victoria - 101 Must Do's - travel

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.

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.

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 .

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.

162 marie ryan

Jul 30th, 2008 at 5:09 pm

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!!!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

116 Meredith Peace

Jul 1st, 2008 at 1:31 pm

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

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 destination, with dinner in the dining room, the RMH overdelivers in every category. Simply superb and best enjoyed in a party of friends.

114 Robert Heaton

Jun 30th, 2008 at 5:10 pm

Fantastic weekend that could not have been any better. The Royal Mail treated us like royalty and looked after us perfectly from arrival to departure. Occassion was my partner (soon to be wife) significant birthday. We had degustation menu (just perfect) and dined in the Cafe area the following day (also perfect). I would recommend this hotel to anyone wanting a special occassion or just an indulgent weekend in the Grampians.

113 Greg

Jun 30th, 2008 at 9:59 am

Experianced the degustation menu in the last week. The service was attentive and polite. The food was fantastic, the presentation was perfect and the taste………….to die for. Can’t wait for the spring menu!!

112 denise michie

Jun 30th, 2008 at 9:30 am

Food was sublime and the whole ambience at the hotel made it a peak experience. The wine was brilliantly linked to the food and generously supplied by the knowledgeable Lok.

111 Stella

Jun 27th, 2008 at 9:59 am

We read about the Royal Mail and decided to base our holiday around a visit to Dunkeld. We were not disappointed the food, wine, service and accommodation we terrific. We tell all our friends it is a must do.

110 Wally Walsh

Jun 26th, 2008 at 8:16 pm

The Royal Mail has been a very special Victorian resort and “country” food destination for a number of years, from way back when Martina Harris reigned supreme….. but has become even more special since Dan Hunter and Lok Thornton have taken the place by the throat….the food is sublime, the service is wonderful and that view is ’still out there’!

Oh, to sit by the fire with a glass of red, from ‘that’ cellar, and imagine walking up the hill!….or maybe not, …..just stay overnight and see how we feel in the morning…..

109 Laurene Vaughan

Jun 26th, 2008 at 2:26 pm

I have stayed at this hotel a number of times over the past 5 years. When i booked to go there a month or so ago, I was a little wary. The last time i had been the food and service hadn’t been so good. Yet I did love the location and the open fire so we decided to give it another go. I am very happy that we did, it was great. All my meals were wonderful, the service was helpful and the rooms were as enjoyable as ever. I requested a room looking at Mt Sturgeon which we got - I didn’t think that they would take that seriously.
I have stayed in many hotels and this one was a delight. I would not hesitate in recommending it to others. The prices are very reasonable.
On the grounds of quality, friendliness, aesthetics and comfort - I rate this very highly.

108 Pat Gleeson

Jun 26th, 2008 at 8:27 am

The Royal Mail Hotel is a fantastic venue for a night out, it cateres for any occasion.

107 Cora Farrall

Jun 24th, 2008 at 6:08 pm

We have stayed at the Dunkeld Hotel many times and have always enjoyed our stay. The accommodation is well-presented and always appears fresh and clean. The views from the rooms take in the panorama of the Grampians and set the scene for a majestic stay. The staff and service is always top rate and the delicious food really is the icing on the cake. Always well-presented the head chef and his kitchen staff have our warmest congratulations for providing us with some of the most enjoyable dinners we have enjoyed.

I would thoroughly recommend the Dunkeld Hotel for anyone driving through to South Australia or anyone who wants a relaxing weekend away from Melbourne enjoying the very best in dining and accommodation. An oasis in the Western District of Victoria!

106 Deb Force

Jun 24th, 2008 at 12:35 pm

We loved the amazing food and wine at the hotel. Really it is something to remember and what a great vista to wake up to from our room. We left completely satisfied our only complaint that we could only stay for one night.

105 Bruce Hull

Jun 20th, 2008 at 7:26 pm

Yes, The Royal Mail Hotel,12.06.08. 1730hrs
Arrived from SA, rain coming down. Greeted by warm,friendly staff and that beaut open fire. Picked a wine from that extensive wine list and settled in near fire. Wandered into the Dining area (Bistro) to sit near another fire just across from the open plan kitchen where one could observe Dan and the lads beavering away.
What a gastronomical delight it was, and just to be sure we went back for breakfast to be equally impressed.

When we return it will be the actual restaurant, Lok’s wine guidance coupled with Mt Sturgeon Cottages as the package. Can’t wait!

104 Chrissie Barker

Jun 20th, 2008 at 6:24 pm

I love the entire concept of your hotel with the native gardens and the kitchen garden provision for the kitchen. Plus, the location and architecture are great. Makes me want to live in Victora and drive such a little way to the most amazing eperiences!

