Mount Sturgeon Homestead — Attraction in Dunkeld

Part of the former Mt Sturgeon squatting run, these bluestone cottages have been tastefully renovated to provide short-term accommodation for frazzled townies.||||With no TV, no radio, no Internet and generally no mobile phone service, this is the perfect place to unplug and unwind.||||The air smells somehow sweeter here. And the outlooks across the southern tip of the Gariwerd (Grampians) mountain range are stunning.||||Inside, the cottages are comfortable and quaint. The clever ensuite bathroom is tucked into a water tank-inspired add-on to the main structure. The large bed is gloriously comfortable, with plenty of plump pillows.||||There is a wood fire with a plentiful supply of redgum for cosiness and warmth.||||Breakfast, which includes fresh, locally-baked bread, eggs, streaky bacon, fruit, yoghurt and other goodies, is provided in a rustic wicker basket. ||||There is 'just enough' of everything a couple might need. Two seats, two plates, two cups, two forks, two wine glasses, just enough butter for two, etc. In fact, it does seem so slick an operation that it perhaps borders on feeling a little 'mean' - particularly at this price point.||||Our neighbouring cottages were apparently booked during our two-night stay, but we did not lay eyes on another human being the entire time (beyond the lovely ladies who appeared mid-afternoon to replenish our breakfast supplies).||||History buffs will be disappointed at the lack of information provided about the cottages and the region. The very fat black folder in the cottage turned out to be a copy of the Royal Mail Hotel's eye bogglingly-long wine list! No tourist information at all.||||There is a complimentary transfer service between the cottages and the Royal Mail Hotel, including its extraordinary Wickens restaurant (so worth putting on your bucket list!) ||||This was our second visit to the Mt Sturgeon Cottages in 10 years. The facilities had certainly aged a little, but that outlook and the crisp, fresh air was just as we remembered. Definitely worth a...

Part of the former Mt Sturgeon squatting run, these bluestone cottages have been tastefully renovated to provide short-term accommodation for frazzled townies.||||With no TV, no radio, no Internet and generally no mobile phone service, this is the perfect place to unplug and unwind.||||The air smells somehow sweeter here. And the outlooks across the southern tip of the Gariwerd (Grampians) mountain range are stunning.||||Inside, the cottages are comfortable and quaint. The clever ensuite bathroom is tucked into a water tank-inspired add-on to the main structure. The large bed is gloriously comfortable, with plenty of plump pillows.||||There is a wood fire with a plentiful supply of redgum for cosiness and warmth.||||Breakfast, which includes fresh, locally-baked bread, eggs, streaky bacon, fruit, yoghurt and other goodies, is provided in a rustic wicker basket. ||||There is 'just enough' of everything a couple might need. Two seats, two plates, two cups, two forks, two wine glasses, just enough butter for two, etc. In fact, it does seem so slick an operation that it perhaps borders on feeling a little 'mean' - particularly at this price point.||||Our neighbouring cottages were apparently booked during our two-night stay, but we did not lay eyes on another human being the entire time (beyond the lovely ladies who appeared mid-afternoon to replenish our breakfast supplies).||||History buffs will be disappointed at the lack of information provided about the cottages and the region. The very fat black folder in the cottage turned out to be a copy of the Royal Mail Hotel's eye bogglingly-long wine list! No tourist information at all.||||There is a complimentary transfer service between the cottages and the Royal Mail Hotel, including its extraordinary Wickens restaurant (so worth putting on your bucket list!) ||||This was our second visit to the Mt Sturgeon Cottages in 10 years. The facilities had certainly aged a little, but that outlook and the crisp, fresh air was just as we remembered. Definitely worth a...

We recently stayed in one of the Blue Stone cottages at the Mt Sturgeon homestead to attend a friend's wedding.||The cottages are located a little outside the town of Dunkeld, and were a perfect wedding location, but for another purpose might feel a bit isolated. I understand that the cottages were what used to be the shearer's quarters back in the day, but have been updated to provide comfortable accommodation in beautiful surroundings.||||The cottage was spacious with a separate living area and bedroom, and a bathroom that had creatively been built in what from outside looked like a corrugated iron water tank.||||The living area had a leather sofa and armchair, a small table to sit and eat at, and a dresser containing a sink, which acted as the kitchenette. A breakfast hamper was delivered containing bread, yogurt, muesli, eggs, bacon, pancake batter and fruit juices. These could be cooked using the microwave or the electric frypan.||||There was also a wood burning fireplace that was set up and ready to go, but given the 30 degree heat, we didn't entertain the idea!||||Note that there is no TV or Wi-fi from an entertainment perspective (not that we needed it ourselves), and very limited connection to a mobile signal.||||There are 4 cottages, all set apart enough to give privacy, and all surrounded by grassy lawns with an outdoor table and benches of very old weathered wood. There's also a lot of kangaroo poo from the local wildlife.||||Early morning water sprinklers could disturb a light sleeper!||||With a view towards Mount Sturgeon that is quite stunning, these cottages are a comfortable getaway from it all, but note that they are remote from other facilities and the town itself. You...