Whether you’re a seasoned tea-drinker or just a scones and clotted cream lover, the Dandenong Ranges is home to some of the best high tea spots in the state.
The best place to go is Coombe Yarra Valley, where you’ll get a tour of the property and enjoy a delicious tea. Or, try Marybrooke Manor in Sherbrooke for a more lavish experience.
Marybrooke Manor
Marybrooke Manor is a spectacular National Trust listed Tudor style guest house that is located on the edge of Sherbrooke Forest. The venue offers a beautiful gazebo for wedding ceremonies and receptions as well as 20 self-rated four star accommodation suites. It also has a cosy bar and a restaurant where you can enjoy a range of cocktails as well as great food.
There are a number of places in the Dandenongs that offer high teas, and Marybrooke Manor is one of the best. It is a popular choice among visitors and locals, and its quaint location makes it an ideal place to unwind after a long day.
In addition to the high tea, Marybrooke Manor also offers an onsite restaurant and a wine garden where guests can sit and relax. The property features air-conditioned rooms and free private parking is available on site.
The guest rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a kettle, while some units come with a seating area. All rooms have a private bathroom and toilet. Those staying at the property can enjoy access to a fitness centre.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay in the Dandenong Ranges, you will find Marybrooke Manor at 10 Sherbrooke Road. It is 36 km from Melbourne and offers free WiFi.
There is also a free airport shuttle that can be booked with the hotel. The property is close to Olinda and Mornington.
Aside from the high tea, Marybrooke Manor is a great place to get married in the Dandenongs. Its tudor style guest house is a perfect backdrop for your special day and the staff can help you plan your wedding.
The hotel is a short drive from the town center and has free private parking on site. Guests can also use the bicycle rental service to explore the area.
Aside from the high tea, Marybrooke has a number of different packages that you can choose from. They have a gin high tea, bottomless brunch high tea, and more. They are also vegan and gluten-free friendly, so there is something for everyone.
Coombe Yarra Valley
Once the home of Dame Nellie Melba, Coombe Yarra Valley is a property with unrivalled provenance. Seven acres of stunning gardens surround the beautifully appointed facilities in the restored motor house and clock tower, offering a truly unique cultural destination.
With contemporary cuisine, wine and a restaurant on site, it’s easy to see why Coombe Yarra Valley is one of the top places to experience high tea in the dandenongs. The menu is full of mouth-watering finger sandwiches and scones, and a range of decadent desserts. You can also enjoy an exclusive champagne lunch or dinner if you’re feeling especially snazzy.
This country glam venue is in the quaint leafy suburb of Montrose on the way to Mount Dandenong and the Yarra Valley. It’s a sanctuary for tea lovers, with the main tea house and a garden bursting with blooms.
You’ll be spoilt for choice with all the sweet treats here too, with a scrumptious selection of cakes, macarons and boutique chocolates. The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch with an extensive range of savoury options too, making it the perfect place to start your day or stop off for a spot of afternoon tea with friends.
While you’re there, make sure to check out the chocolate factory too! This is where they create all their delicious creations onsite, from truffles to chocolate bars and of course ice cream!
If you want to really push the boat out and spend a full day sampling the best wines in the Yarra Valley, book yourself on a winery tour. This is a great way to get your fix of all the different grapes that go into producing your favourite bottle of wine, plus you’ll learn a bit about the history behind the Yarra Valley and the secrets of winemaking.
The Yarra Valley is known for its iconic pinot noir and sparkling wines, but there are so many other things to taste too. Whether you’re looking for freshwater fish, artisan dairy products or organic fruit and vegetables, there’s something for everyone in the Yarra Valley.
Mary’s High Tea
At the base of the Dandenong Ranges lies a quaint little gem. Mary’s High Tea in Montrose is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional English high tea. The restaurant is run by two ambitious women, Sarah de Witt and Jessica Hillbrick, who were inspired to combine their love of high tea with their culinary skills.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic date spot or a special occasion to celebrate with friends, Mary’s High Tea is sure to be the perfect location! They offer a wide variety of high tea packages to suit any budget and are also open for offsite events.
Start your afternoon on the right foot with a tea sommelier’s signature blend of black tea, roses, calendula and cornflowers. This tea is a refreshing palate cleanser, before you move on to the Royal Albert bone china three-tier stand of savoury and sweet selections.
For a more exotic high tea experience, head to Olinda Tea House & Restaurant in Olinda. This Asian-inspired tea house is surrounded by natural beauty and offers high tea with a twist.
Avonleigh Farm, located in the Tarwin Valley in South Gippsland, is the perfect place to relax in the country and treat yourself to a high tea by the fire. Lovingly baked profiteroles, cakes, scones and finger sandwiches are served with crystal stemware and antique china on silver trays.
One of Australia’s most treasured steam trains, Puffing Billy is a must-visit when in the Dandenong Ranges. The century-old train is an enchanting way to experience the natural landscape of the region.
The enticing menu is filled with a wide variety of international dishes, but don’t miss out on the vegan high tea. The tier stand contains 3 layers of food, with the first layer containing chocolate & raspberry mousse balls, raw citric, and coconut cheesecake.
There’s also a savoury tier with mushroom and lemon bruschetta, crustless savoury sandwiches, mini burgers, and arepas.
After finishing your high tea, venture outside for a stroll through the beautiful gardens of the NGV. The stunning gardens are a feast for the senses and are constantly changing with the seasons.
Adelphi Hotel
Whether you’re a local or a traveler, high tea is a must-try experience. A classic English tradition, it’s a great way to start your day! There are many places to enjoy high tea in Melbourne, but a few stand out.
If you’re looking for a truly iconic hotel experience, look no further than the Adelphi Hotel. This upper-middle-range landmark in the heart of Liverpool features Old World architectural designs and opulent antiques; suites offer four-poster beds and whirlpool tubs.
The hotel also hosts a variety of events, including weddings and conferences. It is family friendly and offers a range of services to suit all tastes.
There are 34 enchanting rooms in the hotel, which feature cherry-inspired lamps and liquorice allsorts stools. The quirky design is sure to attract the young and old alike.
While you’re there, don’t miss the Om Nom Kitchen and Mon Bijou event space. You’ll find a unique take on high tea and a delectable dessert menu that will keep your taste buds in a tizzy.
For a more high-end experience, book yourself in for the Royal Set, which includes salted caramel & hazelnut mini gateau, Lychee mousse & raspberry compote, chantilly, cherry and pistachio mini gateau and a vanilla white chocolate Mont Blanc. You’ll also get a glass of Veuve Clicquot and coffee or tea.
You can also try the Pavilion High Tea at Mansion Hotel Werribee Park, which features all the traditional elements of a tea and is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30pm. It’s $85 per person and includes a glass of Mumm Champagne.
If you’re a fan of classic high tea, you can also enjoy it at The Conservatory at Crown Melbourne. This sophisticated restaurant serves a variety of savoury and sweet treats, and the view will leave you wowed.
The high tea is accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine or espresso coffee, and there are plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options available. The hotel also has a spa and a fitness center. Its location is perfect for travelers who want to explore the surrounding area.