103 G;MA

Jun 19th, 2008 at 11:06 pm

We went back to stay at RMH taking friends with us, We stayed in the Mulbury House across the road from hotel. Fantastic 4 bedrooms with 3 queen,rooms plus 1 room with 5 singles beds.So much room big kitchen,lounge,plus a family room, 2bathrooms, (1male 1female)..For Breakfast we booked a table for 10 at RMH sitting outside. Watching the mist on the Mountains while eating breakfast was unreal , an topped it off with a latte …We booked to stay for the Races in November….. I could just sit an watch the beautiful mountains all day

102 Andrea Polmear

Jun 19th, 2008 at 9:24 pm

I’d lunched at Mugaritz in Spain, where Dan Hunter was head chef, in October 2006. It was the best meal we had in Europe by a country mile (eye-popping creativity/no plated gimmickry/fabulous flavours/exciting concepts), so I expected the food to be extraordinary at the Royal Mail Hotel. It matched our expectations and more - a lovely experience. The Royal Mail Hotel is a haven of Australian casualness combined with smooth professionalism in terms of the welcome and the ‘just-right’ country accommodation in this lovely part of the world, and Dan’s food is sublime in every sense - I even ate things I normally dislike (and they were merely excellent), plus the matched wines were surprising and superb. More please.

101 Ara Blaker

Jun 19th, 2008 at 9:12 pm

We really look forward to any opportunity we have to “treat” ourselves to a stay at the Royal Mail. There is nothing else comparable in South-West Victoria. Fantastic food, beautiful scenery, great accommodation and friendly and helpful staff. We can’t wait till the next time….

100 Ruth Stewart

Jun 19th, 2008 at 8:55 pm

On a frosty morning I have ridden my bicycle out along the Victoria Valley road , between the majstic Mounts Sturgeon and Abrupt, through low lying mist, under giant gums, racing to keep up with the faintly seen kangaroos bounding along the fence line. Puffing, I have slowly climbed up the Mirrawatna Gap road and come screaming down the other side as the sun rolled up over the eastern horizon. And then just as my legs were beginning to feel like lead I have rolled back into Dunkeld, to the Royal Mail Hotel….There in a warm and quiet room I have peeled off my sweaty lycra bike clothing, showered, dressed in fresh clothes and strolled into the dining room to the best breakfast and the sweetest strongest coffee in rural Victoria. We keep going back to discover
more exhilirating scenery, relaxation, superb food and simply stunning wines.

99 Kathryn Mcphee

Jun 18th, 2008 at 8:02 am

l enquired about having my wedding here and the people were very accomodating. They took us around the facility and explained everything in great detail. They also offered us a nights accomodation to make up our minds

98 Jeff

Jun 17th, 2008 at 2:46 pm

The food here is the best reason to travel anywhere.

97 Natty

Jun 17th, 2008 at 10:49 am

A truly amazing dining experience set in the picturesque surroundings of the Grampians. The wine selection perfectly compliments Dan Hunters menu and the friendly staff are second to none. The Royal Mail Hotel and Dunkeld is a fabulous place to rejuvenate at the foot of the Grampians.

96 Tim Sanders

Jun 12th, 2008 at 2:39 pm

A truly excellent dining experience in unforgettable suroundings. What a destination! What a wine list! What comfort!

95 Wanda McNamara

Jun 7th, 2008 at 6:15 pm

Great food and very comfortable accommodation. The veiw is spectacular. I would definitely return

94 Nerissa

Jun 6th, 2008 at 11:47 am

Fantastic service and people made the whole experiance very memorable. Food was great and all set in such a scenic location!!! I’ll be back!

93 Faye

Jun 6th, 2008 at 9:48 am

Such a friendly, restful experience set in such a beautiful setting. The food was excellent along with the service. Must go back again

92 G'MA

Jun 5th, 2008 at 5:46 pm

Beautiful country, the Hospitality at the Royal Mail was A1, Steak was SUPERB best ever.
We also tried the 10 course dinner and wine to match equisite

91 Ann

Jun 2nd, 2008 at 1:03 pm

We have visited Dunkeld and stayed at the Royal Mail a number of times and just love it. Mt Sturgeon is a magnificent backdrop to the venue where the service is impeccable and the food superb!.

90 Andrew

May 27th, 2008 at 3:48 pm

Relaxed, comfortable, excellent food and a stunning wine list as well as polite and unobtrusive service - this is easily the best restaurant - country or city - I have been to this year, so far.

89 Ron Trainor

May 23rd, 2008 at 5:23 pm

The Food ,Service and Location are all five star, yet uniquely Australian.
We really enjoyed our stay.

88 Belinda Lang

May 23rd, 2008 at 10:57 am

It is such a magical view as the sun is going down on a summer evening - just breathtaking.

