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.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

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