Otways Loft - Train & Tree House : Forrest | House in Forrest
3 Bedroom House in 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.
This 3 Bedrooms House provides accommodation with Internet, Wellness Facilities, Fireplace/Heating, for your convenience. This House features many amenities for guests who want to stay for a few days, a weekend or probably a longer vacation with family, friends or group. The rental House has 3 Bedrooms and 1 Bathroom to make you feel right at home.
Check to see if this House has the amenities you need and a location that makes this a great choice to stay in Forrest. Enjoy your stay in Forrest at this House.
This Property is OneKey Eligible
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible vacation rentals, villas, cottages, cabins, and more when you book on Vrbo.
Amenities
Facility Overview
-
Heating
-
Air conditioning
-
1 bathroom
-
Shower
-
Towels provided
-
Soap
-
Toilet paper
-
Shampoo
-
Hair dryer
-
3 bedrooms
-
Bed sheets provided
-
Living room
-
Fireplace
-
Electric kettle
-
Microwave
-
Paper towels
-
Stovetop
-
Toaster
-
Oven
-
Refrigerator
-
Dishwasher
-
Cookware/dishes/utensils
-
Washing machine and dryer
-
Laundry facilities
-
Beach sun loungers
-
Beach towels
-
Limo/town car service
-
Welcoming cats and dogs only
-
1 total (up to 218 lbs per pet)
-
Pet friendly
-
Smoke-free property
-
Tennis on site
-
Fishing nearby
-
Stereo
-
Games
-
Music library
-
Books
-
Unit size: 1615 sq ft (150 sq m)
-
English
-
Children's toys
-
Highchair
-
Phone
-
Iron/ironing board
-
WiFi available
-
Outdoor furniture
-
Balcony
-
Garden
-
Barbecue grill
-
No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
-
First aid kit
-
Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
-
Deadbolt lock
-
Fire extinguisher
-
Massages
Policies
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed this property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room this property is managed through our partner, vrbo. you will receive an email from vrbo with a link to a vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Reviews
FAQ's
Is this Forrest house pet-friendly for guests?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Check the guest reviews to learn what guests had to share.
Does the Forrest house have a swimming pool?
No, this Forrest house does not have a swimming pool. Check the Facility Overview section for details about the pool and other available facilities.
How much does it cost per night to stay in Forrest house?
Best-rates for the Forrest house starts from $292 per night with includes Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking, Child Friendly, Air Conditioner, Pet Friendly, View, Ocean View, Balcony/Terrace, Security/Safety, Sports/Activities, Internet, Wellness Facilities, Fireplace/Heating, Entertainment, Kitchen, Bedding/Linens, Laundry with all other facilities. matches every traveler with their perfect accommodation, whether you are traveling with a group, friends, family, or pets.
Is Forrest house a family-friendly place to stay?
Based on the information we have received from the owner or our partner, this is considered to be a family-friendly property. Families have rated this house Good or guests have recommended them suitable for families. As reported by the owner or manager, the house has specified that children are welcome. Please see details about suitability for your family or inquire with the property to learn more.
Is the Forrest house wheelchair accessible or offer services for disabled guests?
Based on the information received from our partner, the Forrest house has not specified they are wheelchair accessible. Likewise, there is not an elevator specified as being available at the property. Specific accessibility details may be addressed in the property details section of this page.
What is the minimum night stay policy for the Forrest house?
Based on the information reported by the owner or manager, the Forrest house indicates 1 day stay policy at this house. Guests are cautioned that the minimum stay policy may differ based on seasonality or availability and may be at the discretion of the owner or manager.
What cancellation policy is in place for Forrest house?
Guests are cautioned that the cancellation policy may differ based on seasonality, availability, or current travel restrictions. Guests should also be aware that this policy may be subject to change and should be confirmed prior to booking. More details may be available on this page in the property description. However, early check-in or late check-out can sometimes be negotiated between the guest and the owner or the manager of this property.