87 Larry W Finn

May 23rd, 2008 at 1:08 am

While staying at The Royal Mail we had THE BEST TIME.. The view from the room, is simply awesome.. It was breathtaking having breakfast on the balcony.. I MUST Make mention of the Impeccable & Very Courteously Human service given by EVERY Staff Member.. Even though I enjoyed this experience with my ex partner now, I recall a Totally Beautiful Experience made even better by the Sensational Staff.. Thank You Staff of The Royal Mail Larry

86 wendy

May 22nd, 2008 at 12:21 pm

The building and landscape are unique, historical and in sympathy with surrounds. Food was fascinating in both it’s presentation and technical aspects and the wine chosen for us was affordable and something we would never have tried.
A winner!

85 geoff

May 21st, 2008 at 2:45 pm

Having only just sold my business in Knox City Shopping Centre last January, my wife and I received a call to visit my sick mother-in-law at Willaura.
Previously, my wife had regularly stayed overnight at venues in Ararat when visiting her mum in Willaura, but we decided to stay at the Royal Mail in Dunkeld instead.
Having both been born and bred, and lived at willaura for the first twenty years of our lives before moving to Melbourne, memories of the spectacular scenery of the area came flooding back. Being able to view that scenery from our own room at The Royal made it even more special. The walks and dining experiences were the icing on the cake.
We have vowed to return regularly.

84 Tim Humpage

May 21st, 2008 at 9:17 am

Superb food, accomadation and veiws are fantastic and staff were very helpful.
I would highly recomend a stay at this hotel.

83 Rohan Cobcroft

May 21st, 2008 at 8:16 am

We recently spent a night at the RMH and dined with friends visiting from Mildura. The food was the best we have eaten absolutely first class. Great selection of wines chosen by our waiter to complement our meal. The rooms are great with fantasitc views. Breakfast the next morning was also great.

82 kathy rado

May 20th, 2008 at 10:50 pm

The attention to detail,service and quality of food was just fantastic.It was so nice to go to a restaurant that catered so well to our special dietary requirements.It was just wonderful.

81 Rebecca Cameron

May 20th, 2008 at 7:55 pm

From the breakfast basket, to the Shearers Quarters, to the open fire, to the kangaroos, to the view, to the tranquility, to being picked up and dropped off for dinner, to the amazing food, to the great service…..it is all rated 5 stars.

80 Ritchie

May 20th, 2008 at 5:39 pm

I liked it enough to ask my girlfriend to marry me when staying there in January this year
ps. she said yes

79 Robert & Moira O'Reilly

May 20th, 2008 at 5:37 pm

We enjoyed two delightful nights in a ‘mountain view’ room. The room was just right and the outlook quite unique. The dining room (both sections) was superb.

Everything about our stay was just right and we have confidently recommended the Hotel to as many of our friends as possible. Great stuff.

78 Nancy and Paul

May 20th, 2008 at 4:26 pm

The first time we visited the Royal Mail I was surprised to see all that they offer. We were so impressed that we decided to book our wedding there. What a place to have our ceremony, on the lawn of the regal homestead which is right at the base of Mt Sturgeon. Coming from Melbourne we didn’t want it to be hard for our guests but with different types of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets no one will be left out. I can’t wait to celebrate will all my friends and family and show them what a beautiful place we have found!

77 Barry Feiglin

May 20th, 2008 at 4:04 pm

I stayed there in February of this year, and had the most marvellous time imaginable - it was my 60th Birthday and the staff went out of their way to make our stay thoroughly enjoyable.
We stayed at the Homestead and it was just ‘out of this world’ and we had the degustation meal one of the nights and it was really beautiful.
The sun setting over Mt Sturgeon is like making all your dreams a reality. I would most highly recommend a stay at the Royal Mail Hotel!

76 ethel beardmore

May 20th, 2008 at 3:58 pm

The Royal Mail Hotel Dunkeld is a special place where the problems of the day lose their significance and become soothed by the beauty of the environment ,the warmth of the welcome, the standard of accommodation,superb food and wine and great service. All new guests should be warned of its addictive nature.

75 Steffi G

May 20th, 2008 at 3:49 pm

The Dunkeld is glamour in the country with al the creature comforts of home away from it all. The kitchen gives Vue de Monde a run for its moeny & the wine cellar a dent in my husbands credit card. I cant stop recommending the Dunkeld to people.

74 Shahid Rahman

May 20th, 2008 at 3:41 pm

I had a very pleasant experience while staying there during April 08. Apart from room’s neat and cleanliness , I would mention the staffs personal touch and caring were very vivid. The hotel had a essence of freshness and cuteness within its rural charms.

73 Will Rayner

May 20th, 2008 at 3:39 pm

The blue-stone cottages with their back-drop of the Grampians followed by a superb meal in the restaurant was such a great experience.

