Romance and Style

The Carriages is surrounded by nature yet only a short walk from the cafes of Emerald and the famous Puffing Billy railway.

From romantic beginnings as the artist studio of the famous Hans Knorr, this historic property has been lovingly transformed into a premium short stay destination. The Carriages has 3 bedrooms and two bathrooms and can accommodate from 2 to 6 guests in luxury and style.

The architecture is a marriage of Victorian opulence and modern-day comforts. Woven into the building are three elegant railway carriages with gorgeous brass light fittings and ornate pressed metal ceilings. Reverse cycle heating and cooling accompanies the ambiance of the wood fires.

The Dandenong Ranges are renowned for great restaurants but eating in is a favored option for many guests. The kitchen is appointed with two ovens, dishwasher, and large fridge so you may choose to shut the world out, snuggle up and stay in!


The Von Trapp family singers (of Sound of Music fame) stayed at the property at the invitation of Hanns and his wife and author, Hilde Knorr. The Baroness Von Trapp was reported to be the ‘first outsider’ to be admitted into Hann’s studio. You can read about their love story in our coffee table reading: Journey with a Stranger, the love story of an artist and a writer’



Internet- Spoiler Alert!

Free to air T.V is available, but slow speed internet prevents us from offering Netflix and the like.



Local Attractions

There’s too much to mention! Here’s a couple of starting suggestions.

The Carriages is a couple of minutes’ drive from Emerald Lake Park. If you love a walk, this park is for you. It’s lovely in any season but sublime in Autumn. The Puffing Billy Visitor’s Centre has art instillations and well worth a look.

The craft shops of Olinda, the Mount Dandenong Observatory and Sky-High Restaurant are a pleasant 20 minutes’ drive. The Olinda botanical gardens are a must see. Bring your walking shoes and enjoy.

Thirty-five minutes’ drive and you’re in the Yarra Valley where you can visit some of Victoria’s finest wineries and art galleries.

Puffing Billy Railway. This has been a rite of passage for Melbournians for over one hundred and twenty years. If you’re planning to travel you will need to book well in advance. The railway offers a range of experiences including the dinner and lunch trains and the iconic Train of Lights. Check out the Puffing Billy Railway website for details but be prepared to book as soon as tickets become available as the entire train of light seasons will sell out within hours.