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

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

6 of the best places for a decadent high tea in Newcastle