72 Andrew Romer

May 20th, 2008 at 3:28 pm

The acclaimed skills of the kitchen are admirably matched by those of the sommelier, and the venue creates a unique combination of cutting-edge cuisine and welcoming accomodation to compliment the surrounding landscape of the South Grampians. The Royal Mail will achieve, if it has not already achieved, its stated goal of excellence in Australian regional cuisine. My partner sufferred no less for requesting a vegan vegetarian menu. We shall return!

71 Tania

May 20th, 2008 at 3:23 pm

The most relaxing, romantic and unique weekend away. The restaurant was magnificent and service second to none. We don’t live far away from Dunkeld yet it feels like we were on a holiday a million miles away…

70 Sharyn McKitterick

May 20th, 2008 at 3:17 pm

I recently attended a conference at the Royal Mail and received excellent service from the staff, fantastic food and wine and the accommodtion was superb. What better way to wake up in the morning looking at Mt Sturgeon and its surrounding scenery. I would highly recommend this venue as a conference facility or for a weekend get away from it all.

69 Phillip J

May 20th, 2008 at 9:29 am

I stay at the ‘Royal’ on a semi regular basis for work (lucky me). I am always assured of friendly service, a comfortable room, a stunning view and excellent meals (including a great breakfast to start the day well).

Well done on the nomination and Good Luck

68 Chris Morris

May 17th, 2008 at 9:49 am

I took my wife to the Royal Mail for her 60th. It was the most enchanting two days we have spent for a long time. Our room overlooked Mt. Sturgeon and was extremely well presented (not like the Age writer suggested, the bed was very comfortable).
The first night we had the full set menu including matched wines. The whole atmosphere of the night was fantastic, couldn’t have asked for a better night on this very special occasion.
Have already highly recommended it to several friends.

67 denise graham

May 14th, 2008 at 11:14 am

some of the most delicious and adventurous food I have ever tasted with a wine list of no equal….. a wonderful experience.

66 Jo & Glen

May 13th, 2008 at 2:49 pm

The combination of Dan in the kitchen and Lok matching the wine to the food is the best! Add to that the attention from the whole staff, and the views, you get a great destination.

65 Bernard Young

May 12th, 2008 at 10:17 pm

We booked for one night, arrived 9.20pm on a Monday of the Labour Day weekend, a time when most staff have had enough of guests, especially who arrive two hours late. Everyone was friendly and helpfull, and we ordered and ate a good meal that night at twenty to ten.

We woke up in the morning, and decided to stay one more night. We ate at the restaurant that evening, and then decided to stay a third night, because… everything about the Royal Mail Hotel is fantastic, the views, the location, the hotel, the people, the food, and the wine. Best three days stay we have had in Australia.

We especially enjoyed the safe local roads for bike riding.

64 Maggie Burrows

May 12th, 2008 at 4:03 pm

The Royal Mail Hotel is THE magnet in western Victoria for spectacular scenery and walking, excellent food and wine and friendly, good quality service. It’s a real favourite for us - and I love the indigenous garden!

63 Tim Sanders

May 11th, 2008 at 10:32 pm

This is a beautiful country hotel in awesome surroundings with unique cuisine. Never experienced anything like it!

62 Anthony Brownrigg

May 9th, 2008 at 4:25 pm

…first heard about Royal Mail sometime back & finally it made it to Dunkeld for the night with a friend from OS in January, loved it so much I took 11 friends back at Easter time - fabulous spot, great setting, wonderful nosh & brilliant wine list!!!

61 Birgitta March

May 9th, 2008 at 1:37 pm

Nothing beats a Monday night curry night at the Royal mail hotel, viewing the sunset over Mt Sturgeon after a busy day hiking in the Grampians!

60 Euan Moore

May 7th, 2008 at 9:46 pm

The Royal Mail is a great place for that special weekend - birthday, anniversary etc. The retaurant is excellent. It copes well and without fuss with dietry requirements such as coeliac disease. The staff are pleasant and friendly and the atmosphere is more relaxed than many city restaurants of similar standards. We stayed in one of the Mt Sturgeon cottages. These are 19th century bluestone cottages that have been tastefully restored. Framed & signed photographs by the late Graham Pizzey who produced several popular bird field guides of Australian birds added to the atmosphere. The cottages are a few kilometres from town but the Royal Mail provides a complimentary car and driver to pick you up and return you to your cottage after dinner - forget driving & enjoy the wine.

59 Jacqui Dean

May 7th, 2008 at 8:44 pm

It is hard to believe one of the best meals we have had was in a small town called Dunkled in western victoria. Just as impressive was the wine list, this was built by someone with a passion (and deep pockets) for wine. The following morning after staying in the pleasantly renovated room, we walked off the evenings meal around the private lands at the bottom of Mount Sturgeon. We were looking for an escape for a couple of days and found more than we had hope for….

