large oven, stove, microwave, dishwasher, Italian-style coffee maker, French press and pantry essentials.
The open plan kitchen, living and dining space — anchored by the wood-fired heater — is one of our favourite places to cook and gather. There’s a piano, Bluetooth speaker, books and board games. No television — and guests tell us they love it. Some stream on their own devices, but most find they simply stop needing to.
The deck overlooks the garden with lounge furniture, and the yard has outdoor dining and a hammock. Koalas have been spotted from right here. Wombats, wallabies, kangaroos and echidnas are regular visitors too.
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.
Hosting Style
We’re Fleur, Mike and the team behind Dufflebird Getaways — with over twenty years of hosting across Regional Victoria, and a deep connection to the Otways Loft, which holds a very special place for us.
We care deeply about this space, and it tends to resonate most with guests who value character, detail and a slower, more considered stay. Over the years, that shared appreciation has made hosting here something really special.
Before you arrive, you’ll receive our local guide, and we’re always happy to help shape your time — whether that’s mountain biking, walking, long lunches or simply switching off. We’re responsive if you need us, and have a trusted local team nearby for anything in person — otherwise, we’ll leave you completely to your stay.
Many of our guests return, which we think says everything.
Character around every corner. We hope you love it as much as we do.
Combining with Steam Carriage
The original vintage train carriage next door — Steam — is a separate Dufflebird property. When booked independently, both remain completely private. When booked together, they open up to accommodate larger groups of 10–12 (up to 14 at maximum). We recommend booking early if you’re hoping to secure both.
Guest Access
The entire house and grounds are yours for the duration of your stay — including the deck, outdoor dining area, lounge furniture and hammock.
Linen and towels are provided — just bring your beach towels. Beds are made up to your preferences; just let us know in advance.
Dogs are welcome — please let us know before you arrive. We ask that dogs stay off furniture and beds and leave the house trace-free, so that every guest — including those with allergies — arrives to a fresh, clean space. A small dedicated dog run is available on the balcony, with a bed and bowl provided.
No smoking inside and no candles, please.
A Note on Pricing
Otways Loft is a large property to prepare, and our pricing is structured to suit both couples and larger groups. The base rate covers up to four guests, with an additional $50 per night per guest thereafter. If you need to adjust guest numbers after booking, just let us know and we’ll take care of it.
Parking
Pets welcome
Wireless Broadband Internet
Pictures
Amenities
Parking & facilities
Parking, Private garden
Policies
Accept credit card, Accessible 24/7, Children welcome, Pets allowed
Entertainment
Beach chairs, Piano, Stereo system
Kitchen & dining
BBQ gas, Baby high chair, Coffee machine, Cooking utensils, Dishwasher, Kitchen stove, Microwave, Oven, Refrigerator, Spices, Toaster, Vacuum cleaner
Location features
Town
Bathroom & laundry
Bed linen, Blow dryer, Essentials, Iron and board, Shower, Towel set, Bathtub, Washbasin, Washing machine
Heating & cooling
Air conditioning, Fireplace, General heating
Internet & office
Wireless Broadband Internet wireless, Telephone
House Rules
Credit cards accepted
Children welcome
Pets welcome
Check-in: 03:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Location
42 Station Street Forrest, Forrest, Australia
Rates
Policy and notes
Payment Schedule
50% of the total amount is due at time of reservation.
The remaining amount is to be paid 15 day(s) before arrival.
Cancellation Policy
All paid prepayments are non-refundable.
Security deposit
A pre-authorization of €154 is held on 1 day(s) before arrival and voided on 2 day(s) after departure
Availability
Select check-in date
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27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
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Reviews
Cool, Quirky And Perfectly Placed
Review CO Airbnb - A cool and quirky house in a beautiful location well placed to explore the Otways and Ocean road. Great communication and we had a lovely stay
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review Jennifer Jean. We're delighted you enjoyed the house and the area as part of your Australian adventure. We hope you made wonderful memories and that the Great Ocean Road lived up to expectations.
They Thought Of Everything
Review C/O Airbnb -The most beautiful cabin stay! Fleur & Lisa have truly thought of everything - thank you for creating the most perfect country escape.
"Perfect country escape" and we'll take that, though the cabin itself deserves most of the credit. We can't claim the bones of that place. They were already something very special. What we can claim is listening carefully to what guests actually hope for, and having a lot of fun trying to get the details right. You were exactly the kind of guest it deserves. Such a pleasure to host you, Jade. You are welcome back anytime.
Games, Cooking and Fire
Review C/O Airbnb - We had a lovely stay! The house was cosy homely! The kitchen and fireplace were fantastic. We felt there wasn’t much to do in the area and unfortunately the local pub was closed as was the shop to hire bikes. Although we went for drives and a few hikes and found plenty of beautiful scenery to look at. We entertained ourselves with games and cooking and the fire also. So overall very peaceful.
