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 glamorous affair where we dress in our best, imbibe 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. The Blue Mountains offers them all, and a relaxed afternoon nibbling and sipping is one of the best things to do in the region.

However you take your cuppa – or bubbles – these high teas in the Blue Mountains will thrill your tastebuds.

In short

If you only enjoy high tea at one place in the Blue Mountains, make it The Wintergarden at the Hydro Majestic. This historic, 1900s Medlow Bath hotel is a must-visit icon of the region. Even if you’re not staying the night here, you can enjoy its old-world charm and stunning vistas with an elegant high tea experience.

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.

There are three 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; and a children’s high tea where sweet treats and pikelets are served.

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 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 two weekend high tea services every Saturday and Sunday at 12pm and 1pm. 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.

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.

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 served in crystal flutes alongside hot bites including mini quiches and sausage rolls. Bookings are essential for this quirky and quaint experience rolled into one.

Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa

Historic homestead turned romantic hotel, Lilianfels serves a daily high tea between 11am and 3pm in the Lounge, which has a rich ambience with a mahogany bar, lounges and fireplaces. The tiered trays are served with housemade scones, sweet and savoury pastries and finger sandwiches complemented by tea or coffee, or a glass of Australian sparkling or French Champagne.

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 caramel slice and fairy bread. Bookings are essential.