3 Best Restaurants in The Grampians, Victoria

Expansive views of the southern Grampians peaks compete with the extraordinary food plated up at the hotel in the tiny town of Dunkeld, 64 km (40 miles) south of Halls Gap. One of Victoria's signature dining experiences, the menu changes daily depending on the harvest from one of the country's largest working restaurant kitchen gardens, specializing in organic and heirloom vegetables. Other produce comes from the Royal Mail's own cattle and sheep farm, free-range laying hens, nearby orchards, and its olive grove. Chef Robin Wickens' culinary innovation is on display on his chef's tasting menu, with or without meat, from A$220, dinner Thursday–Saturday (bookings essential).

The more relaxed Parker Street Project is open for lunch (Thursday--Saturday) and dinner (Wednesday--Saturday), expect the same exciting, innovative food as in the dining room (mains A$40).

Round out the experience by staying in the hotel's fine accommodation (from A$245). Choose a spacious courtyard or mountain view room, or step up to the deluxe mountain view rooms and one- or two-bedroom apartments, which look out onto Gariwerd (the Grampians National Park), all fitted with every modern convenience, or drive the 3 km (2 miles) to the hotel's historic Mt. Sturgeon farm, and sleep in a luxurious, period-furnished bluestone homestead bedroom or cozy stone cottage.

Flipping dough into the same oven since 1887, this Grampians bakery earns its name. Stock up on croissants, baguettes and a gourmet pie (A$7)---such as beef and ale or the crowd-pleasing lamb ragu---to eat on the road, or grab a little table in the sun at the front of the bakery. The hot property at this small-batch, artisan bakehouse are its croissants and coffee scrolls: get in early with the locals on weekends, or miss out. It also has a couple of three-room suites for those who don't want to leave.

In the heart of Halls Gap, this is one of the town's best dining options and serves an imaginative range of dishes. The restaurant and bar provides a casual, gastropub experience, with signature dishes like the spinach crepe, baked duckling, blackened barramundi, and the kangaroo fillet. Kookaburra's homemade ice cream is a particular treat. The wine list includes regional wines. Bookings are recommended.