Royal Mail Hotel Review

Didn't visit the hotel we were driving through and stopped for a coffee and hot chip

The 8 course degustation menu is incredible! The waitstaff were also very friendly

Exceeded all my expectations!
Rooms are brilliant
The staff are brilliant
Food and wine are brilliant

The dining room and staff were EXCELLENT and the Parker Street Project team were friendly and provided good service. The only down side was when we had an issue which we raised with reception, we were made to feel like we were the problem. It wasn't a big issue and should have been easily fixed. This really impacted our stay it had a knock on effect which really detracted from our overall enjoyment.

We would like to say a big thank you to the Dining Room Team, the food and wine was amazing. Katrina, has exceptional customer services skills and should be highly valued a big thank you to her. A special mention to our Sommelier, Marcus, who's knowledge and enthusiasm was infectious. We had a fabulous experience and thoroughly enjoyed our night.

We will be back. Such a great place to stay and dine and amazing area to explore.

The restaurant (Parker Street Project) was fantastic. The service from Ethan was impeccable, he was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable on both the food and drinks menu he also offered lots of insight into the locally sourced products. The "feed me" menu was very well crafted and presented. We had to go back a second time as the slow cooked lamb was so impressive. Prices were very reasonable for the quality of the food. Definitely worth stopping in if you are travelling past.

We are in the Parker Street Project and were blown away. The duck fat chips were to die for, as were both our main courses - the duck and the lamb belly.
Bookings are essential here as it s a very popular destination, you ll understand why with your first bite.
A great wine selection although not any organic which I normally prefer.

Overall the experience at the Royal Mail Hotel lived up to expectations. The 5 course degustation menu with accompanying wine selection was outstanding.
We will certainly return in the near future.

One problem area I found was the hidden additional charges. I didn't mind but I think it could have been made more explicit that the package we took included only one course for breakfast and drinks etc. were extra. It would be better to charge a little more and include juices, coffee and toast. This was also the case with the Parker Street project where we chose the staff/chef's choice dinner and found that dessert and coffee were extra. This felt like you were trying to gouge money out of us, especially after the breakfast experience.

We ordered the 5 course tasting menu which was superb, a truly fabulous food experience. The wait staff and Sommelier were not intrusive, appropriately engaging, fun and incredibly informed. I would highly recommend the restaurant for dinner. Unfortunately almost my entire experience was ruined the next morning at breakfast. I would think that if a hotel had x number of people for dinner, then x number of people staying, they would fairly assume that they will have the same x number of people for breakfast. We arrived for breakfast at 9, we had to wait for a table to be made up (not because all the tables were full either) the table was then set for 4 of us, there were 5 of us, we ordered coffee and food, the amuse bouche arrived, again only 4 serves, this was not corrected. We then proceeded to wait for 1.5 hours for our food. So would I recommend the royal mail when that was the end of my experience?... not sure.
Which is disappointing as the dinner had been so fabulous.

I simply cannot wait to go back. I saw the same chef work the dinner, breakfast and lunch shift. In that order. I truly admire and respect everything the Royal Mail stands for.

We had a sumptuous three night stay there. It was really hard to fault the staff in particular - from the receptionist and barman who kept the kitchen open for us on the Friday night to the excellent waitstaff who served us during our degustation on the Sunday night. Special thanks also to the wildlife keeper (I'm so sorry I can't remember her name) - my travelling companion has a special connection with quolls and she indulged him appropriately! The food was superb, especially the breakfasts - and I must say that the eggs benedict was quite possibly the best I have ever had. The degustation was very good (we had the five course) - although I suppose like all degustations there are generally one or two courses that are good but don't quite fit as well as the others. It may have been also that we were a little tired (country air and so forth) and had booked for 8pm - perhaps a solution would be to recommend a slightly earlier start if one were contemplating that sort of dinner in the country? I must add that I really enjoyed the wine match - and the sommelier was very personable and went out of his way to make sure we enjoyed the combinations. All the little extras including a couple of the amuse-bouches were delightful as well. Overall a wonderful weekend - many thanks for the hospitality.

Had the best Somm experience with Matt last night, definitely recommend dining here!

Phenomenal story of small town to icon with the help of Alan Myers. This is an experience, unequalled, in my experience, in the world. What a story

We loved our stay at the a Royal Mail and highly recommend the eight-course degustation menu and the kitchen garden tour.

3 degrees outside, not much warmer inside, felt like they had their airconditioning operating. I ordered French toast which was totally different to what i have ever experienced previously. It was like a large muffin with a thin slice of bacon and a few few slices of apple. Not Good. Stop trying to be fancy and keave traditional foods alone.
I hope the Fench don't hear about what has been done to their recipe.

