travel

166 comments

1. 166 Christine Kemp
   Aug 3rd, 2008 at 1:25 pm

   We have just returned from a 3 night midweek stay at Royal Mail Hotel Dunkeld. The hotel was warm and inviting, with the 3-for-2 off peak accommodation package being a bargain at $320 for the two of us. Chef Dan Hunter’s menus in each of the bar, cafe, and fine dining restaurant were all excellent (we spent one night at each) and found the bar meals especially good value for money - I had the Wagyu beef corned silverside which was absolutely delicious, for just $14. The fine dining experience was truly delightful - the surprising blend of food textures, colours and tastes being a reflection of Dan Hunter’s creativity and experience, using local freshly produced ingredients. Highly recommended to all.

2. 165 Laura Hanks-Ruttyn
   Aug 2nd, 2008 at 11:52 am

   Our stay at the Royal Mail surpassed our expectations on so many levels: the accommodation was contemporary, clean and comfortable; the surrounding landscape breathtaking; and the food, well, my palate’s still rejoicing! The staff were attentive yet unobtrusive: there when you needed them but otherwise invisible, leaving us with the impression that the hotel and it’s magnificent backdrop was there for our personal enjoyment alone. A unique travel destination we’ll be encouraging all our family and friends to experience for themselves.

3. 164 Robyn Wilcock
   Aug 1st, 2008 at 9:56 am

   It was a wonderful experience both the fabulous views from our room and the awesome ,wonderful meal provided by the fantastic chef dan hunter an experience not to be missed.I would highly recommend this dinning extravaganza to all .

4. 163 Patricia Macleod
   Jul 31st, 2008 at 10:13 am

   My husband and I stayed at the Royal Mail Hotel last weekend. the rooms are well appointed, stylish and comfortable. The view is superb!

   Although we only tried the fine dining restaurant for dinner in the evenings we found the meal delicious and the service exceptional. The wine list is extensive (probably too extensive) but the Australian wines are very well priced.

   Breakfast in the morning is, again, delicious although we found the service a little slow.

   We had a great weekend and were looked after very well.

5. 162 marie ryan
   Jul 30th, 2008 at 5:09 pm

   Just so good - everthing was perfect - room, food and service.

6. 161 Mark & Lyn McLaughlan
   Jul 30th, 2008 at 4:43 pm

   We’d heard a lot of great things about the location, accommodation and food and were not let down by any aspect.

   The food in the restaurant was excellent - great use of flavours and not one dud dish, the service knowledgable and professional. We had a couple of drinks and a meal in the bar on one night and were also very happy with what we ate and were looked after really well.

   The room was comfortable and well appointed.

   The surrounding country was beautiful - the walk along the river to Mt Sturgeon homestead was a winner.

   Minor complaints
   1. they should ensure that guests can book into the restaurant or bistro at time of booking. Although the bar was OK, we were disappointed we had no choice on one night even though we enquired a few weeks ahead when we booked. Either that or make the bistro menu available in the bar?
   2. Service at breakfast on the Sunday was very slow.

7. 160 Marlene Moore
   Jul 30th, 2008 at 4:38 pm

   Stayed weekend of 25/7/08. Accommodation was good and dinner in the cafe Friday night was very good. Dinner in the Restaurant Saturday night was a disaster. Having ordered the Degustation Menu the courses took between 20 & 55 mins to arrive. We had to ask for more food after 45 minutes and by midnight we cancelled the last 3 courses and gave up! Everyone in the packed cafe had been served and left by this time as had most of the kitchen staff. There were a number of degustation tables frustrated at the service. Sunday breakfast involved repeatedly asking for food to be replenished. The pot of water for the tea hadn’t even been boiled!

8. 159 Ted Allen
   Jul 30th, 2008 at 4:07 pm

   We were recommended by a friend to experience what he described as “the best meal he has ever had in his life”. That is always a big claim [and we’ve all heard it before], and more often than not leads to some kind of disappointment.

   Well 6 of us headed there last Saturday night to try the “experience”

   11 courses over three hours, and we were all convinced - this is a very very special food and wine dining experience - exquisite flavours, beautiful presentation, not too rushed, knowledgeable people [on both the food and wine side]…….and then we headed off to the Mountain view rooms, to wake up to the Grampians in the morning - an added bonus

   No wonder Dan Hunter [and the Royal Mail] is getting written up all over the place - I suspect there wil be a lot of capital city restaurants putting him on the top of their hit list.

