The Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Australia are known for their stunning views and lush forests. As a contrast to these natural beauties, a Blue Mountains High Tea experience is a lovely way to rest and restore after a spot of hiking. These generally luxurious affairs provide an opportunity for you to savour traditional scones, sandwiches, pastries, and a variety of teas amidst breathtaking scenery. If you are looking for the best high tea in the Blue Mountains to indulge on your next visit read on.. we have put them to the test! 

Whether you’re a fan of traditional English settings or prefer a modern twist, the offerings in mountains will not disappoint.

To create our guide, we consumed many calories and hiked many miles to work them all off. We hope this will help you select the best high tea experience for your visit.

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What makes the Blue Mountains such a special place for high tea?

Afternoon tea in the Blue Mountains became popular in the late 19th century when the railway line was extended to the area, making it more accessible to tourists and visitors from Sydney.

The tradition of afternoon tea was already well-established in England at the time, and it quickly caught on as a way for visitors to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.

High Tea is more than just a meal; it’s a tradition that allows you to indulge in a variety of teas paired with a delightful assortment of pastries, sandwiches, and sweets while basking in the stunning mountain scenery.

What makes an afternoon tea in the mountains a special experience is:

• Scenic Beauty: The Blue Mountains offer an incredible backdrop for enjoying your afternoon tea. The landscape’s scale and beauty enhance the experience, making it a truly memorable occasion.
  
• Delicious Treats: High tea is a culinary delight. Traditional scones, finger sandwiches, and an array of intricate pastries and cakes are served to complement your chosen tea.
  
• Relaxing Atmosphere: High tea is a leisurely affair, allowing you to unwind and relax. The serene environment of Blue Mountains coupled with the comforting warmth of a teacup makes for an incredibly soothing experience.
  

Why not spend the morning checking out some secret spots on a tour with Wombat? It’s the perfect way to build up your appetite!

Is it High Tea or Afternoon tea?

These days, the terms high tea and afternoon tea are often used interchangeably, but they were actually two different things. 

• Afternoon tea is a light meal that is typically served between 3 pm and 5 pm. It consists of tea, sandwiches, scones, and pastries. It was originally created in the 19th century by the Duchess of Bedford, who found herself hungry in the afternoon and started having tea and snacks to tide her over until dinner.

Afternoon tea became a social event for the upper class in England, and it was served on low tables with comfortable chairs or sofas.

• High tea, on the other hand, is traditionally a more substantial meal that is served later in the day, usually between 5 pm and 7 pm. High tea originated among the working class in England, who would have it after finishing their day’s work. It is served on a high table with regular dining chairs.

Both options are available in the Blue Mountains and the high tea prices vary depending on the location and the type of experience you choose. On average, prices range from $35 to $85 per person.

Many of the high tea experiences in the mountains offer a tiered system of pricing, with basic packages starting at a lower price point and more elaborate packages at a higher price point.

Some high tea experiences may also offer additional add-ons, such as champagne or cocktails, which can increase the overall price.

Beautiful High Tea experiences in the Blue Mountains

There are so many options for tea here, from the classic English style afternoon tea at The Wintergarden to the unique experience at Bygone Beauty’s Treasured Teapot Museum & Tearooms. If you prefer a more modern twist 

Hydro Majestic Hotel High Tea in the Wintergarden

The Hydro Majestic Hotel in Medlow Bath is one of the most popular locations in the Blue Mountains for high tea. If you want to experience stunning views while sipping on your tea, this is the place! 

The hotel offers a traditional afternoon tea experience in the Wintergarden room, which features stunning panoramic views overlooking part of the Megalong Valley. The hotel offers both a traditional high tea experience, but you can also indulge in traditional high tea experience with a modern twist.

Indulge in the Eastern High Tea selection, a culinary journey through the Orient. Savour the delights of Steamed Eastern Dumplings, the rich flavours of Crab Claw, and the refreshing Prawn & Vegetarian Rice Paper Roll. Relish the fusion of East and West with a Soft Taco stuffed with succulent Pork Belly and a tantalising array of both Eastern and Western Desserts.

To complete your high tea experience, choose your preferred brew from a selection of tea or coffee.

They also offer gluten-free high tea and a special kids’ high tea service. 

The hotel’s stunning views of the Megalong Valley make it a great location for a special occasion.

When: Mon-Fri 11:00am – 3:00pm / Sat – Sun 10:30am – 3:00pm
Where: Wintergarden at Hydro Majestic Hotel 52-88 Great Western Highway Medlow Bath
Cost: $60.00 pp. for high tea,  $75.00 pp. with a flute of Sparkling Wine or $85.00 pp. with a flute of French Champagne

The Avalon: High Tea in Katoomba

The Avalon, located in Katoomba’s beautiful art deco Savoy building, offers a unique High Tea experience with a stunning view of Leura and Jamison Valley. 

Enjoy a three-tiered stand filled with decadent sweet treats, including cakes, sandwiches, and pastries, highlighted by their fresh lemonade-flavoured scones served with homemade jam and cream. 

This is a comforting array of your nana’s favourite treats. Your tea is served with a sparkling beverage of your choice and paired with a brew from the Blue Mountains Tea Company or a coffee from the Blue Mountains Coffee Roasters.