The backdrop of the Grampians is fantastic. Also a great place to enjoy quality beers.

Nothing needs changing at this amazing place. Staff are knowledgeable, friendly and respectful. They go out of their way without making you feel guilty for asking something. Rooms are impeccable, gardens are gorgeous and the restaurant, well, I give it three hats not two! I love that the Parker St Project serves meals that are in-between traditional pub fare and the RMH restaurant - it's the perfect compromise on the wallet, but certainly not the pallet - I savoured every mouthful.

Modern feel with nature natural beauty in the distance

Nice ambiance and delicious food. Nice tap beer and wine collection. Bit expensive, but only option available in Dunkeld.

Food, wine and service was fantastic. The vegetarian dishes we ordered were amazing, and kids meals are equally impressive. If you're in town the definitely pop in for a meal, well worth the price.

Popped in with friends for a meal. Great service. Excellent food. Best meal I have had. You have destroyed food for me. :)

There restaurant Wickens was superb. In particular the dessert was absolutely awesome. Overall it was a terrific meal and experience and I would be happy to go back again

Great locale, excellent service all-round. Excellent and creative food. Thank you Royal Mail Hotel and staff

I love Royal Mail Hotel and have now visited three times. The views are spectacular, the beds extremely comfortable and the staff very helpful.

On this visit, for some reason, the cleaning of my room was not that flash nor was the food at the Bistro. I hope this was just a one off?

This place is truly amazing. The whole experience: from the beautiful restaurant, the stunning views and the indescribably delicious food, was absolutely spectacular! We chose the 'Chef's choice' option and were simply blown away. Presentation was exquisite as was the flavor and texture of every morsel. We were also surprised when an extra dish appeared, as apparently they were slow with a course. (Which they weren't but we didn't complain!!) If you have the chance, (and the $, TOTALLY WORTH IT!!) get along and see for yourself why this place wins so many awards. Blown away. Check out the food photos!!

Considerate attentive and knowledgeable team complemented by an unsurpassable dining experience.

We were initially put in a garden room across the road from the main hotel. We were not impressed with the quality of the accommodation, and felt that it was grossly overpriced for what it was. After complaining we were moved to a room across the road close to reception, this room was better. The garden room did not feel like it was luxury accommodation, but the rates certainly were.
The food and service in the dining room was excellent, as was the kitchen garden tour.

The "Gourmet Getaway" package enabled us to try an amazing array of beautifully presented fresh local produce. We chose the matching French wines option, which complimented each course superbly. The food and wine were amazing, for each of the eight courses we had. Without exception, the staff were helpful, friendly and knowledgeable about food and wine; and obviously happy in their jobs-a great asset to this establishment. We also enjoyed the River trail and Arboretum walk, both accessible from the grounds of "The Royal Mail." The Cellar and Garden tours were informative and enjoyable, giving us an insight into and appreciation of the vision of this establishment.
We found the rooms clean and comfortable, and our outlook was over native bush land with the Grampians National park as a backdrop.

Staying at the cottages - beautiful, cost, romantic with Ann amazing view.

Great property, food and service. Perfect for a quiet weekend.

Very good dish, very tasty. A bit expensive for the size but I have enjoyed it.

Big breakfast was anything but big. Avocado absent from the menu.

To be totally honest, sat down to inside fine dining only to be always shooing a fly away the entire time we were there. Disappointed we couldn't wait to leave. The lamb and fish were good but not exceptional, the duck fat chips were dry and over fried. Glad we went but wouldn't go back again. The staff get most of the stars as they were pleasant enough.

An oasis amongst the seemingly dry countryside, Dunkeld and it's Royal Mail Hotel offers a 6 star Aussie county
Ry experience that everyone should visit at least once. Fine food and wine and the very best of attention to detail - that's the Royal Mail Hotel Experience.

We were extremely satisfied and have been the second time in the Royal Mail Hotel. Next Year we will be back in Australia and spend there a night again. We were especially pleased with the young international and friendly team.

