Dunkeld
Quick facts
- Population 444
- 253 kilometres west of Melbourne
- Southern gateway to the Grampians National Park
- Mt Sturgeon, Mt Abrupt and Picaninny walks.
This beautiful village at the southern entrance to the Grampians stands in the shadow of Mt Sturgeon and Mt Abrupt, the highest mountain in the southern Grampians. The two mountains were named by Major Thomas Mitchell after he camped in the area in 1836. Settlement came soon after as a result of his glowing reports of the region.
Originally called Mt Sturgeon, the town was renamed after a town in Scotland by nostalgic settlers. The impressive setting of the town has inspired many early Australian painters and images can be found throughout regional galleries in Victoria.
Activities and attractions
- Follow one of the walking tracks to Mt Sturgeon and Mt Abrupt to take in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside
- Enjoy a drive along the Victoria Valley Road through the untouched southern section of the Grampians National Park. Look out for emus and kangaroos and spring wildflowers
- Dine at the award-winning Dunkeld Royal Mail Hotel with stunning views of Mt Abrupt and Mt Sturgeon
- Play a round of golf at the Grampians Golf Course and share your game with kangaroos and wallabies
- Wander around the beautiful Dunkeld Arboretum
- Stop off at the sheep dairy along the Glenelg Highway near Glenthompson and sample some of the delicious sheep milk yogurts and cheeses
- Enjoy tastings at local vineyards.
Major events
- Grampians Golf Tournament – August
- Open gardens – September – April
- Dunkeld Picnic Races – November
How to get there
Dunkeld is 253 kilometres west of Melbourne. Travel by car via the Glenelg Highway. Daily coach services are available from Melbourne.