9. 158 Lorna McDonald
   Jul 30th, 2008 at 3:37 pm

   Had a perfect weekend experience at the Royal Mail Hotel. Good accommodation in beautiful setting. Fantastic food and excellent service. Would highly recommend.

10. 157 Peter Lustig
    Jul 29th, 2008 at 10:24 pm

    Just great views; food; wine & service. What else is there? Oh yes: loads of fresh country air - as much as you can breathe!!!

11. 156 Andy Paine
    Jul 29th, 2008 at 8:46 am

    We stayed in one of the cottages for our first anniversary. It was beautiful and cosy with the fire and the stormy weather outside just added to the wonderful remote feeling of being safe from the tempest. Just a wonderful time and the continental breakfast in the morning topped it off.

    Thanks from Loz and Andy

12. 155 Mrs Susan Bradley
    Jul 26th, 2008 at 2:07 pm

    Travelling from the Kimberley region in Western Australia, the Royal Mail Hotel was such a welcome after days on the road.
    The warm and friendly staff made us feel very special and the greatest surprise of all was the dining room where we ate the best food and drank the best wines on our whole around Australia trip.
    It is a gem in the Eastern States’ crown of tourism, combining the relaxed and inviting charm of Outback Australia but with the sophistication of a superb menu and cellar.
    The Royal Mail is like no other country Hotel in Australia. We were overwhelmed and wished we had allowed more time to enjoy its unique hospitality.

13. 154 Mrs Susan Bradley
    Jul 26th, 2008 at 2:07 pm

    Travelling from the Kimberley region in Western Australia, the Royal Mail Hotel was such a welcome after days on the road.
    The warm and friendly staff made us feel very special and the greatest surprise of all was the dining room where we ate the best food and drank the best wines on our whole around Australia trip.
    It is a gem in the Eastern States’ crown of tourism, combining the relaxed and inviting charm of Outback Australia but with the sophistication of a superb menu and cellar.
    The Royal Mail is like no other country Hotel in Australia. We were overwhelmed and wished we had allowed more time to enjoy its unique hospitality.

14. 153 claudia
    Jul 26th, 2008 at 12:54 pm

    Beautiful sceanery, amazing food, what else could you ask for when on holidays? Our trip to The Royal Mail Hotel is one to remember always and will be for anyone else who needs a break from the daily grind of life.
    For a touch of luxury stay in the one bedroom apartment.

15. 152 Paul Thompson
    Jul 26th, 2008 at 10:53 am

    I have stayed and dined at the Royal Mail many times since it was refurbished in 97 and have never been dissapointed. It is an exemplare of the results from striving for high standards in everything in and around both of the Hotel sites.

16. 151 rhonda
    Jul 25th, 2008 at 11:55 pm

    Well What can you say about the Royal Mail Hotel. I had my 60th Birthday with a few girls in the Annex of the hotel, the food,service, was wonderful, then my husband an myself had dinner in the Fine Dinning, we tried the 5 course tasting with drinks. We had a beautiful night, the meal an service was fantastic.
    We will be back

17. 150 Jane Carnegie
    Jul 25th, 2008 at 9:36 am

    Went to the Royal Mail for a birthday occasion with high expectations which were surpassed in reality. Stayed two nights at one of the cottages - a ‘true blue’ Aussie experience and dined in the cafe the first night ,where for comparable Melbourne pub/cafe prices, we had a great meal - followed the next night by a series of gastronomic and accompanying wine delights in the 10 course degustation dinner - a superb meal of flavour and finesse prepared with absolute professionalism. One of the very best meals of my life!

18. 149 Lisa Jenkins
    Jul 24th, 2008 at 5:40 pm

    The Royal Mail Hotel of Dunkeld is a clear winner. They have got it right in every way.

    Dunkeld is an exceptional base for exploring the Grampians, nearby towns and the volcanic terrain to the South. The hotel’s surrounds are stunning and abound with native wildlife and flora. On arival, we were offered a comprehensive guide of the immediate area and over our stay we immensley enjoyed hiking all of the walking tracks mentioned in it.

