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Draft:Cuckoo Restaurant

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The Cuckoo Restaurant is a world famous Bavarian themed smorgasboard restaurants and a major tourist stop along the Dandenong Ranges, located in the town of Olinda within the Dandenong Ranges located 41km (40 minutes) east of the Melbourne CBD.

The restaurant is open for lunch on Wednesdays and Thursdays, while Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays offer an extended selection of dining options, including lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner.

A live show and authentic German band perform daily, both during the day and in the evening, creating an energetic and festive atmosphere for guests to enjoy. Whether you're dining or simply visiting, the lively performances add to the unique charm of the experience, with traditional German music and vibrant entertainment that brings a touch of Bavaria to the heart of the Dandenong Ranges.

Managed by Daniela R. and owned by the Koeppen family.

Restaurant Layout

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The restaurant is divided into two distinct sections: the older area, often referred to as the "Old" section, and the newer section, which was built in the 1990s and is commonly called the "New" section. Additionally, there is a function room located beneath the "New" section, offering a versatile space for events.

Old Section

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The "Old" Section is the most historic part of the restaurant, with the exception of the original dwelling on the property. As the largest area within the restaurant, it offers an expansive and open layout that accommodates a variety of dining experiences. This section is home to a generous smorgasbord, allowing guests to indulge in a wide selection of dishes, as well as a prominent band stage that adds to the lively ambiance. A large, cozy fireplace serves as a centerpiece, enhancing the warm and inviting atmosphere of the space. The "Old" Section also seamlessly connects to the dessert area, making it easy for guests to transition from their main meal to a sweet treat, further enriching the dining experience. The combination of its historic charm and spacious design makes this section a favorite among visitors.

New Section

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The "New" Section is a more recent addition to the restaurant, originally a dining deck that was converted into an indoor dining area in the 1990s. This section features a dual fireplace, with signage indicating the "soap of the day" and nearby soaps and plates. It also includes a smaller smorgasbord, offering the same selection as the larger one found in the "Old" Section. The "New" Section seamlessly overlaps with the dessert area and is equipped with its own self-contained restrooms, including a disability-accessible toilet. Additionally, it has a dance floor and a band stage, making it a versatile space for various events.

History Wall

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Conveniently located near the restrooms, a "History Wall" showcases the evolution of the restaurant, highlighting its transformation into the iconic establishment we know today.

Function Room

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The function room section of the restaurant is located beneath the "New" part of the restaurant. This space features its own self-contained stage and bandstand, a grand piano, and multiple seating levels for guests. It also boasts a full smorgasbord, offering a variety of dining options including main courses, desserts, and seafood, as well as dedicated restroom facilities for convenience.

The Birdcage

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The "Birdcage" is a separate section within the function room, designed to provide additional seating for guests. True to its name, it features several birdcages, adding a distinctive charm to the space. The area also includes a self-contained bar, discreetly tucked behind a shutter door.

As of October 2, 2020 (Friday); The "Birdcage" was completely remodelled into a bar and it's original bar repurposed into an addional bathroom for guest, installing a new bar and polishing the original floorboards that used to make up the living quaters of the owners, before the construction of the 'New' area.

The Dungeon

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The "Dungeon" is a section located behind a discreet, fuzzy door, housing several offices for accounting and management staff. It also includes an additional storage room featuring an antique vault, adding a unique touch to the space and rarely seen by guest.

References

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