Few activities in the Blue Mountains are more decadent and relaxing as sipping hot tea and nibbling on pastries and scones. Luckily the Blue Mountains has a number of venues that serve High Tea that rival even the finest British establishments! Here are some of my favourites.

High Tea at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa

Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa is a small hotel situated in Katoomba, with old world charm. It’s quite fancy and not the type of place you’d stumble into for a drink after a day’s bushwalking.

I often find parts of the Blue Mountains to be a bit frenetic, especially during peak times. But Lilianfels is like an oasis of calm.

In the afternoon, (well from 11am – 5pm to be precise), it serves a delightful High Tea. And you don’t need to be staying at Lilianfels to indulge.

High tea is served in the cozy Lounge Bar. The set up is somewhat unusual in that you can sit at a table or on one of the plush lounges. In the winter, the couch by the fire place is the spot to be!  It is a bit like being in a wealthy, older relative’s loungeroom.

We sat on a table, which if I’m being honest, was a little squishy for 2 adults and 2 kids as you can see from the photo above. Next time, I would probably request one of the lounges so we could spread out a bit.

The High Tea comes out on stands with 3 tiers and includes all the usual suspects – sweets, savouries and delicious scones. Be aware that if you are ordering High Tea for 2 people, it will come out on one stand. You can also order off the main menu if someone in your party doesn’t like high tea (like my youngest who only wanted to eat chips!).

The cost of High Tea at Lilianfels is $65 per person (kids are $40). This includes a pot of tea of your choice. However if you want champagne with your high tea, you need to pay extra. We found the servings at Lilianfel’s High Tea to be VERY generous. We really did struggle to finish it all and we are big eaters.  My advice would be to come hungry and plan to spend a few hours here, you will need it to be able to get through the big servings. My one criticism is that the High Tea is a bit sweet heavy. I’m more of a one pastry and done person. I would have preferred more savoury options.

I’ve been a couple of times to Lilianfels with my two young kids and it is always a pleasant experience. They love getting dressed up and experiencing the opulence of Lilianfels. I also think it is great the way they get their own, mini high tea stand, complete with fairy bread and macaroons if they order the High Tea and not chips!

The Service is what you’d expect in a fancy establishment, although on my last visit our waitress seemed to be in training and there was a bit of a language barrier. This didn’t bother us at all but she did need to defer to the more experience waiter frequently.  

I’ve noticed that High Tea at Lilianfels it is very popular with groups of women, probably up from Sydney for a girls’ day out. They seem to gravitate to the comfy couches and settle in for High Tea and a long chat.

Unfortunately, there are no majestic views from The Lounge Bar. However after High Tea you can have a wander around Lilianfel’s beautiful grounds. It is also a short walk to Echo Point and the 3 Sisters (around 10 minutes). My top tip is to avoid the hassle and expense of parking at Echo Point and just leave the car parked at Lilianfels. I like to burn off some of the calories I just consumed by walking to Echo Point. 

The gorgeous views from Echo Point – just a short stroll from Lilianfels

Lilianfels’ outdoor pool

Lilianfels’ High Tea – all the details

How much does High Tea at Lilianfels’ cost?

• Adult from $65
• Child from $40

There is an option to add on alcohol for an additional charge.

Lilianfel’s address

5-19 Lilianfels Avenue Katoomba NSW, 2780 Ph 02 4780 1200. Website

Lilianfel’s High Tea opening hours

11:00am – 5:00pm

What’s the dress code at Lilianfels?

Most people are dressed smart casual for High Tea at Lilianfels.

Is there parking at Lilianfels?

Yes there is free parking for guests (including for those dropping by for high tea).

Does Lilianfel’s High Tea have gluten free or vegan options?

Yes, but it is best to advise them of any dietary requirements at the time of booking

How far is Lilianfels from Sydney?

Lilianfels is situated in Katoomba, about an hour and a half drive from Sydney.

Can I catch public transport to Lilianfels?

That depends on whether you are a keen walker. From Katoomba station, it is about a half an hour walk.

 Is Lilianfels’ High Tea kid friendly?

They do have a kids’ high tea at $40 per child so kids are well catered for. You also have the option of ordering off the menu if you have fussy eaters.  If your kids are well behaved, you won’t have any issues. I’d say that if your kids are a bit more on the rambunctious side, you might get some snarky looks from other patrons who are there to soak up the ambience. There is an outdoor grassed patio area just off the lounge where you could take kids who get a bit bored of sitting still.

A close up of the kids’ high tea

High Tea at the Hydro Majestic

The Hydro Majestic is a grand, heritage listed art deco hotel with an interesting history. Situated in Medlow Bath on the side of a highway, it is about 20 mins drive from Katoomba up the mountain.