58 Helen seale

May 7th, 2008 at 7:58 pm

I relish one of the most sublime food experiences of my life. dinner was accompanied by exquisite wine matchings when at first taste were good not great but married so perfectly with the food to make this night with a group of friends one of the most memorable
The accommodation was fabulous with the views over Mt Sturgen and the bird life wonderfully restful in the mornings

57 PETER BECKWITH

May 6th, 2008 at 2:01 pm

The cottages … quintessential quietude in a superb rural setting.
The degustation dinner at the hotel … excellent food and wine choices and matching.
Overall … a very memorable experience

56 Julie Jones

May 6th, 2008 at 11:27 am

The Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld, Southern Grampians is deservedly gaining a reputation as regional Victoria’s premier food and wine destination. Not only does it have a world class bar, cafe, restaurant and wine cellar, but it is located in a stunning position with spectacular views of the Grampians Ranges. The hotel has comfortable, modern accommodation set in extensive native gardens, with views of Mount Sturgeon and Mount Abrupt. This is a great base for hikes, food and wine touring and to spot local flora and fauna including emus, kangaroos, wallabys and echidnas.

55 Fiona Gardner

May 5th, 2008 at 7:53 pm

I arrived late, so was delighted in the morning to open my blinds and find the rooms are perfectly sited for a view of Mt. Sturgeon. the staff were friendly, helpful and hospitable, the food simple and delicious, the surroundings comfortable and visually pleasing.

54 Chris & Di Dutton

May 5th, 2008 at 5:53 pm

We have just recently returned home from a driving trip and worked our itinerary to include our third stay in Dunkeld at the Royal Mail Hotel. From our first contact to make a booking we have only ever found a very professional approach which carries over to the clean and enjoyable rooms complete with a wonderful view of the Grampians. We have always enjoyed our dinner which includes fresh food sourced from around the local area and the breakfast always sets us up for our ongoing trip. We will continue to visit and stay with a trip being planned at the end of October which will include golf and walking the trails this time.

53 Paul Turner

May 5th, 2008 at 3:07 pm

We enjoyed a wonderful three days - the integration of apartment, garden (and associated birdlife), walks, food and wine is brilliant. The dining experience was sublime, having regard to the superbly crafted meal, extensive wine list and unpretentious, but attentive service. The only reason to deny 5 stars is the somewhat dysfunctional living area of the apartment (bar fridge on top of bench and an astonishingly inept basin design; and artificial lighting redolent of those places where the authorities are convinced you will try to shoot up - I know we have to be aware of global warming and the like, but brighter lights would be nice, at least for old codgers with failing eyesight, like myself, and I promise to reduce my shower time to compensate for the extra power).

52 hannah lewis

May 5th, 2008 at 11:30 am

Food was glorious. Views from apartment were stunning and the landscaping with native flora was really special. More hotels should be doing this. Whole experience was really special.

51 Philip J

May 5th, 2008 at 9:36 am

I stay at the ‘Royal’ on a semi regular basis for work (lucky me). I am always assured of friendly service, a comfortable room, a stunning view and excellent meals (including a great breakfast to start the day well).

Well done on the nomination and Good Luck

50 Lisa

May 4th, 2008 at 9:57 pm

We celebrated our Wedding Anniversary in January and were on the look out for something a bit different and special, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. We had heard about the unique dining experience that the Royal Mail was renowned for. We stayed in one of the cottages at the base of Mt Sturgeon, and lazed for hours under the most amazing collection of stars we had ever seen. The hours spent at the restaurant provided us with an experience that is impossible to describe, but should be tried by anyone who appreciates and respects the art and flavours that such a team of people can create.

49 Mark & Carolyn

May 4th, 2008 at 5:56 pm

Superb food and wine list, always welcoming and helpful, excellent and varied accomodation in a spectacular Grampians setting.

48 Tim Cabelka

May 4th, 2008 at 9:33 am

I have had the privilege of dining on Dan Hunters gastronomical creations 3 times now and each experience has been a sensory joy. The Royal Mail Hotel is in an amazing and picturesque location. All round beautiful.

47 philippe pascaud

May 3rd, 2008 at 1:02 pm

Magnifique !!!!!!!!
The best food experience i had since a long time, a unique experience, wine list really impressive good service. congratulation to all the people of the royal mail.really think the hotel and the restaurant deserve the best award! definitly my favorit restaurant in oz.
Can’twait to come back
Philippe Pascaud

46 Matthew Rijs

May 3rd, 2008 at 12:31 pm

Beautifull place to indulge in the best chicken nuggets in the country., what kind of pub dosn’t have nuggets!

45 Janet Hayes

May 3rd, 2008 at 11:03 am

What a fantastic place in country Victoria is the Royal Mail! A place to experience the best of everything; Quiet, serene, beautiful scenery with the dramatic backdrop of Mt. Sturgeon, excellent accomodation, and the most stunning food in the high quality restaurant with very professional service from the friendly staff.
This place is an absolute gem and a must for all gourmet travellers!