    We stayed in a Mountain View room and we were impressed with the design and comfort of it and mesmerised by the view of Mt Abrupt and part of Mt Sturgeon. We also marvelled in the prolific and varied bird life that was drawn to the beautifully lanscped and maintained native garden just outside our balcony.

    All our dinning experiences were exceptional. Dan Hunter is a truely gifted Executive Chef and his crew are very talented. We were delighted by our croissants every morning, tantalized by the curries on Monday night, satiated by the steak on Wednesday night and blown away by the sensational degustation meal on the Tuesday night.

    To top it off all of the staff we encountered were efficient, knowlegable and caring.

    This was a most memorable and pleasureable short vacation. One to repeat.

19. 148 Gail Spark
    Jul 24th, 2008 at 2:34 pm

    Recently stayed at the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld. My room was absolutely lovelly. Very tastefully decorated. Views magnificant. Food and service second to none.

    Wouild definately stay again.

20. 147 Meredith Dillon
    Jul 24th, 2008 at 2:14 pm

    Stunning location, views just beautiful. Friendly, professional service where nothing was too much trouble from the cleaning ladies up!
    Food scrumptious. Would definitely stay there again.

21. 146 Ves
    Jul 24th, 2008 at 1:45 pm

    We all had a fun and enjoyable time and so appreciated the child friendly aspect of the hotel and staff who were most helpful at all times.

22. 145 Eric / Tonia Gale
    Jul 22nd, 2008 at 5:00 pm

    Visited 14 / 07 / 08 thru 17 / 07 / 08 ( very current ) An absolutely fabulous dining experience! Simply as good as it gets in our opinion. We had quite high expectations, that was the reason for the visit. The expectations were surpassed and then some! Great wine list, wonderful staff and chefs.We could not speak too highly of the Royal Mail. We are not inexperienced travellers and diners ourselves! Dont delay, hurry out there! Many thanks for the opportunity to make some very, very positive comments about a great team producing culinary delights of unprecedented quality. With grateful thanks, Eric Gale, 22 / 07 / 08

23. 144 Trevor McCandless
    Jul 19th, 2008 at 8:46 pm

    The accommodation is lovely, the location is breathtaking, but what makes this a holiday to remember - and I’m only just back - is the meal. Eating at the restaurant is like going on a journey deep into a landscape, and that landscape is the essence of food. I felt like I had been shown a map for the first time of a place I had thought I had known all my life, only to see for the very first time subtle features and linking roads and byways that, surely, never existed before.

    The meal was more than an experience, it was an event.

    We trudge though life eating our three square meals per day - but if you want to experience a meal you will remember all of your life then this is a ‘must do’ holiday.

24. 143 Loz
    Jul 19th, 2008 at 7:43 pm

    What an amazing treat! The bluestone cottages were a dream. The degustation menu was not just a meal but an art experience. I will remember it for a long time.

25. 142 Simon
    Jul 19th, 2008 at 11:53 am

    The meal and restaurant were excellent, the wine list was amazing. The selection of wines matched the meals extremely well. Unfortunately the room could have been better prepared. We had a minor problem with the reading lights which took 2 days to fix.

26. 141 Katherine McPherson
    Jul 18th, 2008 at 10:42 am

    After years of staying at the Royal Mail Hotel - including 3 birthday celebrations, I couldn’t believe that there was still a surprise in store, but our experience in the bluestone cottages this past June and a degustation meal that was the finest in my entire life (no kidding) - and I’ve had some pretty special meals - I would recommend this place to anyone!

27. 140 Ralph & Wendy
    Jul 18th, 2008 at 7:46 am

    What a wonderful interlude on the way to anywhere and if it’s where you want to stop for a few days of rest, relaxation, fine food and an excellent selection of wine to accompany the good times - Dunkeld’s Royal Mail does it well ! Lot’s of things to do, places to visit or simply to sit a dream as you admire the view.

28. 139 Mick
    Jul 17th, 2008 at 10:10 pm

    The Great Escape - excellent food, sharp service and a smashing wine list - all enveloped in the shaddow of mount sturgeon.

    The guys have made a striking stament in the heart and soul of a small country victorian town.