I’ve visited the Hydro Majestic about 10 times over the years and each time it seems to be in a state of redevelopment. One thing that never seems to change however are the magnificent views from the Wintergarden Restaurant where High Tea is served. The High Tea (starting at $60 per person) is fine with the usual scones, sweet pastries and sandwiches served on a tiered stand but it is the jaw dropping views over the Megalong Valley that really attract the crowds.  The view even kept my two kids enthralled for a good chunk of time. You’ll be able to see the spectacular view of the valley from many of the tables in the Wintergarden restaurant but try and score a table right next to the window if you can.  

When we last visited, I did find the service a little off. Nothing major, just a little absent but perhaps they were having a bad day. But the stunning views more than make up for any minor issues.

Just like Lilianfels, if you are ordering high tea for 2 people, it will come out on one stand. There is also an Asian high tea (starting at $65 per person) you can order which is great if you don’t like a lot of sweets. Kids are also well catered for with the kids’ high tea ($40 per child). There is also the option of getting a tea blossom for an additional $8. My kids love watching the blossom unfold in the hot water.

After High Tea, we like to wander around the hotel and admire the architecture. There are also amazing views from outside the hotel building. If you are looking for gifts, you also check out the Pavilion next door which sells things like scarfs, books, perfume, soap and jewellery etc. 

High Tea at the Hydro Majestic – all the details

How much does High Tea at the Hydro Majestic cost?

Monday – Friday

High Tea $60.00 per person. Deluxe High Tea $75.00 per person including a glass of Australian sparkling wine.  Luxurious High Tea $85.00 per person including a flute of French Champagne.  Eastern High Tea $65.00 per person. Eastern Deluxe High Tea $80.00 per person including a glass of Australian sparkling wine.  Eastern Luxurious High Tea $90.00 per person including a flute of French Champagne.  Children’s High Tea $40.00 per child (aged 3 to 12 years)

Weekends (Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays and School Holidays)

High Tea $70.00 per person). Deluxe High Tea $85.00 per person including a glass of Australian sparkling wine. Luxurious High Tea $95.00 per person including a flute of French Champagne.  Eastern High Tea $75.00 per person. Eastern Deluxe High Tea $90.00 per person including a glass of Australian sparkling wine.  Eastern Luxurious High Tea $95.00 per person including a flute of French Champagne. Children’s High Tea $40.00 per child (aged 3 to 12 years).

The Hydro Majestic’s address

52/88 Great Western Hwy, Medlow Bath NSW 2780. Ph: +612 4782 6885 reservations@hydromajestic.com.au. Website

The Hydro Majestic’s High Tea opening hours

Mon – Sun: 11.00am – 3.00pm (Last orders at 3:30 pm)

What’s the dress code at the Hydro Majestic?

Most people are dressed smart casual for High Tea.

Is there parking at the Hydro Majestic?

Yes there is free parking for guests (including for those dropping by for High Tea).

Does the Hydro Majestic have a gluten free High Tea option?

Yes they do.

How far is the Hydro Majestic from Sydney?

The Hydro Majestic is about an hour and a half drive from Sydney.

Can I catch public transport to the Hydro Majestic?

Yes, the Hydro Majestic is about a 3 minute walk from Medlow Bath station (be sure to check the train timetable though, as the trains tend to be infrequent).

Is the Hydro Majestic kid friendly?

They do have a kids’ high tea at $40 per child so kids are well catered for. Just like with Lilianfels, I’d say that the High Tea is not really suitable for kids who kids who don’t like to sit still for too long.

High Tea at Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum & Tearooms 

Bygone Beautys is a cute little shop devoted to all things tea. The décor, adorned with vintage lace, porcelain teacups, and antique furniture, creates an ambiance that feels like a page out of history.  It also sells collectables and antiques and claims to have the largest private collection of teawares. Like a lot of places in the Blue Mountains, it has an old worldly charm and of all the places to get high tea in the Blue Mountains, Bygone Beautys would be the most unique!

High Tea at Bygone Beautys is definitely more kitsch than any of the other places to have high tea in the Blue Mountains. We were shocked when our High Tea was  rolled out to us on a trolly by a waiter in a top hat while they played  The Land of Hope & Glory. We chose the Tradition High Tea which was delicious, with more of a home-made feel. My only criticism is that I would have preferred more savoury items rather than just sandwiches.

After High Tea, you can also visit the small but extensive tea pot museum (for $5.50). The museum is basically a large collection of tea pots, some dating back to the 1800s which you can purchase. The $5.50 fee is deducted off the price of anything you decide to purchase (including the High Tea).

A word of warning though – I do find it a bit stressful going into the shop with my kids. The shop is cluttered and I’m always afraid they are going to break something!

Note that each High Tea seating is limited to 1.5 hours at Bygone Beautys.

