Discover Dunkeld: History and Landscape

Dunkeld brings together local history, art, a bakery and walking trails in the Gariwerd landscape. Its offerings range from the story of the 1944 fire to collections and galleries, as well as spring wildflowers and summit views. Those looking to combine culture and nature on a trip will find a range of experiences to plan around here.

Local history and artefacts

The Dunkeld & District Historical Museum preserves numerous artefacts from different eras and relating to events in social history. The collection also includes material on Major Mitchell and his expedition’s exploration of south-west Victoria. Local and social history sit alongside the story of the exploration of this region.

The Dunkeld Heritage Trail is a leisurely, accessible walk through Dunkeld’s history. It includes 26 sites with iron information plaques and tells the story of the fire in January 1944, which destroyed a third of the houses and shops in Dunkeld. The museum and trail offer different insights: at the museum, you’ll encounter artefacts from many eras, while the walk explores the town’s history.

Art, arboretum and local treats

The Australian Light Horse Heritage Collection displays Light Horse memorabilia, including a tunic worn by a charger at Beersheba. The Dunkeld Arboretum adds another kind of history, with a living collection of trees from around the world and an old sawmill. The combination of the tree collection and sawmill gives the arboretum two distinct features: a collection of living trees and a historic feature.

The Dunkeld Garage Gallery gives artists the opportunity to present their work to visitors and locals; visits are by appointment. Across from the Royal Mail Hotel, the Waiting Room Art Gallery displays fine ceramics, ceramic sculpture, paintings and drawings by Anne Fleming. She takes part in Dunkeld’s Galleries and Gardens on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month. Check the dates before your trip.

A local bakery is another of Dunkeld’s distinctive finds: The Old Bakery specialises in handmade sourdough bread, gourmet pies, pastries and cakes. Together, these attractions offer visitors everything from historical collections and art to trees, a sawmill and baked goods.

Walks and views around Dunkeld

In the area around Dunkeld, the Wurgarri (Mount Sturgeon) Walk offers panoramic views of the surrounding ranges, volcanic plains and the Dunkeld township. Also nearby, Bainggug (The Piccaninny) is a leisurely walk suitable for most walkers. Wildflowers bloom there in spring. The walks have different highlights: Wurgarri focuses on expansive views, while Bainggug offers an easy walk and seasonal blooms.

The nearby Mud-Dadjug (Mount Abrupt) Walk leads through bushland in Gariwerd and over sandstone rocks to the summit. From there, you can see the Serra Range to the north and Dunkeld to the south. You can choose between the walks according to the kind of nature experience you want: panoramic views, spring wildflowers, or a route through bushland and over sandstone to the summit.

Dunkeld is the southern gateway to the Grampians Peaks Trail. Walkers on the trail can use the public showers at the Dunkeld and Grampians Visitor Information Centre, which are open around the clock. Check this service before your trip. If you’re looking for accommodation in Dunkeld, use your travel plans as a guide: are local history and art your main interests, or would you prefer to focus on the nearby walking trails and include the Grampians Peaks Trail?

Discover more destinations: Cape Bridgewater, Rubicon, Birchip, Tuerong, Toolleen, Bobinawarrah, Swifts Creek, Metcalfe.

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.