To Luke Hellings, BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park always seemed the perfect place for a pair of trams, a wonderful tribute to its metro home. So when VicTrack sought interest for tram stock at the Newport Railway Workshops, the Project Manager for the Park Lane group jumped on it with an exciting plan for family travellers.
All aboard!
The idea? Build two gorgeous themed apartments each comprising a refurbished 1930s W Class rattler ‘stationed’ at an enclosed ‘platform’. Proving their benefit to the community was easy. But Luke also had to account for their care as well.
“We had to prove we could protect the roof. Originally, they [VicTrack] wanted us to store the trams undercover but we were able to convince them we could protect them with fibreglass.
“Bendigo Trams installed the fibreglass roof and resprayed the tram in heritage colours.”
Heritage colours throughout
Incorporating the enclosed platform into the plans provided enough room to comfortably accommodate up to eight guests–ideal for two families or a family travelling with grandparents.
Three ensuite bedrooms contain a king and queen bed and two sets of bunks. Internal comforts include a 75in TV and a European laundry.
There’s an enclosed deck with a BBQ, private outdoor wood-fired hot tub overlooking the Yarra Valley. “We tried to keep that same [tram] feel inside.”
“I replicated all the heritage colours and the stained timber work throughout. We kept the internal driver cabin door and the old signage.”
Lots to do
The tram apartments provide the perfect excuse to celebrate Melbourne, as a local or host welcoming guests from abroad.
BIG4 Park Lane Yarra Valley is just minutes from the beautiful Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary and close to some of Victoria’s finest gourmet experiences.
The stunning bush park has a creek trickling through it, a heated pool, jumping pillows, a communal campfire and more. BIG4 Park Lane Yarra Valley is taking bookings for the tram accommodation now, from September 9.
