Sleeping on a train is a challenge many of us put towards the bottom of our bucket lists. The choice of upright or reclining slightly while the train rocks on its rails has small appeal. An upgrade to a sleeper with wooden bunks in a near claustrophobic room helps a bit. But if you really want to enjoy a good night's sleep on a train, then why not take a look at Off The Rails accommodation at Peterborough in South Australia's mid-north.
Off The Rails - Steve Hudson
Located on the southern outskirts of town, Off The Rails is a boutique railway carriage bed and breakfast where two converted railway carriages have been refurbished and laid on new rails. Originally part of the Junction Motel at Tanunda until 2013, these two carriages headed to a cow paddock in Strathalbyn in 2014 before being discovered and transported to Peterborough in 2016.
The Red Carriage - Steve Hudson
Opened in late 2016, the Off The Rails accommodation features two separate 'units' in each carriage for a total of four 'units'. Each unit has been tastefully decorated in period furniture honouring the build dates of 1917 and 1923 for the carriages, with each having a main living / sleeping area and a bathroom complete with all the essentials for a night away.
Living Area - Steve Hudson
The main area hosts the queen size bed, TV, table and chairs, and a small kitchenette complete with a fridge, microwave, kettle and toaster. The plunger coffee makes for a perfect breakfast accompaniment while enjoying the full continental breakfast which is provided.
Bathroom - Steve Hudson
Warm days and cool nights are frequent companions to visitors at Peterborough, and the electric blankets combined with the reverse cycle air conditioner ensures that these companions are kept at bay. And for those looking to enjoy the other balmier mornings and evenings, the private outdoor decking areas offer opportunities to enjoy the views of local farmlands overlaid with dramatic sunsets and sunrises.
Spacious - Steve Hudson
The town of
Peterborough was once the intersection of Australia's east-west and north-south railways, and was a major railways town for the better part of 100 years from 1880. Numerous memorials along the Main Street of town, and the popular
Steamtown Sound and Light Show reflect on that period.
Yesteryear - Steve Hudson
Other
things to do when in Peterborough include visiting the local museums (railway and motorcycle based), taking the
heritage walk around the former buildings that made up this historic town, tasting a local delight at one of the several cafes on the Main Street, tipping back a cold one at one of the four hotels or just chilling out alongside the lakes, gardens and reserves that form part of the town's fabric.
Peterborough - Steve Hudson
Off The Rails accommodation is operated by Neil and Antoinette Sleep as part of the Willangi Bush Escapes group. Off The Rails is located at 119 Hurlstone Street, Peterborough, with further details available from the
Willangi Bush Escapes website or the
Off The Rails accommodation Facebook page. Peterborough is located 250km north of Adelaide in South Australia's Mid-North.