    Well done to all

    will be back
    will bring the crew

    Thanks

    Mick

29. 138 Lauren
    Jul 17th, 2008 at 3:14 pm

    An amazing experience. The degustation experience was superb, but almost matched by a lazy Friday night meal in the bar (have the corned wagyu!)
    We walked off the excess by climbing Mt Sturgeon and Mt Abrupt and enjoyed the scenery in this beautiful region of Victoria.
    The staff were wonderful - helpful and relaxed without being too formal, and their enthusiasm for the food, wine and the surrounding countryside was infectious!

30. 137 Jill Hartley
    Jul 17th, 2008 at 2:57 pm

    Our vote will register as one star but should have been 4 - pease amend. Maybe this is not such a user friendly way of voting? We enjoyed our stay very much, as much for the setting and surrounds as for the superb food. We were lucky to have our hot water fixed on the second day but did hear others complaining that they had no hot water during their entire 3 days.

31. 136 Iain and Cathy
    Jul 17th, 2008 at 2:27 pm

    We spent 5 glorious days in one of the beautiful bluestone cottages on the Mt Sturgeon estate. We dined at the restaurant the first night and both agreed it was the best meal we had ever had and well worth what we thought initially was a pretty steep price.The service was superb with all our questions being answered with grace and knowledge. A superb red given to us by the head waiter epitomised the level of service. It is very hard to explain to people what makes it so good, all we can say is “You have to try it” Congratulations on your nomination and win, lose or draw you are number 1 with us.

32. 135 Tim, Gail & Declan
    Jul 17th, 2008 at 1:48 pm

    we are very disappointed to only have allowed an overnight stay on our return to SA after a trip to Melbourne, the metro hotels and their staff could learn a lot from The Royal Mail from room facilities and service to the sumptious food and relaxed atmosphere!! we will be back for a longer stay next time

33. 134 Ingrid Sabin
    Jul 16th, 2008 at 7:50 pm

    The meal at the Dunkeld Roayl Mail Hotel was absolutely superb. It was a wonderful experience to enjoy the 10 course meal and accompanying wines. Up there with the best in the world. We arrived to find very comfortable rooms, French champagne and nibbles and then the pleasure of superb food. What more could you ask for. Congratulations to Chef Dan Hunter and his excellent support, and Lok Thornton, Sommelier.

34. 133 fiona whitecross
    Jul 16th, 2008 at 2:46 pm

    Great range of accomodation options to choose from at Royal mail from a hotel room at 160 per night to a stone cottage at the base of Mt sturgeon for 240 or so a night. There is also apartments for families at very reasonable prices.
    I loved the setting at the base of the mountain the wildlife is spectacular.
    Food at Royal mail is outstanding with pub low cost options right through to the degustation menu at around 100 per head. I’ll be back.

35. 132 Eleanor Thomas
    Jul 16th, 2008 at 2:23 pm

    More than a regional dining experience, the Royal Mail Dunkeld is an international dining experience in some of the most breathtaking surrounds you’ll find. A degustation that surprises and delights to the end, helpful staff and the looming Mt Sturgeon are hard to beat.

36. 131 Krys & Graeme Corcoran
    Jul 16th, 2008 at 1:47 pm

    Each year in July my husband and I celebrate my husband’s birthday somewhere
    special. This year we chose the Royal Mail Hotel and I am delighted to say we chose very well, eveything was first class. The hotel room was comfortable and modern with a splendid view. The staff were all very professional and courteous. The bar and dining facilities were pleasant and cosy and last but not least the food was to die for, simply sublime. Congratulations to head chef Dan Hunter and his team. We will certainly be back and have commenced spreading the good word about this wonderful destination.

37. 130 Jenny
    Jul 16th, 2008 at 1:47 pm

    recently stayed and walked to the foot of Mt Sturgeon in bracing country air - a good winter getaway.

38. 129 Nick helliwell
    Jul 16th, 2008 at 1:38 pm

    Great restaurant food and atmosphere, good quality and stylish accommodation although needing a refurb as showing its age in places ie. torn fly wire in our townhouse. Group booking got messed up but was resolved (apparently front of house manager had moved on and they were in the course of appointing replacement).