Vegetarian and gluten-free options available on request.

When:  Saturday & Sunday: 12pm – 2pm * bookings are essential 
Where: Savoy Building 18 Katoomba St, Katoomba
Cost: $65pp

Bygone Beauty’s Treasured Teapot Museum and Tearooms Leura

If you are looking for a unique tea experience in the Blue Mountains, it’s hard to beat the afternoon tea offered at The Bygone Beauty’s Teapot Museum and Tearooms.

The tearooms are decorated with antiques and vintage items curated by Maurice Cooper OAM, (better known as The Teapot Man or Mr Teapot) and include a collection of over 5,500 teapots from around the world, providing a quaint ambiance for your experience. 

The decor is inspired by the Victorian era, with antique furnishings, floral wallpaper, and delicate china teapots. Once you have finished your tea, browse the museum’s extensive collection of teapots. 

The menu includes a selection of sandwiches, scones, and cakes, as well as a wide range of rich loose leaf teas to choose from.

For a fun experience, we suggest their Traditional High Tea, which we sampled on a recent visit. 

As the harmonious strains of ‘The Land of Hope & Glory’ fill the air, you’ll be served your tea by a distinguished server, donned in a top hat and tails. This lavish treat, presented with a flourish of pomp and circumstance, is served silver-service style delicately presented on a triple-tier cake stand with fine bone china and quality cotton afternoon tea serviettes.

Enjoy finely rolled crustless sandwiches, an assortment of homemade tea cakes and biscuits, topped off with homemade baby scones with freshly whipped cream and strawberry jam and accompanied by your choice of freshly brewed speciality teas or coffee.

The tea rooms also offer a range of tea-related gifts and souvenirs.

Tip: not in the mood for a full afternoon tea? Simple Devonshire teas (scones with homemade jam and cream) are also available.

When: Open 10am-5pm
Where: Cnr Grose & Megalong Streets Leura
Cost: Traditional High Tea $59.50pp, children Under 12 Years $35.00, Under 5 Years $24.50 (if you’re brave!) Gluten-free option is available at an extra charge. Supreme High tea – which included additional hot savoury items and champagne is $20 extra. You can also BYO sparkling wine for $3.30pp. 

Fairmont Resort Leura High Tea

The luxurious Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains in Leura sits on the edge of the Blue Mountains National Park, offering you some of the most spectacular views as you enjoy your tea.

The afternoon tea experience here offers understated elegance and a warm ambience. Petit pastries and traditional homemade scones with fresh cream with tea by La Maison Du The and Vittoria Coffee.

The hotel is surrounded by lush gardens and natural bushland, giving you plenty to explore when you have enjoyed your tea.

When: Two Seatings: 12:00pm & 2:00 pm *48-hour booking notice is required
Where: 1 Sublime Point Road Leura
Cost: Traditional High Tea $49pp / Sparkling High Tea $55pp / Champagne High Tea $65pp, Kids High Tea $25pp

Victoria Tea Rooms Mount Victoria

Imagine the irresistible scent of freshly baked scones filling the air every 40 minutes. These vintage-style sweet treats are sure to stir memories of your grandmother’s comforting baking. But these freshly baked scones and cakes are no ordinary treats, they’re lovingly created by award-winning CWA bakers, a clear endorsement of their unrivalled quality.

When we recently visited the Victoria Tea Rooms to sample their scones and say hi to the new owners were we were stuck by the passion that Mark and Jacqueline have for giving this community and those who visit high quality, hearty food at affordable prices.

For decades Jacqueline travelled the world in search of the best-ever High Tea experience. She found it in London, Singapore, Paris, Napie,r and Auckland (NZ), as well as in Battle and Harrogate in the U.K. With their stunning landscapes as a backdrop, the high tea offerings here provide an unmatched experience.

When: 10am – 5pm
Where: 26 Station Street, Mount Victoria

Things you need to know about tea in the Blue Mountains

Do I need to make a reservation for the Blue Mountains High Tea? High tea in the mountains is a popular activity, particularly on weekends, so we recommend you book directly with the venue at least a few days in advance. 

Is there a dress code for the Blue Mountains High Tea? Given that the mountains attract lots of active travellers, you will find that dressing up for tea is not as essential as it is in say Sydney. I would suggest you might feel most comfortable in hiking gear at Bygone Beauties while for high tea at any of the hotels, smart casual might be a better choice, but I doubt you would be turned away in any clean attire. 

What is the ambiance like at the Blue Mountains High Tea? Each venue offers a slightly different ambience from quirky to romantic. Hydro Majestic’s grand winter garden is quite breathtaking, but the warm and casual experience at Mount Victoria is just as special.

Is the Blue Mountains High Tea family-friendly? Absolutely, in fact, some places have Children’s menus. I might not take small kids to Bygone Beauties, there are teapots and lovely treasured items all around the rooms and the temptation to touch (or break) may prove too great! 

What is the views like at Blue Mountains High Tea locations? The Fairmont and Hydro Majestic offer valley views that are nothing short of breathtaking. 

Find more fun things to do in the Blue Mountains for your next visit

• 33 Blue Mountains Lookouts
• 12 Short Blue Mountains walks
• 50 Things to do in the Blue Mountains
• Where to Stay in the Blue Mountains

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