Award-Winning Royal Mail Hotel Brings Grampians Fine Dining to Melbourne's Most Prestigious Estate

For the first time in its storied history, Dunkeld’s iconic Royal Mail Hotel is bringing its celebrated regional fine dining experience to Melbourne — and it’s doing so in the most spectacular way imaginable. This winter, the historic ballroom of Rippon Lea Estate will be transformed into a refined culinary destination as part of an exclusive seasonal dining series.

Known for its consistently awarded two hats and its hyper-local, garden-driven approach to cuisine, the Royal Mail Hotel is a pilgrimage-worthy experience for gourmands across the country. Now, Melburnians have the rare opportunity to savour its signature offering without making the journey to the Grampians.

Over a select number of evenings, Executive Chef Robin Wickens will lead a full-service pop-up that captures the very essence of what has made Royal Mail Hotel one of Australia’s most acclaimed dining institutions. In collaboration with Showtime Event Group, Wickens will deliver a series of immersive tasting menus that centre on produce plucked straight from the restaurant’s sprawling organic kitchen garden at the base of Mount Sturgeon.

The volcanic soils of the Grampians foothills provide the foundation for vibrant, flavour-rich winter vegetables, which Wickens elevates with his hallmark restraint, clarity and technical precision. Each menu is a living expression of the season and evolves with the progression of each harvest, offering a different experience on each date of the series.

Held in the heritage-listed Rippon Lea ballroom, this pop-up is more than just a meal — it’s a celebration of place, provenance and the power of collaboration. The union of two Victorian treasures — the Royal Mail Hotel and Rippon Lea Estate — sets the stage for a three-hour journey that begins with a bespoke cocktail inspired by the estate’s history and gardens, followed by a multi-course seasonal tasting menu with the option to add expertly matched wine pairings.

Seating is strictly limited to preserve the intimacy and elegance of the experience. For those unable to escape to Dunkeld, this is a rare and not-to-be-missed opportunity to taste the best of regional Victoria, right in the heart of the city.

Bookings: Strictly limited availability via Eventbrite

Location: Rippon Lea Estate, 192 Hotham Street Elsternwick, VIC 3185