Staying at Southern Grampians Cottages is the perfect way to settle into a slower pace. Surround yourself with fresh air, birdsong, the smell of native gardens and a stunning landscape. Perfectly located to wander along the creek path into the mainstreet of Dunkeld, where you can spoil yourself with great coffee and food, stock up on picnic goods and enjoy all that this small country town has to offer.
Every season is a great time to explore the Grampians National Park with the nuances that each season presents. Although there is a greater likelihood of fog, mist or rain, walking the trails of the Grampians in winter provides a unique perspective of its world-renowned beauty, geological heritage, and flora and fauna. Most of the Grampians’ famous landscapes are within easy reach of Dunkeld, with walking tracks reaching the rocky peaks of Mt Abrupt, Mt Sturgeon and the Piccaninny within a few kilometres of the town. Make sure you are well equipped for winter bushwalking!
If the weather is too inclement for bushwalking, there are plenty of other options. There is much to see and do in the picturesque village of Dunkeld – with fine dining at the award winning Royal Mail Hotel may have to wait, there are other fine eateries in town where you can get a coffee and a takeaway meal, or get a meal delivered, the old restored Fitzpatrick Sawmill set in the local Arboretum, the Dunkeld Museum (closed at the moment) and the associated Heritage Trail.
You could visit the regional centre of Hamilton 30km to the west with its magnificent Botanic Gardens, and, depending on restrictions, famous Art Gallery (adjacent to a modern Library and Movie Theatre), the heritage museums (Pastoral Museum, Ansett Transport Museum, Campe’s Motor Museum), or a local winery. Perhaps you could embark on a trip to the south and west to check out the spectacular volcanic cones and waterfalls of the significant Kanawinka Geotrail, or a trip north through the Grampians to the northern town of Halls Gap with its famous Brambuk Indigenous Culture Centre and iconic lookouts with breathtaking views. Or you could explore the neighbouring villages of Balmoral, Byaduk, Cavendish, Coleraine, Glenthompson, Penshurst and Tarrington.
You will return to a comfortable well-equipped cottage where you will be able to keep warm with the cosy heat of a wood heater (we can help you light it if needed!), or an electric heating option. You will keep warm in bed with quality doonas, electric blankets and extra blankets. Hope to see you soon, and if you have any questions about our accommodation feel free to contact us.
