Vintage High Tea–Style Picnic
Ballarat Botanical Gardens
A beautifully curated private picnic inspired by Victorian leisure traditions, set within the historic Ballarat Botanical Gardens overlooking Lake Wendouree.
Designed for small groups seeking an elegant, unhurried experience, our Vintage High Tea–Style Picnic combines fine teaware, thoughtful styling, and a relaxed outdoor setting — perfect for marking a special occasion or simply slowing down together.
The Experience
Your picnic is thoughtfully arranged on rugs and cushions, with the option of comfortable seating, and styled in the tradition of Victorian high tea. Fine teaware, antique details, and a curated selection of sweet and savoury bites create a setting that feels both refined and welcoming.
Guests are greeted with a brief introduction to the history of Victorian picnicking and the gardens themselves, before being left to enjoy the experience at their own pace.
After the picnic, you’re free to wander the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, admire heritage plantings and statuary, and take in the expansive views across Lake Wendouree, one of Ballarat’s most beautiful and beloved landscapes.
Each picnic includes a small art print inspired by Lake Wendouree to take home.
“It was so good. Thanks so much!”
KRIS, BALLARAT
A Leisurely Afternoon, Your Way
To encourage a sense of relaxed enjoyment, a small selection of traditional picnic games is available for guests who wish to linger:
Wooden giant Jenga
Croquet balls for casual lawn play
These nostalgic touches are entirely optional and designed to complement the experience — whether you prefer quiet conversation over tea or a gentle game in the sunshine.
Designed for Intimate Gatherings
This experience is intentionally limited to small groups, allowing it to remain calm, personal, and beautifully presented.
Ideal for 2–9 guests
Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, or quiet celebrations
Equally suited to Ballarat locals or visitors from Melbourne and across Victoria
We do not offer large group or public picnic sessions for this experience.
Optional Add-Ons
Live Music
For those wishing to elevate the atmosphere further, a live musician can be arranged to accompany your picnic. This optional addition brings an extra layer of ambience and romance to the setting and is particularly popular for milestone celebrations.
Professional Photography
For guests who would like to capture the occasion, a professional photographer can be arranged for a short, relaxed photo session during the picnic.
The session is discreet and unobtrusive, allowing you to remain fully present while a small collection of beautifully edited images is created as a keepsake of your time in the gardens.
Approximate session length: 20–30 minutes
Photography is arranged in advance and subject to availability
A Thoughtful Way to Slow Down
This is not a rushed event or a performance. It is an invitation to pause, share tea, enjoy conversation, and spend time in one of Ballarat’s most beautiful settings — curated with care and delivered with quiet confidence.
Weather, Comfort & Care
Your comfort is always prioritised.
In light rain, the picnic relocates to a nearby heritage rotunda
If chilly, crotched blankets are provided
In wet or very cold conditions, the experience is moved indoors to Piper’s Café, where a relaxed, high-quality meal is provided
These transitions are handled seamlessly so the experience remains enjoyable and unhurried, regardless of the weather.
Key Details
Location: Ballarat Botanical Gardens, overlooking Lake Wendouree
Group size: 2–9 guests
Duration: Approximately 2 hours, with time afterwards to explore at leisure
Availability: Select dates, including weekdays
Booking: Private bookings only
pricing
Our Vintage High Tea–Style Picnics are offered as private experiences only, thoughtfully curated for small groups.
Private Vintage High Tea–Style Picnic
From $480 for two guests
Additional guests:
$95 per person
(Maximum group size: 9 guests)
This pricing includes:
Private picnic setup and styling
Fine teaware and high tea–style picnic fare
Use of rugs, cushions, and seating options
Optional picnic games
Seamless weather contingency planning
Personal hosting and coordination
Optional Add-Ons
Live Music
From $250, depending on musician and duration
Photography Session
From $295
Please enquire for availability.
“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.