44 Emma Friebe

May 3rd, 2008 at 9:18 am

My husband and I had a fastastic ovenight visit to The Royal Mail Hotel, we walked around the mountains and enjoyed the wildlife, we had a unforgetable meal ( still thinking about the cray fish!) not to mention to extensive wine list. The accmodation was great, good quality bedding and furnishings and to top it all the staff are great! Why would you not visit?

43 Julie

May 3rd, 2008 at 7:25 am

Beautiful setting, inviting pool, comfortable room, Mt Sturgeon right outside the window, memorable food & wine, thoughtful staff, a delightful breakfast - what more could you want???

42 dawn

May 2nd, 2008 at 9:49 pm

Congratulations on your nomination - well deserved! The accommodation is first class and we had a wonderful meal in the restaurant. Comparable to any top restaurant in Melbourne and a wonderful wine list. We enjoyed our stay immensely - thank you!

41 Dalia Kaminskas

May 2nd, 2008 at 9:36 pm

Great room, beautiful view with an added bonus of seeing a wallaby grazing in the late afternoon on the field below our balcony.

Lovely dinner with excellent service. Complimentary glass of wine due to extended wait was a nice unexpected touch.

Overall excellent value for money and highly commended to our friends and family.

Dalia

40 Mel

May 2nd, 2008 at 9:35 pm

The Royal Mail Hotel not only provided us with beautiful views and a tranquill setting but also professional, friendly, modern and comfortable dining. The food was unbelievable, amazingly presented and complimented perfectly by a great selection of wines. Dining at The Royal Mail Hotel is unforgetable and must be experienced by all!

39 Donna de Saint Aromain

May 2nd, 2008 at 9:15 pm

We recently enjoy a delicious meal at this world class restaurant and the experience was so terrific we tried to get a table again on our return trip. Sadly, the resturant was booked out but we still had a perfect meal in the bar, at incredible prices. We’ve previously enjoyed two stays at the perfectly luxurious Royal Mail accomodation where we obviously had all our meals at the Royal Mail restaurant and appreciated the flocks of rosellas sweeping past our windows, towards Mt. Sturgeon. The service, the flavours of the food, the stylish atmosphere, the powerful views of the surrounds all contribute to a consummate stay at the Royal Mail. Go there. You will NOT be disappointed.

38 Julie

May 2nd, 2008 at 8:51 pm

Fantastic view from our room of Mt Sturgeon, echidnas, wallabies, grey kangaroo, a fox, birds +++ on our walk to the old homestead, fantastic food and wine and a great sleep. Well worth the detour.

37 Cheryl

May 2nd, 2008 at 8:03 pm

Great views, great walks, great surroundings. fantastic degustation menu with first class chef, unbelievable wines with a table service second to none. We’ll be back soon.

36 Brian

May 2nd, 2008 at 7:48 pm

Wonderful location, superb accommodation and excellent restaurant. Friendly asnd helpful staff. An all round great place to spend that speciual break!

35 merryl arnold

May 2nd, 2008 at 7:46 pm

Wonderful getaway after frantic week at work…..paradise

34 Julie Cariss

May 2nd, 2008 at 7:05 pm

this was a git from our son, & it was a very enjoyable relaxing 3 days
great food & wine, the staff were very professional & efficient
great location

good luck on your nomination

33 John Ellis

May 2nd, 2008 at 6:26 pm

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Royal Mail. Rooms were spacious and comfortable, with wonderful views. It was great to walk out of the room straight into a country walk, with wildlife and stunning scenery all around. As a base for touring it was ideal, and as Brits we loved the empty roads - a rare treat for us. Food was excellent, and we enjoyed watching the cooking and preparation processes. Service was friendly and very profeesional.

32 Hayden

May 2nd, 2008 at 5:32 pm

We stayed for our 5th time in April. The rooms are great and every comfort is provided for. Views from Mountain View rooms are superb. Restuarant/cafe is of a very high standard with a small, but varied menu which has never failed to please. The wine list is extensive.

The only things stopping me rating it 5 stars are the swimming pool - too cold to enjoy - please instal solar heating!! The other negative is the showers - no way of stopping floods of water washing over 30% of the bathroom floor.

Staff are friendly and professional. Will stay there again.

31 Chrissie Barker

May 2nd, 2008 at 5:11 pm

Meant to click on 5 stars because that’s what you deserve! The exterior, interior and landscape designs are fantastic and certainly fit that semi-arid region of Australia. The restaurant experience was great too and the wine list is something to behold!

Congratulations on your nomination and good luck.

Chrissie Barker

30 peter conlan

May 2nd, 2008 at 4:55 pm

We recently enjoyed a fantastic gourmet and wine experience at the Royal Mail.The accomodation and service were also first class.Highly recommended for a romantic weekend away.

