Six of the best food and drink spots in the Grampians

ROBIN Wickens, the executive chef of Dunkeld’s Royal Mail Hotel, guides you through his favourite spots in the Grampians.

ROBIN Wickens, the executive chef of Dunkeld’s Royal Mail Hotel, guides you through his favourite spots in the Grampians.

BUNYIP HOTEL AND BREWERY

The pub was on the brink of closing, but a young couple recently bought it, having returned to the area after growing up here. I think it’s great they offer a range of beers from a pale ale to stout, which they make on-site, on tap. It’s a brave move to see the town’s only local watering hole take the multinationals’ products off tap after decades of serving. Lovely Art Deco frontage, with lovely outdoor area and lawns down to the Wannon River.

25 Scott St, Cavendish

 

The Old Bakery at Dunkeld.

DUNKELD OLD BAKERY

With its original wood-fired oven dating back to 1887, this is a bit of a hidden secret as it’s off the main street (two streets back) but well worth seeking out – the sausage rolls are amazing! They also serve up house-made sourdough, pies, pastries and cakes.

97 Martin St, Dunkeld

 

DUNKELD GENERAL STORE

Our local general store/newsagency stocks a great range of Grampians produce: Grampians sheep’s milk yoghurt, Mt Zero olives, Waltanna linseed oil & dressings and local wines for takeaway. We like to grab local produce for a picnic and wander over to the park across the road.

93 Parker St, Dunkeld

GAUDENZI WINE BAR

This new bar is located in a historic bluestone building in Penshurst. Dropping in here on the way back to Dunkeld from a day trip to the coast for a local wine and snack is an ideal way to wrap up the day.

100 Bell St, Penshurst

 

PIERREPOINT WINES

Being the closest cellar door which is open every day means lots of Royal Mail guests find their way here. Outdoor seating and games on the lawn and a little hobby farm make it OK to take the kids. Four of their range is on the list at Royal Mail including Alexandra chardonnay and Nick’s Pick pinot gris, which are named after the couple’s children.

271 Pierrepoint Rd, Tarrington

 

Confit Duck with Lentils at Tosca Browns.

TOSCA BROWNS

Hamilton is the main service centre to us in Dunkeld. Whenever we have to go to “town” we invariably end up here for coffee and brekkie – pancakes, waffles, hash browns with house-cured salmon are favourites. It’s a cool cafe with exposed brick/recycled furniture, herb gardens and even a fish pond. It also opens as a bar on the weekend.

211 Gray St, Hamilton

 

Robin Wickens in the kitchen garden at the Royal Mail Hotel.

The Royal Mail Hotel is currently ranked No.19 in the delicious.100, the best 100 restaurants in Victoria. With the largest kitchen garden in the southern hemisphere, Robin Wickens’ menu is a true celebration of the seasons. royalmail.com.au