The new Wickens restaurant space was simply stunning, and the entire night a few sugar grains short of faultless. The new space starts with a lit wooden walkway through a native garden arriving at a perfectly proportioned space with a view through glass walls to gum trees and the Grampians. The service was absolutely perfect, waitress and sommelier knowledgeable and very friendly, in trousers and waistcoats, green wool ties. Unlike Brae. the description of the food was not a lengthy recital interrupting the dining experience at each course, but a simple quick description . The food experience was stunning yet satisfying - we had the fewer course option and loved every course. I am generally not a fan of the tiny courses of a degustation menu, but these courses were a good size not just a mouthful and the food real, focussing on the quality ingredients mostly estate or locally grown/farmed. The French Wine Matching option wines were spectacular, including a Chassagne Montrachet Premier Cru (Chardonnay), a Pomerol (Merlot), a Chateau d'Yquem all appropriately served in amazing glasses.
Each table has an elliptical "moon" light above it, emitting a soft white light, creating a wonderful atmosphere - a spotlight on the food and the guests at each table. The acoustics of the room were perfect, you could see everyone around you talking but could not hear them. The kitchen is completely open to view and well lit. A glass wall allows guests to see each course being prepared but shuts out kitchen noise (there is a table in the kitchen for guests that want the full kitchen experience!!). The bread and butter were sublime - beer malt whipped butter with crusty rye sourdough with a dark caramelised crust. At any time you can walk into the kitchen and have a chat to Wickens himself. Personally, I would have preferred the chocolate pastry in the dessert to have a little more sugar, (having a sweet tooth) but a very minor complaint. The next day we were given a kitchen garden tour by Robin Wickens himself which capped off a fantastic food and wine experience.

We enjoyed the whole experience - accommodation, food and service.

Amazing retreat full of pleasant surprises. Nice and friendly staff. Can not wait to return!

Expensive. ..maybe. A culinary oasis in the backblocks. Excellent food, service, wines, accommodation and views

From all accounts the F&B services and products were superb - degustation, Parker St Project, breakfast supplies and the restaurant breakfast. A special mention to the Sommelier, Stephanie and also Marienko who seemed to be there 24/7 - but always with a smile.

The condition and cleanliness of the cottages detracted from what was otherwise an amazing weekend.

I have a loud mouth, so shall most definitely recommend your hotel to all travellers; international, local and national.

Four star accommodation. Five star food from their own kitchen gardens.

Overall a really pleasant stay with a culinary twist! The tasting menu dining experience was amazing, although not for those who prefer a parma and chips ;) as it can test with tastes and textures. Rooms were simple for the price but are elegant, well appointed and the furniture is very comfortable. The views to the Grampians from the back deck were amazing, especially at sunset!

Everything about our single night Wickens package was excellent. From the wine cellar tour, through a wonderful degustation meal at Wickens, great breakfast and then the garden tour; just a magical experience. The wait staff in Wickens were among the best and most friendly that we have experienced.

Room was amazing. Given all the raving reviews of The Dining Room, we were honestly disappointed with the management's decision to close The Dining Room on Mondays and Tuesdays on the weeks coming up to Easter knowing that it was leading up to a busy week. Food was mediocre at the Parker Street Project, portions were inconsistent and there was simply nothing to shout about. Some of the dishes looked like lots of effort were put into it and others were just whipped together without any thought. Taste wise was bland. Breakfast was a let down as the sausages and black pudding were flavorless. Also, we ordered a salmon eggs benedict and only to received a pulled pork eggs benedict. It is sad to not have experienced The Dining Room in its glory. Overall, we would definitely recommend the stay at the hotel but unfortunately not for the dining experience.

Great room with a view of the Grampians. Good dining experience at Wickens made more special by taking the cellar and kitchen garden tours.

A fantastic weekend away with great food in both restaurants.

Amazing quality food , excellent service! Thank you!

Just ate here and it was amazing. Definitely going back and will be staying there next time. Don't miss it if you're in the area.

Awesome experience at the Parker Street project, great food and service. Would go back.

It was so beautiful. Really friendly staff. Amazing food.will definitely be going back.

Terrific ambience and service. Chef's Feed Me plates a delicious bargain.

A great nights sleep, a wonderful hotel - we will come back, thank you

It was a lovely experience and one that we were really looking forward to. Perhaps just not as fabulous as everyone else has raved about.... good, but not sensational.

This place has cottages and hotels for overnight stay and the restaurant there serves up a mean dinner. The view from the cottages is breathtaking as they are very nearby several mountains (mt. Sturgeon, mt. Abrupt). Best to go there in winter. This place is perfect for a rustic getaway

Love staying here, it's like a home away from home, food is a,aging and especially love the Riddoch Estate wine.

This is a truly remarkable Hotel. Considering it is in a small town like Dunkeld and not in a major city.... And it's booked out constantly! That's a credit to the exceptional facilities, staff, food and wine, and views of the Grampians. We were very impressed and will definitely be returning.

