Best Places For a Decadent High Tea in Newcastle

Scones, petit fours and (of course) a perfectly brewed tea. Decadent high tea experiences are something Newcastle does well.

You may not associate Newcastle with high tea, but given its kilometres of shoreline and proximity to the Hunter Valley foodie scene, it makes complete sense that this leisurely dining pastime can be found in abundance.

Whether you prefer to immerse yourself in paddocks and gardens, the soothing sound of waves lapping the beach or the warmth of a cosy cafe, there is a high tea experience in Newcastle with your name on it.

1. Heritage Gardens

a three-tiered tray filled with sweets and pastries on the table at Heritage Gardens, Newcastle — Pair your tea with a dazzling array of sweets.

Stunning Newcastle nursery Heritage Gardens is beautiful just to stroll through and now offers a high tea experience inside their immersive garden cafe. The traditional three-tier high tea stand is filled with sandwiches and sweets, accompanied by fruit spritzes and various T2 teas or coffee. If you’re looking to book a group experience, the rustic Tea House takes function and special event high tea bookings, too.

Address: New England Hwy and Cnr Four Mile Creek Rd, Ashtonfield NSW
Cost: From $65 per person

2. Autumn Rooms

the tea room at Autumn Rooms, Newcastle — Squeeze in afternoon tea at Autumn Rooms.

Though technically a bottomless brunch (and priced accordingly), the traditional fare and array of Tea Collective teas make Autumn Rooms a must. Enjoy savoury and sweet treats from a seasonal menu, served alongside bottomless mimosas, coffee, tea and juice. The (bottomless) high tea runs every Saturday from 12pm until 2pm.

Address: 127 Darby St, Cooks Hill NSW
Cost: $95 per person

3. Anchorage

cheese platter at Anchorage, Newcastle — A tasty cheese platter in Anchorage is perfect for tea time. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another well-loved location for long lunches and stylish dinners in Port Stephens, Anchorage also hosts High Tea By The Sea daily between 2.30pm and 4.30pm. The menu is seasonal, featuring savoury pastries and sweet delights, plus bottomless T2 teas and Australian sparkling wine. Given the restaurant was recently awarded Best Restaurant in a Hotel or Resort at the R&CA Savour Awards, expect nothing less than high quality.

Address: 26 Corlette Point Rd, Corlette NSW
Cost: $79 per person

4. B Farm

high tea at Agnes High Tea Pavilion, B Farm, Newcastle, NSW — Indulge at the Agnes High Tea Pavilion, B Farm.

Although not in Newcastle, this nearby Port Stephens vineyard is worth a visit. It may already be on your radar thanks to its craft brewery and beer garden, but keep it in mind for high tea, too. Held in the dedicated Agnes High Tea Pavilion , which was modelled after the British country estate aesthetic, you’ll find traditional high tea delicacies served on fine bone china, accompanied by wine or Rabbit Hole tea, plus the farm’s own coffee and cordials.

Address: 3443 Nelson Bay Rd, Port Stephens NSW
Cost: From $75 per person

5. Gamble & Brown

Gamble & Brown high tea in Newcastle, NSW — Dip into sweet and savour treats at Gamble & Brown.

On the first Sunday of each month, local favourite Gamble & Brown hosts a scrumptious high tea event worth participating in. For an affordable price, you’ll be greeted with Champagne on arrival, house-made savoury and sweet bites, scones and unlimited tea and coffee. You’ll need to book ahead though, as the event does sell out quickly.

Address: 10/150 Park Ave, Kotara NSW
Cost: $70 per person

6. Rydges Newcastle

Rydges Newcastle hosts High Tea By The Harbour, featuring the classic three-tiered stand stacked high with cakes, pastries, scones and sandwiches. You’ll have a fantastic view of the Newcastle harbour area, and for those with little ones, there’s also a children’s-only high tea option so they can enjoy the experience, too!

Address: Cnr Wharf Rd and Merewether St, Newcastle NSW
Cost: $65 per adult; $29 per child

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 of the best places for a decadent high tea in Newcastle