Otways Loft - Train & Tree House : Forrest

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.