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 vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.

Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.

1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour

The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP .

Aerial view of Newcastle Harbour. — Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)

2. Underground jazz scene

Follow the lively sound of the saxophone bubbling up to find The Underground . The popular basement-level bar, with its dim lighting and speakeasy aesthetic, schedules live jazz performances every Tuesday and Thursday. Newcastle is known around the country for supporting live music and this late-night New York-style jazz bar is, like the city itself, both approachable and sophisticated. For fans of live music, Queen’s Wharf Hotel , King Street Newcastle , Mad Poet and The Lucky Hotel are all popular pubs for their roster of live music.

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3. The city as a canvas

The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery , adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tour to explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.

Friends take in Newcastle Street Art. — Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. An artist’s view of Newcastle

There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up , which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.

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5. Newcastle after dark

The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude.

A bartender expertly crafting a drink, with a stunning library of spirits in the background. — Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)

6. Indulge in great gastronomy

Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos , through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle . Visit during Newcastle Food Month to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug , Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.

The dining area at Flotilla in Newcastle NSW. — Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)

7. Crystalbrook Kingsley

Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor. Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.

The Roundhouse by Crystalbrook Collection. — Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

8. Newcastle’s creative side on show

Save the date for New Annual , a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October. The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations. Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.

Dancers performing gracefully, accompanied by a live orchestra. — Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.

Plan your next trip to offbeat Newcastle.

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