Holiday houses in Dunkeld

Nestled at the foot of Mount Sturgeon (Wurgarri), the southern tip of the Grampians mountains in southwestern Victoria, the charming rural town of Dunkeld makes a fine base for exploring the spectacular Grampians National Park, which draws walkers from all over the world for its dramatic scenery and Aboriginal heritage. Yet Dunkeld has draws of its own, including a fascinating historical museum set in a bluestone Presbyterian church built by the town’s predominantly Scottish settlers.

Dotted with cafes and boutiques, Dunkeld is also home to one of regional Victoria’s top fine-dining restaurants, set in a historic pub. Burn off a memorable meal with a vigorous hike up Mount Sturgeon (Wurgarri), which affords panoramic views of the surrounding ranges (allow three hours for the seven-kilometre round trip), or travel deeper into the national park to explore stunning hiking trails, breathtaking lookout points, and well-preserved Aboriginal rock art sites. Dunkeld also sits on the Grampians Way, a scenic driving trail encircling the national park that takes in a handful of country towns and wineries.

The Grampians’ busy season runs from the September school holidays until after Easter, when the weather is warm and the skies are generally clear. Spring is the best time to see wildflowers in all their glory, both in the national park and at the Grampians Flora Botanic Garden at Halls Gap, a 45-minute drive north of Dunkeld, which sets the stage for the Grampians Wildflower Show, typically held in late September. Also in spring, Dunkeld hosts the 3 Peaks Festival, an outdoor market showcasing local crafts, food, drinks, music, and kids’ activities. In March, the Australian String Quartet comes to town for the three-day Dunkeld Festival of Music. While the winter months can be chilly in the Grampians, it’s a great time to escape the crowds in Grampians National Park, and relax by a cosy log fire.

Grampians Peaks Trail

Fully opened in 2021, the Grampians Peaks Trail is a 160-kilometre, 13-day hiking route through the rugged interior of Grampians National Park, with campsites at the end of each leg. The hike can also be broken up into more manageable chunks for those who are unable to or prefer not to carry provisions for the full 13-day adventure.

Wineries

Particularly well known for its sparkling wines and Shiraz, the Grampians has been a quality wine-producing region for more than 150 years. The largest concentration of wineries lies in the eastern Grampians, but there are also two cellar doors near Hamilton, just 30 minutes southwest of Dunkeld, which are well worth seeking out.

Dunkeld Arboretum

Arguably Dunkeld’s best-kept secret, Dunkeld Arboretum is a tranquil spot to take a stroll in nature, with walking tracks and interpretative signage. Visit at sunset for beautiful photography opportunities looking across the ponds towards Mount Abrupt (Mud-Dadjug).