Thank you Kellie, so glad you enjoyed the cosy atmosphere, kitchen and fireplace, and found your own lovely rhythm with games, cooking and the fire. That's exactly what the Otways Loft is made for. The open plan kitchen, living and dining space, anchored by the wood heater is genuinely one of my favourite places to cook and gather. Regional Victoria is doing it tough at the moment and things are changing frequently, so we always recommend guests check what's open before their stay. The Terminus Hotel is currently closed until further notice and the brewery operates on restricted hours. Forrest MTB Hire is open every day except Sunday. We'll make sure that's more prominent in our guest guide so no one misses out. Book ahead at forrestmtbhire.com.au — or text Michelle on 0407 318 507 for last minute help. And a new kid in town coming soon . The Bower Bird café opens at the Forrest Guesthouse in April, offering daytime dining and prepared take-home meals. Michelle will also be available after hours for meal orders via text, just like the bikes. The general store is open every day too. If relaxation and pampering is on the agenda, Jen at Bodysmith is a gorgeous walk or short drive from the Loft. A beautiful little healing studio offering hot stone massage, Bowen therapy and more. But really, being on the edge of 100,000 hectares of national park is the best reason to visit Forrest. The bush walks are wonderful, many leading to waterfalls that keep flowing even in the dry months, we're so glad you found some of them.
Character Around Every Corner
Review C/O Airbnb - Character around every corner! We had a wonderful weekend. See you next time!
Jack and family, you were absolute dream guests and a genuine pleasure to host. We would be delighted to welcome you back to Otway Loft or any of our Dufflebird properties anytime.
Well Earned Reputation
Review C/O Airbnb -Fleur and Lisa are such lovely and communicative hosts. They were incredibly generous with their time: even offering a reasonably long phone call to discuss bushfire safety during summer, of which I felt assured I was in fantastic hands. Whilst it is the most expensive place I have personally ever stayed, I don't think I could imagine a better place to treat myself and my friends for a relaxing weekend away. The interiors and exteriors alike are gorgeous: my friends and I were all stunned and impressed! I can really see why so many families appear to stay here: the lodge has a fanstic sense of whimsy that I think can see really resonating with kids (alongside fellow nature & serenity-loving adults). I stayed here to holiday after finishing a University degree, and left it feeling the most relaxed I had felt in what feels like years prior... considering, I can very heartily recommend anyone interested in some relaxation and natural beauty to treat themselves to a stay !
Thank you Jarrah. We absolutely loved reading your review. We know this was a significant weekend, treating yourself and your favourite people, and we are so delighted it was everything you hoped for and more. The house has been called many things over the years but most consistently it is unique and memorable. The original builder deserves much of the credit for the whimsy and clever design, although we have had fun adding our own touches along the way. And what a wonderful, considerate group you were to host, it was an absolute pleasure.
Koalas In The Back Yard
Review C/O Airbnb -We had an awesome time! Saw koalas in the backyard and really enjoyed the house space. very nicely equipped and curated!
So glad you had an awesome stay Roy.The koalas are always a highlight when they decide to inhabit the yard. They roam freely so we never quite know when they might make an appearance. You usually hear them well before you see them though. Their bellow is quite something. A noise that never quite seems consistent with those cute and innocent little faces So pleased the house also delivered and felt well equipped and curated.
Better Than the Photos
The Otways Loft is the real deal. Character, quality, and perfectly positioned as a base for the Otways and Great Ocean Road. I have stayed in a lot of places and the fit-out here genuinely impressed me. Beautifully clean, thoughtfully designed, and equipped with the kind of kitchen most people don't have at home. KitchenAid mixer, Japanese knives, quality cookware. Pack your ingredients and nothing else. Better than the photos, which is rare. The craftsmanship and woodwork are exceptional and the details keep revealing themselves the longer you are there. It rewards you for slowing down. Out the door each morning into birdsong, with the Brewery (open weekends), General Store and mountain bike trails within a five minute walk. Good coffee, good riding, good air. The hosts are responsive, knowledgeable and genuinely helpful. We will be back.
Intriguing, Cozy and Fully Equipped
Review C/O Airbnb - A beautifully crafted house with so much to take in with all the incredible historical train parts throughout. A delightful clean, cosy stay with excellent bedrooms & fully equipped kitchen & bathroom. Thanks Fleur it gave us the R & R we needed after our days of MTB & Gravel racing a great way to recover in beautiful surroundings.
What a treat to host some outstanding winners and podium finishers from the epic Otway Odyssey event. Winners on the track and winners as guests, exemplary in every way. What a fabulous group, and a great reminder of what wonderful hosting experiences look like. We truly hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you all back next year.
A Loft Full of Charm i
Review C/O Airbnb -The Loft was a perfect getaway for us with the right mix of warmth and character, location to surrounding adventure and walking distance to the township. We loved our stay here.
Thanks so much, Haydn, we truly loved having you. We really appreciate you looking after the house, the friendly communication and leaving everything in really great shape. We'd love to welcome you back anytime.
Cosy, Characterful, Comfort
Review C/O Airbnb -We had a lovely stay at the Otway Loft. The house has so much character and was comfortable and cosy. The Otway area offers plenty to do for the whole family. We would happily stay again.
Thank you, Cally. So glad you enjoyed the cosy character of Otway Loft. A huge thanks for being so flexible with your dates during the recent fires and flooding . Your kindness helped us support other guests during a difficult time. We'd be delighted to welcome you back to Otways Loft or any of our Dufflebird properties absolutely anytime.