Vintage High Tea Picnic at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Experience the beauty and heritage of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens with a private Vintage High Tea Picnic overlooking Lake Wendouree.
Inspired by Victorian-era garden leisure traditions, this Hidden Lanes experience invites guests to slow down and enjoy the gardens through elegant vintage styling, fine teaware, and a peaceful outdoor setting. Each picnic begins with a brief storytelling welcome sharing the rich social traditions of picnicking in the gardens and the history of Lake Wendouree.
Perfect for visitors wanting a memorable way to experience one of Ballarat’s most iconic historic landscapes. The picnic is available as a morning tea or lunch experience, with locally prepared and sourced high tea–style catering - selected to reflect the region’s food culture.
Experience the Ballarat Botanical Gardens in a Truly Special Way
The Ballarat Botanical Gardens are one of Victoria’s most treasured heritage landscapes, known for their sweeping lawns, tree avenues, historic marble statues, and gorgeous views of Lake Wendouree. While many visitors stroll through, few get to experience them the way visitors once did during Ballarat’s grand gold rush era - relaxing, picnicking and lively conversation under the trees.
The Ballarat Vintage High Tea Picnic is designed to recreate that sense of unhurried elegance.
When you arrive, your private picnic setting will already be prepared. Layered rugs, vintage teaware, cushions, and carefully styled details create a beautiful and comfortable space to relax while enjoying locally prepared high tea style local catering.
Whether travelling from interstate or overseas, this experience offers a memorable way to connect with one of the city’s most beautiful historic locations.
“It was so good. Thanks so much!”
KRIS, BALLARAT
Locally Sourced High Tea Style Catering
Your picnic includes curated high tea style catering prepared by trusted local Ballarat providers, showcasing seasonal produce and classic sweet and savoury selections traditionally associated with high tea.
Menus may vary slightly depending on seasonal availability but typically include:
• Savoury pastries and finger sandwiches
• Fresh baked sweets and desserts
• Seasonal produce and grazing selections
• Fine tea service
• Premium locally crafted sparkling refreshments
Some dietary requirements (excluding gluten free) can be accommodated with advance notice.
What’s Included
Every Vintage High Tea Picnic is fully curated by Hidden Lanes and includes:
• Private picnic setup within the Ballarat Botanical Gardens
• Vintage-inspired styling with rugs, cushions, low small tables, and decorative details
• Fine tea ware and serving pieces
• Locally prepared and sourced high tea style catering
• Fine tea and premium locally crafted sparkling refreshments sourced from regional Victorian producers
• Comfortable seating options including ground seating and folding chairs
• A short historical introduction to the gardens and Lake Wendouree
• Full setup and pack down handled by Hidden Lanes
Picnics are designed for intimate groups of 2 to 7 guests to maintain a relaxed and personalised experience.
Designed for comfort, and Flexibility
The Vintage High Tea Picnic is intentionally designed to be effortless for visitors. There is no need to organise catering, styling, or equipment yourself. Simply arrive at your booked time and enjoy.
Hidden Lanes also provides thoughtful wet weather contingency planning to ensure your experience remains enjoyable regardless of changing conditions.
In light rain or cooler weather, picnics can be relocated to nearby sheltered heritage rotundas with a warm knee rug included.
In cases of more severe weather, Hidden Lanes works with trusted local partners to relocate your experience to an indoor heritage-style setting nearby, allowing your picnic to continue in comfort while maintaining the curated high tea atmosphere.
Location
Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Lake Wendouree, Ballarat, Victoria
Exact picnic locations are selected based on seasonal beauty, guest comfort, and weather conditions to ensure the best possible experience.
Duration and Availability
Morning Tea or Lunch Experience
Approximately 2-2.5 hours
Advance bookings are recommended, particularly during weekends, school holidays, and peak tourism periods.
pricing
2 Guests
$285 total
3 Guests
$360 total
4–7 Guests
$95 per additional guest
“Emma made our daughter’s 1st birthday party such a memorable and special one with the beautiful picnic set up. She was professional and flexible as we had to change venues at the last moment due to inclement weather forecasted. Highly recommend.”
Janet, Ballarat
Terms & Conditions
To ensure each Vintage High Tea–Style Picnic is delivered with care and attention, the following terms apply:
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All picnics are offered as private experiences and must be booked in advance. Full payment is required to confirm your booking.
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As each picnic involves advance preparation and sourcing:
Cancellations made 7 days or more prior to the booking date may be rescheduled or refunded, minus any non-recoverable costs.
Cancellations made within 7 days of the booking date are non-refundable.
Date changes are subject to availability.
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Your comfort is prioritised at all times.
In light rain, the picnic will be relocated to a nearby heritage rotunda.
In colder or wet conditions, the experience will be moved indoors to Piper’s Café, where a relaxed, high-quality meal will be provided.
Weather-related adjustments are made at our discretion to ensure the best possible experience on the day.
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Food for the picnic is supplied by a trusted local external caterer. Hidden Lanes does not prepare or cook food on-site.
Please advise us of any dietary requirements when booking. While we make every effort to accommodate preferences, we are unable to guarantee an allergen-free environment.
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Guests participate in the picnic and any optional activities at their own discretion. Hidden Lanes accepts no responsibility for personal injury, loss, or damage to personal property during the experience.
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All picnic furnishings, teaware, games, and styling items are provided for guests’ enjoyment and remain the property of Hidden Lanes.
Guests are asked to treat all items with care. Any loss or damage beyond reasonable wear and tear may result in replacement or repair costs being charged to the booking party.
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Hidden Lanes does not supply alcohol as part of this experience. Guests may bring their own alcoholic beverages if they wish, and do so at their own discretion and responsibility. Hidden Lanes accepts no liability for the consumption of alcohol by guests.