Fourteen sleeping cars were built between 1906 and 1923 at the Victorian Railways Newport Workshops for use on the express between Adelaide and Melbourne.

Onkaparinga was built in 1911 and the carriage comprises nine compartments, each with two fold up lateral sleeping berths, a folding wash basin and cloth hanging cupboards. A small smoking saloon at one end of the car was known as the gentlemens lounge, and had four loose, leather covered, cane arm chairs and a fixed seat for three. Two compartments at the opposite end of the coach were reserved for ladies.

Finished in style, the carved paneling, pressed metal ceiling, frosted glass and lamp pendants were all ornately decorated. A stylised waratah pattern was repeated throughout the design. A row of bevelled mirrors, with an engraved star burst pattern, was placed above each window. The paintwork was a red brown with elaborate decoration.

Onkaparinga was acquired by the Museum and transported to the site, funded by volunteers, in 1988.

Provenance: V & SAR, SAR
Ownership: National Railway Museum
Built by: Victorian Railways Newport Workshop, Victoria 14
Number in class: 14
Entered service: 6 June 1911
Entered the museum: 6 June 1988
Length: 22.86 metres (75’)
(over coupling points)