29 Gregory

May 2nd, 2008 at 4:43 pm

A last minute getaway internet booking and well…

A beautiful environment; professional & friendly staff, fine food, considered, inviting architecture and lanscape located in an unaffected provincial town set to the forground of the Grampians….

I will venture back, mental note: book in advance [particularly the very very popular restaurant].

Cheers.

28 Lil

May 2nd, 2008 at 4:28 pm

The cuisine at the Royal Mail is something I have absolutely raved to everyone about! The taste sensation was absolutely exquisite, as were the accompanying wines that cmplemented each course; the service was spot-on; the breath-taking views of the southern Grampians were literally ‘awe-some’. The homestead, the ‘huts’, the shearing shed ……. all adding to the atmosphere. simply an absolute delight where we will be taking many others to savour the sensational culinary delights of Dan Hunter and his crew.

27 Paul Fishbeck

May 2nd, 2008 at 4:25 pm

The cuisine and rooms are first class. The last time we dined there there were six people in the kitchen cooking for about fifty customers. And there is a choice between the dining room and the cafe served by the same kitchen. A very high ratio indeed. The rooms are the equivalent of five star metropolitan properties. The gardens themselves are magnificent with a large variety of plants and flowering gums. the pool and its surrounds are well maintained and serene. Probably more important the entire property is quiet and bucolic and the staff are most helpful and friendly. We are planning our next visit in about three weeks with cousins from New Zealand. Cheers.

26 Peter Caughlan

May 2nd, 2008 at 4:01 pm

My experience with the Royal Mail began as a gift for 25 years service to my company.
Two nights accommodation and meals seemed a great gesture, but I had no idea of the treat I was in for. Spacious, comfortable and very clean, our room had a wonderful view and the amazing food served on the degustation menu completed a splendid short break that we won’t forget. in a hurry. The service from all of the staff just increased our opinion of the venue. I’ve told all my workmates to take their wives and try it for themselves.(The brownie points are guaranteed.)

25 Lucinda

May 2nd, 2008 at 3:45 pm

great accommodation and fantastic food in a beautiful location - nothing could be better. (oh - and the staff are exceptional!)

24 Craig

May 2nd, 2008 at 3:33 pm

What a weekend! The Dunkeld races overlooking marvelous and majestic scenery. Although we didn’t win any money and had a sore head the next day, the highlight was definately the culinary deleghts of the Royal Mail. We stayted for 3 days and enjoyed everything it had to offer. We will be back again and again.

23 john curtin

May 2nd, 2008 at 3:25 pm

An excellent venue for accomodation,food and wine list.Also a perfect base to explore Dunkeld,Halls Gap,the Grampians and Hamilton.

22 Diane

May 2nd, 2008 at 3:11 pm

A unique and indulgent gastronomic experience located in the heart of the most picturesque country town imaginable. And the many walks in the Grampians help to exercise off all those extra calories (well that was theory I was using!)

21 Bev

May 2nd, 2008 at 3:01 pm

Fantastic combination of natural environment with great bush walking on the doorstep assisted with Hotel maps to guide your way; and delightful food and great wine to savor in three different venues, what else could one want!

20 Melinda Mann

May 2nd, 2008 at 2:47 pm

Royal Mail offered a beautiful peaceful bush setting with 5 star service. The food was great and the rooms were very comfy with all the necesitites.

19 Mark

May 2nd, 2008 at 1:51 pm

The Royal Mail Hotel is set in a beautiful setting, a great view in a nice town.

This is a great place to have the creature comforts whilst only minutes away from amazing walks, towns, local food and wine!

I’ll be back.

18 Geoff Forbes

May 2nd, 2008 at 1:43 pm

Beautiful surroundings and a real effort has been made to fit the development into the surroundings.

Great service

Excellent Food

17 Karen Osborne

May 2nd, 2008 at 1:41 pm

I recently held a corporate conference at the Royal Mail Hotel Dunkeld and the service and quality were better than some of the finer Melbourne function centres. The location was excellent, the service and food were equisite and all in all it was the best conference we have held for some time. Other venues will now have a long way to go to match this place. If there was a higher rating than 5 stars I would have given it that!!! Our MD was so impressed that he is taking his family there for a weekend.

16 Helen

May 2nd, 2008 at 1:34 pm

We had a fantastic weekend bushwalking in the Grampians, followed by a wonderful dinner at the Royal Mail.

15 Jordan Meikle

May 2nd, 2008 at 1:22 pm

The food was of very high standard,the service excellent and the settings were second to none. Viva el Royal Mail Hotel!!!!!!!!

14 Ben Seybold

May 2nd, 2008 at 1:04 pm

The best restaurant in Australia hands down - brilliant food, fantastic setting and absolutely phenomenal wine list backed by well informed, friendly service - one of the very few dining experiences that surpasses the hype and actually delivers what it promises. 5 stars without question.

