1 site · Lodging7 acres · Windeyer, NSWPlease note we have new discounted summer rates till 1st March 2025.
Unique Rural Train Carriage Accommodation at Windeyer, near Mudgee.
The Red Rattler Retreat is a new, beautiful, and unique accommodation offering for lovers of a true rural escape. Set in a 1928 Red Rattler Train Carriage, in the gold mining village of Windeyer, 30 minutes from Mudgee on an all tar road, the Red Rattler Retreat rewards guests with a comfortable, relaxing, and enjoyable break away from the very day.
Stay in a beautifully converted 1928 Red Rattler Train Carriage. The carriage started life after it was shipped over from Walsh Island Dockyards, at Newcastle, when it was sent to work in Sydney. A comprehensive history of the our Red Rattler is in the carriage. It was retired from service in 1991, and bought by another Mudgee couple. It was brought to their property and renovated to become truck driver accommodation, with a shower and toilet, a couple of rooms and an office. When we bought that property in 2007, we again made more renovations, and made it into our offices, tea room, shower and toilet, for our earth moving company. We used her like this for about 6 years and when we had finally out grown her, she was used for storage. In 2020 we decided to move her to Windeyer and convert her to short stay accommodation. We hope you like our renovation.
The Red Rattler is now in her final resting place, located in the gold mining village of Windeyer, 30 minutes from Mudgee on an all tar road, nearly opposite the local Gold and Fleece Hotel.
Windeyer is a well known gold mining area, dating back to the 1850’s. I have provided a couple of gold pans and a small pick ( stored on top of the fridge) so you can go for a fossick in the creek opposite our driveway. I have also provided 2 adult pushbikes, in case you want to go for a leisurely ride around Windeyer or off to the pub for a quiet ale or two, ( helmets are located on top of the fridge also)
The Red Rattler is suitable for adults and children, offering 3 bedrooms with queen size beds sleeping up to 6 people. Each room has its own reverse cycle air conditioner, plus another in the living area.
We provide all linen and towels, as well as pillows, mattress protectors, blankets and quilts.
We have now installed Starlink Wireless internet, so Wifi is free and available with a password.
With all the conveniences of a bathroom with shower and toilet, and a separate launderette (please see note below about water usage), and a very modern kitchen (although small), it has everything that will be needed including an oven and stove top, a full size fridge, and a microwave. The lounge room, dining room and kitchen are all open plan within the carriage.
The veranda is 4 metres wide front and back and 2.4 metres on either end. There is plenty of room for guests to relax and unwind. A barbecue adds to a great outdoor dining experience.
A beautiful and rustic silo bar (with additional barbecue) is the perfect spot to enjoy a cold beverage and watch the sun go down. There is also a fire pit (when weather and laws permit). The big steel door into the Silo Bar is actually a goal door from the old Mudgee Lock Up. If you look carefully on the inside of the door, you can make out some names scratched into the old paint.
I have provided a bag of firewood and there are firelighters and matches under the kitchen sink. Extra wood for the fire pit can be gathered from the Red Rattler Retreat property or the bush block next door.
When you don't wish to BBQ or cook onsite, the local Windeyer Gold and Fleece Hotel is only 250m from the front gate and has hearty counter meals available Thursday and Friday night, and Saturday lunch and dinner and Sunday lunch. The Bushlands Caravan Park General Store, is also only 280m down the road (next door to the Hotel), and has all your basic needs. (Open early til 6pm).
If you love stargazing, Mudgee Observatory is only 20 minutes away towards Mudgee. They are open most weekends, depending on weather. Give John a call on 0428560039, if you want to make a booking.