High Tea at Bygone Beautys – all the details

What is the cost of High Tea at Bygone Beautys?

Traditional High Tea $59.50 per person, $35 per child under 12 years, $24.50 per child under 5 years. You can also bring your own champagne ($3.30 corkage fee per person). Supreme High Tea: $79.50 per person, $45 per child under 12 year, $35.00 per child under 5 years.

Bygone Beautys’ address

20-22 Grose St, Leura (02) 4784 3117 https://www.bygonebeautys.com.au/

Bygone Beauty’s opening hours

10 am – 5.30 everyday. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Note that the last sitting for Traditional High Tea is 4.00pm on weekdays and 4.30pm on weekends. Each sitting is for 1.5 hours.

Can you take public transport to Bygone Beauties?

Yes, Bygone Beautys is a shortish walk (about 7 minutes) from Leura station. 

How far is Bygone Beautys from Sydney?

Bygone Beautys is located in Leura, about an hour and a half drive from Sydney.

Is there parking at Bygone Beautys?

Yes, Bygone Beautys has its own parking lot.

Does Bygone Beautys High Tea have gluten free options?

Yes, although there is a surcharge of $6.60 per person (for the Traditional High Tea) or $9.90 Per Person (for the Supreme High Tea) for Gluten Free requirements.

You are best of booking ahead if you have any dietary requirements.

What’s the dress code at Bygone Beautys?

As the tea room is essentially part of a shop, you can pretty much dress as casually as you like.

Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains

The Fairmont Resort in Leura also offers High Tea for both guests and visitors. Starting at $49 for traditional High Tea ($25 for kids), it is a little cheaper than the high teas at either Lilianfels or the Hydro Majestic.  You can see the menu here.

The Fairmont resort is more family orientated that either Lilianfels or the Hydro Majestic, so if you have young kids that find it hard to sit still, the Fairmont Resort might be a better option for High Tea. It also has large grounds (including a golf course) that are fun to explore. 

You might even want to do the 45 minute walk to the gorgeous Sublime Point Lookout after high tea to burn off some calories.

High tea at the Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – all the details

What is the cost of High Tea at the Fairmont?

Traditional High Tea $49 per person. Sparkling High Tea $55 per person. Champagne High Tea $65 per person. Kids High Tea $25 per person

Note that 48-hour booking notice is required for high tea.

Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains address

1 Sublime Point Road, Leura. Tel: +61 2 4785 0000 Website

Fairmont opening hours

There are 2 seatings for High Tea – at 12pm and 2pm.

What’s the dress code at the Fairmont?

Most people are dressed pretty casually for High Tea.

Is there parking at the Fairmont?

Yes there is free parking for guests (including for those dropping by for high tea).

Does the Fairmont have a gluten free High Tea option?

Yes they do.

How far is the Fairmont from Sydney?

The Fairmont is about an hour and 20 minutes drive from Sydney.

Can I catch public transport to the Fairmont?

Yes if you are a keen walker! The Fairmont is about a half an hour walk from Leura station.

 Is the Fairmont kid friendly?

They do have a kids’ High Tea so kids are well catered for. The hotel is very family friendly so most kids will be okay.

Avalon, Katoomba

The Avalon Katoomba is in a quaint, old theatre in Katoomba. The quirky décor and deliberately mismatched furniture really adds to the vintage vibe of the place.

Their High Tea is served on weekends from 12 pm in their art-deco dining room. Try and score a window seat so that you can drink your tea and enjoy the views over Leura and the Jamison Valley.

I love the way the Avalon has a twist on the tradition High Tea with its cheeky Gin & Tea (basically the usual High Tea but with tea pots filled with gin cocktails rather than tea).

High Tea at the Avalon, Katoomba – all the details

What is the cost of High Tea at Avalon, Katoomba?

$65 per person (includes champagne, prosecco, pink moscato or non-alcoholic sparkling wine)/ $79 per person (includes glass teapots filled with gin cocktails rather than tea).

What is the address of Avalon, Katoomba?

18 Katoomba St, Katoomba +61 2 4782 5532 https://www.avalonkatoomba.com.au/

Avalon, Katoomba’s opening hours

High Tea is served every weekend from 12pm.

What is the dress code for Avalon, Katoomba?

You could definitely dress up for High Tea at Avalon but I find Katoomba to be pretty chill. So you would not be out of place even if you dressed quite casually.

Is there parking at the Avalon, Katoomba?

No, if you are lucky, you might get street parking nearby. Be aware that on the weekends, Katoomba gets very busy, even busier than some parts of Sydney. If you can’t get street parking, you can pay to park in the Coles/ Woolworths carparks, which are a short walk away.

 Can you take public transport to Avalon, Katoomba?

Yes, Avalon, Katoomba is very close to Katoomba station.