Located at the foot of Wurgarri (Mount Sturgeon), Dunkeld embraces its magnificent natural environment in all different shapes and forms. From adventurous hikes to exhilarating vistas, destination fine dining to sensational seasonal produce, remarkable resident artistry to engaging local wildlife… Dunkeld has it all and here are 18 of our favourites.
1. Dunkeld Arboretum
Meander your way around the Dunkeld Arboretum. With 18-hectares of walking tracks, flora species and towering trees to explore, the Dunkeld Arboreturm is a sensationally serene spot to wind your way around.
2. Dunkeld Old Bakery
Operating since 1887, The Dunkeld Old Bakery are masters in freshly baked sourdough and pastries. Housed within a quaint cottage, the Old Bakery also offers charming accommodation that affords you the opportunity to be woken by the smells of freshly baked goods and brewed coffee.
3. Sturgeon View
Presenting belly-filling breakfast, lunch and dinners plus insurmountable views of Wurgarri (Mount Sturgeon), dine at Sturgeon View.
4. Royal Mail Hotel
Offering two distinct dining experiences, The Royal Mail Hotel is home to both fine dining and casual consumption. The 2-hatted ‘Wickens’ restaurant menu is dictated daily by the freshly harvested produce plucked direct from their onsite kitchen garden. While the relaxed atmosphere of the ‘Parker Street Project’ perfectly presents a casual a la carte menu.
5. Gerard Murphy Furniture
Take home a genuine piece of Southern Grampians (Gariwerd) at Gerard Murphy Furniture. His showroom displays unique designs, in a range of sustainably-harvested quality timbers. Commissions of furniture, timber kitchens and vanities are a specialty, providing a collaborative opportunity to design and create an exceptional bespoke piece.
6. Garage Gallery
Wander through the many different artworks on display and available for purchase from the Dunkeld Garage Gallery, housed within the tall iron walls of the old Dunkeld Motors Building. Admire works curated by Victorian artists and peruse the pop-up market stalls where local growers and makers can sell and showcase their work.
7. Hikes and Walks
From the top of Mud-Dadjug (Mount Abrupt) to the wild flowers of Bainggug (Piccaninny) walk to the two peaks of Wurgarri (Mount Sturgeon) to the history of the Dunkeld Heritage Trail, there is a hike, walk and wander suitable for everyone in Dunkeld.
8. Dunkeld Caravan Park
Kick back and relax camping style at the Dunkeld Caravan Park. Situated at the foot of the Grampians (Gariwerd), choose to pitch a tent or park your van at this very family-friendly park.
9. Grampians Golf Club
Sculpted straight from its natural bush setting, the Grampians Golf Club is nestled at the base of the mighty and majestic Mud-Dadjug (Mount Abrupt). The 18-hole golf course provides spectacular sweeping views of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. Open all year round, you will love sharing the course with kangaroos, wallabies, emus and an abundance of birdlife.
10. Only Ewe
Wander down Parker Street and pop into Only Ewe. Stocking a wide woolly range, Only Ewe know, love and stock Australian and New Zealand made woollen products.
11. Kangaroos at Sunset
It’s a bit of a local secret… sunset at Dunkeld Primary School Oval. The ground lies at the foot of Wurgarri (Mount Sturgeon) and Mud-Dadjug (Mount Abrupt) and as the sun sets, the oval is mobbed by kangaroos coming up from the Wannon River to graze on the oval’s lush green grass.
12. Dunkeld Historical Museum
Showcasing a range of Aboriginal artefacts, memorabilia, items from both world wars and photography dating back as far as the 1830s, the Dunkeld Historical Museum will step you through amazing historical events and social changes.
13. Izzy’s Cafe
European style pizzas, indulgent burgers, Illy coffee, giant sausage rolls, locally-loved pies, indulgent cakes and sensationally sweet Timboon ice-cream… Izzy’s Café definitely tantalises the taste buds.
14. Ros McArthur Art Studio
Visually explore and absorb the Ros McArthur Art Studio. Surrounded by the art’s inspirational subject matter, the Ros McArthur Art Studio is located in the gardens of the “Woollahra” farm, encircled by Grampians (Gariwerd). Visitors are invited to wander and enjoy the picturesque surrounds of the garden that have been designed to blend in with the surrounding farmland.
15. Grampians Providore
Purveyors of local wines and produce, Grampians Providore lovingly stocks and sells local. With a forever growing selection of gourmet food, local produce and great coffee, you will be sure to find yourself a little piece of Dunkeld to take home.
16. Australian Light Horse Heritage Collection
Displaying a collection of light horse memorabilia, much of which was graciously bequeathed by the (late) Ian Jones, the Australian Light Horse and Heritage Collection owner Dave, now has the honour of displaying these precious items (transcriptions, tunics, illustrations and more) for the public to admire.
17. Griffins Hill Yoga Retreat
Namaste your way to Griffins Hill Yoga Retreat and immerse yourself in yoga, nutritious food, nature and beauty. Feel at ease in a community of like-minded people. A distraction free escape where you can relax and unwind with amazing yoga workshops surrounded by the beautiful mountains of Southern Grampians (Gariwerd).