We had a lovely time thank you. The meal and service were superb.

Difficult to think of something that is better overall for the reasonable price that is asked. A genuinely unique and refined experience but as casual as you like it.

Overall we loved it. It was a surprise visit for my partners birthday, she was wrapped with the weekend as a whole. We will be back soon to hopefully have another wonderful experience at the Royal Mail hotel.

Went to the casual restaurant for lunch. Had a share meal setting which is always fun. The Vegemite butter with the cob loaf is delicious, would recommend. Service was lovely.

A really surprising find. Impeccable service from every person we met. Beautiful location and the food was spectacular. We were particularly impressed by the separate vegetarian degustation menu.

The dining experience at Wickens was excellent especially the quality of food, prepared creatively and with flair. Looks and taste delicious! Service was very good too. Wine list was of course huge. One of our best dining experiences. Highly recommended particularly for special occasions!

Stayed for one night. Accom was lovely, as was breakfast the next morning. We were informed before we booked that the restaurant was closed for renovations but that Parker Street Project was still open, which was fine with us. However, the service was appalling. We were seated and then left to our own devices, and had to wait so long to order that we ended up walking up to the kitchen to get some service. The food was fantastic when it eventually did come, but the service tarnished the experience horribly.

Dinner service was amongst the best I have ever received. However the service at breakfast the following morning was so poor I will not be coming back.

The food experience is like nothing we had ever tasted before. Exceptional

Absolutely first class venue, food and staff. Faultless. Thanks!

A great dining experience. Reception staff were more than obliging. Was surprised to have room across the road but everything needed was provided willingly. Kitchen garden tour was excellent.

We booked a cottage and dined at Wickens to celebrate my dad's birthday. From the moment we arrived staff went out of their way to wish dad a happy birthday and make us feel welcome. The cellar tour was great, Matthew has amazing knowledge. The cottage was gorgeous, set in beautiful scenery at the foot of My Sturgeon, very comfortable and peaceful. Our dining experience was fantastic. The food was delicious and the wine matching is outstanding. We were provided with a breakfast hamper of more delicious food. All staff were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. We had a wonderful experience. Thank you!

Very happy to find pet friendly accommodation for our romantic getaway. We've been to the Royal Mail before and loved it. Still do.
Things to consider: extra pet fee seems steep. Romantic getaway somewhat tainted by noisy kids next door when I chose a Mt Sturgeon cottage for seclusion.
Excellent service, flawless with dietary needs extremely well taken care of. Breakfast hamper to die for. Dining as always fantastic, due to staff and chefs.
Reception staff Rock!
And of course the very reason we keep on visiting is the Mt Sturgeon views, simply stunning.

Great venue and lovely location, with a lot of promise. I stayed with you some years ago and at that time was very impressed with all elements.

Whilst still ok, the cottages felt tired with cracks appearing, paint thinning and the outdoor furniture verging on dangerous.

The meal was lovely, reasonably priced. However, the brisket was a little dry, but I can t complain our waiter said others felt the same (still tasty, more sauce would have changed it).

Good luck.

My husband and I loved our time at The Royal Mail. The food and wine were perfect.
My only negative comment is that the dining room could do with an update - however I have been informed that this is taking place, which is great to hear!
I would definitley recommend this as a place to eat and stay to friends and family.

Always a pleasure to have a drink in the pub courtyard at sundown followed by an upscale pub dinner in the bistro. The restaurant is of course an entire other level.

Great hotel, with luxury rooms and a good restaurant !!

Had lunch at Parker St with family including a couple of small kids. Outdoor seating was gorgeous with mountain views, and made our kids less annoying for others. Menu was very well suited to sharing and everything was delicious. Would definitely recommend!

Visted Wickens for dinner, and the Parker Street Project for breakfast and dinner. Both venues had excellent service and absolutely incredible food. Happily revisited many times during our stay in Dunkeld.

After asking for a cocktail that was not available, the barman thought it would be appropriate to talk down to us and explain (step by step), why this cocktail could not be made. Mansplaining at its finest.

Unfortunately we missed a seating and settled for the bistro.... Well, that was a win. Elected to let the chef decided on the menu and we didn't lose out at all. Even the kids meals were off the chart. Price is reasonable for the service (which was flawless) and quality.

Wonderful restaurant and great hotel with a nice view of the Grampians! Will be back!

Worst customer service experience ever. No apology for all the mistakes that were made from reception staff, bar staff and wait staff. The chef is wonderful but uncertain how he works with such poor management of staff. Trading on the reputation of former glory.