6 Exquisite High Teas In The Blue Mountains

Top off your afternoon with one of these Blue Mountains high teas, whether you seek a luxurious setting with sprawling mountain views or a cosy teahouse complete with fireplace.

When we think of high tea, we may think of a glamourous affair where we dress in our best, sip Champagne and eat dainty sandwiches. But high tea can be just as sweet in a humble teahouse that bakes scones as nanna once did or served with cocktails instead of Devonshire – and the Blue Mountains offers them all. However you take your cuppa, these six high teas in the Blue Mountains will hit your tastebuds.

1. The Wintergarden, Hydro Majestic, Medlow Bath

This grand afternoon ceremony at the Hydro Majestic could be considered the most luxurious Blue Mountains high tea. The daily afternoon tea offering is served in The Wintergarden, which is elegant with white tablecloths, golden-hued velvet dining chairs, decorative carpets and heavy curtains that frame a sweeping vista of the Megalong Valley. In the winter months, the fireplaces keep the restaurant cosy.

an aerial view of The Wintergarden, Hydro Majestic, Medlow Bath in Megalong Valley — Sweeping views of the Megalong Valley surround the Hydro Majestic Hotel. (Image: Destination NSW)

There are four high tea menus to choose from, all served on three-tiered silver stands. There’s the traditional high tea with petite sandwiches and scones; an eastern high tea featuring steamed dumplings and rice paper rolls; a gluten-free option and a children’s high tea where sweet treats and pikelets are served.

Couple enjoying the views at Hydro Majestic Wintergarden High Tea — Take your pick from a variety of themed high teas at the Hydro Majestic. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Choose to pair with tea, Australian sparkling wine or French Champagne. Tea Blossoms are also available; delicate floral arrangements that unfurl in hot water like works of art. Bookings are essential as this is a popular experience.

the white building exterior of The Wintergarden, Hydro Majestic, Medlow Bath in Megalong Valley — Step into the opulent Hydro Majestic for a delectable high tea experience. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. AVALON, Katoomba

Nestled on the main street, the dress circle of the 1930s Savoy Theatre has been converted into one of the most charming restaurants in Katoomba, AVALON Restaurant & Cocktail Bar . Every weekend the Art Deco dining room – which is filled with an assortment of antiques and theatre-themed curios – is host to a high tea from midday, where petite sandwiches and fluffy lemonade scones are served up with views of Leura and the Jamison Valley.

the interior of AVALON, Katoomba with views of Leura and the Jamison Valley — Take in views of the Jamison Valley while eating fluffy lemonade scones.

Choose from the sparkling high tea that comes with a glass of bubbles, prosecco or Moscato as well as premium local tea or coffee, or mix things up with the Gin & Tea in the gin parlour, located in the theatre lobby, where teapots are filled with gin cocktails.

the high tea venue inside AVALON, Katoomba — Partake in an indulgent high tea experience in the Art Deco dining room.

3. Victoria Tea Rooms, Mt Victoria

Located in Mt Victoria, just north of Blackheath, the high tea at Victoria Tea Rooms is hosted by owner Jacqueline Cairney who is also a member of the CWA, which speaks volumes for the fluffy scones that are pulled fresh from the oven every 40 minutes.

The homely tearoom is filled with eclectic furniture and bric-a-brac and there’s a roaring fireplace for the cooler months. Indulge in the famous scones, finger sandwiches that are fat with fillings along with pots of Devonshire tea. Bookings are essential at least 24 hours in advance.

4. The Restaurant, Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, Leura

The Fairmont Resort in Leura is known for its extensive guest offerings, from a golf course to a day spa to an array of kids’ experiences. And, of course, this all-encompassing resort also has a daily high tea service. The afternoon dining experience is served in The Restaurant ; the venue is simple in style, but all eyes are on the panoramic views of the sprawling Jamison Valley and the Blue Mountains’ iconic sandstone escarpments beyond.

Autumnal trees surround the Fairmont property in Leura — The Fairmont Resort delivers the perfect setting for an elegant high tea. (Image: James Horan; Destination NSW)

The delectable high tea offerings are served on tiered trays, with the choice of sparkling wine, Champagne, loose leaf La Maison Du Thé or Vittoria Coffee. The traditional high tea is a mix of finger sandwiches, English scones and other pretty sweets and there’s a children’s menu as well. There are two seatings available daily and it must be pre-booked at least 48 hours in advance.

a close-up of food on the plate at The Restaurant, Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, Leura — Follow up a delectable high tea with indulgent food offerings at The Restaurant, Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains.

5. Bygone Beautys, Leura

In the charming village of Leura, Bygone Beautys is so much more than a tearoom – it’s also a treasured teapot museum, filled with some 5500 teapots that span five centuries and were collected mainly from Australia but also from other parts of the world.

In the adjacent tearoom, which is decorated with an assortment of teapots, your waiter donned in top hat and tail serves your tea with all the pomp and circumstance you’d expect from a traditional high tea of a bygone era. Delivered on a silver tray with fine bone china, the menu includes crustless sandwiches, homemade tea cakes and – of course – scones with freshly whipped cream and strawberry jam. Sip on house tea or coffee or upgrade your experience to a ‘supreme’ version with bubbly alongside hot bites including mini quiches and sausage rolls. Bookings are essential for this quirky and quaint experience rolled into one.

6. Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa

Historic homestead turned romantic hotel, Lilianfels serves a daily high tea in both the light-filled Orangery restaurant with its chequerboard tiles and views of the leafy gardens, and the Lounge, which has a rich ambience with a mahogany bar, lounges and fireplaces. The tiered trays are served with housemade scones, petite pastries and finger sandwiches complemented by tea or coffee, or a glass of bubbles or French champagne.

the elegant interior of Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa — The grandness of Lilianfels is the perfect setting for a refined high tea.

And while this intimate stay is the perfect place to secret away to with your loved one, children are welcome and are served a special high tea including pikelets and fairy bread. Bookings are essential.

For more inspiration and planning advice, read our travel guide to the Blue Mountains.

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

6 spots for the most exquisite high tea in the Blue Mountains