13 Leela Darvall

May 2nd, 2008 at 1:04 pm

Our stay at the Royal Mail over the Australia Day weekend this year was memorable. The staff were warm, friendly and outstandingly professional, the restaurant meals were delicious and beautifully presented and would match any fine dining standards and our mountain view rooms spacious and very comfortable. A great place to stay in a fantastic location surrounded by great wineries and the awesome Grampians!

12 charmaine moldrich

May 2nd, 2008 at 12:57 pm

this is such a five star experience at 3 star prices. I loved every moment of it. the rooms, the pool, the view, the food, the place, the people. well done. I have raved about the hotel to everyone who will listen. Wish I lived closer.

11 Cathie Lacey

May 2nd, 2008 at 12:54 pm

I personally have not stayed - however arranging accommodation for a difficult person was made an absolute breeze and the feedback I received was also great - but more importantly the staff were so very helpful and I would recommend the venue to anyone who asked.

10 Dimitra Alexiou

May 2nd, 2008 at 12:53 pm

The food is delicious at both restaurants using home grown ingredients that really taste fantastic.

The head chef always looked so busy but so organised in his kitchen. The staff is very friendly - right through to the cleaning staff - and the view is magnificent over Mounts Abrupt and Sturgess.

The walk through the property’s farm land is wonderful.

A great hotel, not too far from Melbourne, with beautiful service and food and views that you never tire of.

Thank you

9 Jeni

May 2nd, 2008 at 12:03 pm

I voted for the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld because of the fantastic chef, Dan Hunter, and the amazing views.

8 Nancy

May 2nd, 2008 at 9:38 am

The Royal Mail Hotel has what must now be the best regional restaurant in Australia. Dan Hunter’s food is sublime! The cellar is also outstanding - the wine list is over 40 pages long and the somellier is always helpful and knowledgeable in his recommendations. All this on the doorstep of Victoria’s most pristine natural wilderness - the Grampians National Park - as well as loads of food & wine touring options including Best’s and Seppelts wineries not far away. This is a food and nature lovers’ paradise!

7 Simon Greenfield

May 2nd, 2008 at 9:31 am

The Royal Mail Hotel is picture perfect. It’s setting at the base of the Grampians and surrounding national parkland is just right for a long hike into the amazing prehistoric formations that meander through the mountains or a short day trip down to the coast for a swim at Port Fairy. The historic nature of the town and homestead are also full of mystery and history. But the best thing about the Royal Mail Hotel is that at the end of a long day of nature immersion you can sit back and relax like a king (or queen) in the fine-dining restaurant and be guided through the delicate and beautiful dishes and wines that arrive at your table by the well-versed wait staff and sommelier.
Key words - Fine & Fresh.
What a gem in the rough!

6 Anna Kaplan

May 1st, 2008 at 11:23 pm

I had one of the best dining experiences of my life at the Royal Mail. 10 courses of wonderfully inventive cooking using the most incredible array of home-grown, hand picked & totally nurtured ingredients. It was heaven spread out on 10 plates. The wines complimented every dish perfectly & the attention to detail with every facet of the meal was absolutely 1st class. My dining companions & I had done a 3 hr hike in the Grampians prior to our meal & I went to bed that night with my body, my mind & my tastebuds tingling with joy & utter satisfaction. It was truely unique & magnificent!

5 Fiona Bell

May 1st, 2008 at 10:51 pm

A group of 9 friends and I had the most fabulous weekend at the Royal Mail just before Christmas last year. We enjoyed the degustation menu prepared by head chef Dan Hunter which was simply wonderful - slick yet comfortable service, articulate knowledgable sommelier, and delightfully varied flavours on the palate during each course (matched with amazing wines!).
We stayed one night in the most comfortable bed ever. The staff were only too glad to provide the night owls in our party with a bottle of local red which we enjoyed on our balcony overlooking mount sturgeon in the full moonlight.
I grew up in the westen district and love going back for this experience time and time again.

4 Tamsin Young

May 1st, 2008 at 10:32 pm

The view is magnificent and the service sublime. Add to this unfathomable gastronomic delights in the dining room, and you have all the makings of a dream weekend - all on Melbourne (or Adelaide)’s doorstep.

3 Tim

May 1st, 2008 at 10:22 pm

The Royal Mail Hotel provides an incredible dining experience that is superb beyond belief. It should be in the top 10 things you do. Ever!

2 Paul Heaton-Harris

May 1st, 2008 at 10:15 pm

Great destination with lots to do around Dunkeld during the day.
A dining experience equivalent to international standards and a wine list “to die for”. Staff that really do know their stuff. A hint - stay in one of the old shearers quarters. We’ll be back!

1 Freya

May 1st, 2008 at 9:27 pm

A uniquely Australian experience all rolled into one package, combining everything that is so fantastic about Victoria - incredible food, marvelous hospitality and breathtaking scenery, I cannot wait to go back!

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