Highlights

Jaw-dropping natural setting in the epic Grampians

Views of dramatic peak Mt Sturgeon from your doorstep

Privacy, peace and quiet (there's no TV which helps)

Cosy log fires in winter; breakfast outside in summer

Unforgettable dining at sister property Royal Mail Hotel, a five-minute drive away

Energising walks and hikes in the nearby Grampians National Park

Historic buildings scattered around a working sheep farm

Guestbook

'This is the real Australia for us'

'A beautiful cottage, stunning views and a fantastic, cosy fireplace. Two nights weren't enough, but we will return. Delicious food and gorgeous wildlife too. The complete package'

Smith tip

Get up at sunrise for the best chance to see the resident roos in the grassy paddock by the cottages.

More photos

Mt Sturgeon Estate

The Grampians, Australia[view map]

Style: Cosy country cottages
Setting: Panoramic peaks

Mt Sturgeon Estate's cute bluestone cottages offer the privacy of a self-catering property with the luxury of not having to cook for yourself. Fine dining is a big part of the experience here, with the linked Royal Mail Hotel's award-winning restaurant three kilometres down the road in the town of Dunkeld. Get chauffeured over for the 10-course tasting menu or gourmet grub at the more informal bistro (book early for both), or 'stay home' with nibbles and wine. You can also breakfast on the lawn watching the roos, whip up your own barbecue or grab a local produce picnic hamper. The hotel offers rooms too, but the cottages feel more secluded with epic views of Mt Sturgeon and nature at your doorstep.

Need to know

Rates

AU$200 (off-peak, Sunday–Thursday)–AU$250 (peak, Friday–Saturday), one-bedroom cottage; AU$230 (off-peak)–AU$290 (peak), two-bedroom cottage.

Sleeps

Two in each of the six one-bedroom cottages; four in the two two-bedroom cottages.

Ideal for

A romantic escape, gourmet getaway or hiking retreat.

Minimum hire

No minimum stay.

Booking process

On arrival, check in at reception at sister property the Royal Mail Hotel in the town of Dunkeld, three kilometres down the road from Mt Sturgeon Estate's more rustic grounds (staff are based here should you have any requests). Rates quoted above for the two-bedroom cottages are for two adults and two children under 15; each additional adult costs AU$45 extra. Reservations are essential if you want to eat at either the bistro or hugely popular restaurant at the Royal Mail, so secure one when you book your cottage.

Property style

Set on a working sheep station, the tin roofed, bluestone cottages were built in the 1840s as the shearers' quarters. Rustic and simple decor is Australian colonial, with period and modern furnishings and fittings mixed with eye-catching artworks.

Grounds

The cottages are scattered along a gravel driveway surrounded by lawns and gardens of native plants. A sloping paddock dotted with giant red gum eucalyptus trees and the Wannon River are all that separate them from the Grampians National Park.

Also

Mt Sturgeon is non-smoking, and pets aren't allowed.

In the know

Eating and drinking

A breakfast basket is provided on check-in containing freshly baked bread, butter, jam, fresh fruit salad, dried fruit salad, locally made sheeps milk yoghurt, cereal, milk and orange juice. Breakfast is also served daily in the nearby Royal Mail Hotel (at an additional cost). The cottages have a good selection of Twinings tea and organic fair-trade plunger coffee, sugar, salt and pepper. Barbecue packs and picnic hampers are available at the Gourmet Pantry, across from the hotel. Takeaway alcohol can be purchased from the Hotel bar. Although the cottages come with basic cooking kit, there's no oven, as most guests are here to sample the famous fare at the Royal Mail Hotel's restaurant (a 10-course tasting menu), or its more casual bistro. Free transfers are available from the cottages to the Hotel by arrangement (it’s three kilometres away along the main road and not worth drinking and driving).

Housekeeping

Cottages are serviced daily, but there's no turn-down.

Entertainment

There's a CD player (soon to be replaced by iPod dcks), but no TV so you can really chill out and enjoy the peace and quiet here. WiFi is available at the Royal Mail Hotel, five minutes' drive away.

Provided

Firewood (and fire-lighting kit), umbrella, torch, crockery, cutlery, barbecue utensils, glassware, toaster, kettle, electric frying pan, microwave, washing-up liquid, iron and ironing board, electric fan, field guides to Australian birds and flora.

Packing tips

Walking shoes, binoculars for wildlife spotting, bikini (the Royal Mail Hotel pool is available for guests to use), reading material (there’s no TV) and smart clothes for dining at the restaurant. Ear plugs as the birds can be noisy in the mornings.

Eco policy

The property is very water wise and catches its own rainwater for use in the gardens and for drinking in the restaurant.

For a detailed description of all the rooms and grounds, click here

Also worth knowing

Children: Welcome, but if you've come for the food at the nearby Royal Mail Hotel book a local nanny for dinnertime, as the kids may get restless during the three- to four-hour tasting menu. More…

Smith card offer

A copy of photographic journal A Dunkeld Portfolio by Richard Crawley

If you're a member of Mr & Mrs Smith, you can get special privileges at every Smith hotel you book through us. Just show your Smith card at check-in to claim the offer featured on every hotel page (like the one above).

Click here to become a Mr & Mrs Smith member