39. 128 Sandra Turner
    Jul 16th, 2008 at 1:22 pm

    A wonderful experience . Friendly, professional staff, modern, comfortable amenities and top class chefs, wait staff and sommelier and of course the legendary wine list.

40. 127 Peter Garrood
    Jul 16th, 2008 at 1:21 pm

    I cannot exaggerate our appreciation of the wonderful evening we had at the Royal Mail Hotel Restaurant recently as part of its Gourmand Package. Every aspect of the meal - a ten course tasting menu matched to wines with wonderful food, wine, ambiance and service - was perfect. Our party was dazzled by the magic woven by Executive Chef Dan Hunter, Sommelier Lok Thornton, and all of their enthusiastic, knowledgeable and skilled kitchen and waiting staff for a truly memorable experience. The Package also includes one night in a Mountain View room with continental breakfast, morning newspaper, a welcome bottle of French Champagne, and fruit, nuts and chocolates on arrival.

41. 126 Robert & Pat
    Jul 16th, 2008 at 1:10 pm

    I wanted a quality country venue to provide a very speacial birthday for my wife. I heard The Royal Mail Hotel was excellent - but heard similar comments about other venues. Well I have to say Royal mail totally exceeded our expectations. -stafff were extremely helpful and interested in their work - from booking until check out. We ate in the bar, Bistro and fine dining - the 10 course tasting menue accommpnaied by the finest wines - best we have ever had - anywhere.

    A real 5 star destination - no ifs or buts and have recommended to our friends here and overseas to make it an esssential stop over - preferably 3 days to try all the food services which are all outsatnding - not forgeting breakfasts..

    Pat is still raving about her 3 days at Dunkled’s Royal mail hotel.

42. 125 Oriel Flewell-Smith
    Jul 16th, 2008 at 12:59 pm

    Our brief escape from Melbourne to stay at The Royal Mail, Dunkeld was exceptional. The room’s decor was very very comfortable with a stunning view of Mt Sturgeon. Our dinner was memorable - food, wine, service and the tables were not crammed in. Have raved about The Royal Mail to everyone. Can’t wait to return!

43. 124 Rhys
    Jul 16th, 2008 at 12:52 pm

    great food, accomodation and a great base to explore the region. the tasting menu was probably the culinary highlight of our lives thus far.

44. 123 Jim Glaspole
    Jul 16th, 2008 at 12:42 pm

    Superb service, absolutely the best food and wine anywhere, and very comfortable accommodation. Will return!

45. 122 Scott Adams
    Jul 16th, 2008 at 12:37 pm

    Great place to stay , very comforable rooms, hotel is located in an stunning landscape. Wine list is amazing. Highly recommend a visit.

46. 121 Sue Allnutt
    Jul 16th, 2008 at 12:26 pm

    The Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld is a wonderful Victorian regional experience. The combination of a very special dining experience with modern, comfortable accommodation with a view to The Grampians is priceless. Attention to detail in all aspects from the extraordinary food to the in depth winelist and service level, makes this an out of town gem.

47. 120 Jill Taylor
    Jul 16th, 2008 at 12:24 pm

    The most sublime dining experience I have ever had. It was so much more than fine dining–it was an experience not to be missed.

48. 119 David
    Jul 10th, 2008 at 11:13 pm

    After migrating to Australia in 2006, The Royal Mail hotel was the first place we stayed on holiday in Victoria as recommended by our new neighbours. It was brilliant - great food and really welcoming. A brilliant start to a great tour of the Grampians.

49. 118 Suzie
    Jul 3rd, 2008 at 9:14 am

    The food, wine and service are exceptional and make for a memorable stay. This is combined with the beatiful walks available on the Mt Sturgeon property. A must visit destination.

50. 117 Warwick Fergusson
    Jul 1st, 2008 at 1:32 pm

    Brilliant food and wine, excellent accommodation and remarkably professional service in a rural Australian setting.

51. 116 Meredith Peace
    Jul 1st, 2008 at 1:31 pm

    A tranquil setting, fabulous food, fabulous service, great walking - a truly relaxing experience

52. 115 George Ruban
    Jun 30th, 2008 at 5:31 pm

    I am always wary of overhype when an operation is so consistently praised in glowing terms. I stayed there and discovered that as an overnight