When is a country pub not a country pub? When it is the Royal Mail Hotel complex in the verdant hills of Western Victoria’s Grampians region.
And of what value a country pub to Melbourne’s queer population. A perfect destination to be savoured and enjoyed in an idyllic setting, perfect for romance or a damned fine country knees up for you and a bunch of your closest.
With the success of the Spring Migration in Yackandandah and Chill Out in Daylesford, maybe a summer migration to Dunkeld would be appropriate for the country loving queers. With stunning accommodation to suit every budget and style and the recent arrival of uber talented chef Dan Hunter, fresh from work in some of the most famed Spanish restaurants, and a CV that boasts some of Melbourne’s best eateries, you cant be anything but excited. A $3 Million wine cellar that would be the envy of every queer quaffer and wine wanker, and 27000 acres of stunning farmland to get lost in, this is simply the best country Victorian destination for food and beverage, to be had.
An 1850’s homestead that has been refurbished to its former glory sleeps a dozen and for a measly $1000 a night, it doesn’t get much more authentic or grand. Imagine you and a bunch of your friends on the deck of this house, with Mt Sturgeon overlooking your every move, a working sheep and cattle station, and the food as the jewel of the western district. What more could you ask for? If you want more, its there. On site gardens provide the freshest vegetables and herbs, orchards and an olive grove provide fruit, and rumor has it that a truffle inoculation process around some of the aged oak trees on the property has been successful.
A stunning 3-4 hour drive from Melbourne or a quick 35 minute plane flight from Essendon airport and you have arrived in Dunkeld in time for a sunset and a bottle of red collected from one of the many wineries on the way. Accommodation awaits you in many guises. From simple garden view rooms, to self contained apartments, a farmhouse that sleeps 12, the Mulberry house that also sleeps 12 and the homestead, there is something there for everyone in a queer friendly environment.
A function centre seating 150 would suit the most discerning of function planners, and who knows, if we ever get legislation allowing us formal and legal recognition of our relationships, what better place to celebrate with your family and friends.
Whether bush walking and sharing space with local fauna and birds is your bag, or leisure activities like golf, museums and swimming are more up your alley, Dunkeld has them all.
This has to be the best unheard of queer destination Victoria has to offer
So queer Victorians, forget the usual country drives and head west. You will be delighted, as I was, with the quality of this venue.
email me your thoughts to food.and.wine.scribe@gmail.com
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