Vintage High Tea Picnic Experience at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens

Book a Vintage High Tea Picnic Experience

Meeting Point: Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Duration: Approx. 2 hours
+ self-guided exploration with illustrated map
Price: Couples : $280 total
(= $140 per person)
Availability:
Monday–Sunday (subject to availability)
Enquiries:
hello@hiddenlanes.com.au
or call/SMS 0455 528 733

Check availability

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 you to slow down and settle into an atmosphere of calming elegance with vintage styling, fine teaware, and a peaceful outdoor setting.

Your experience begins with a short, engaging storytelling introduction, offering insight into the social traditions of picnicking in the gardens and the history of Lake Wendouree. From there, you’re free to relax into your picnic and enjoy the moment at your own pace.

Afterwards, continue exploring with fresh perspective, discovering the gardens and lakeside through the stories and details shared at the beginning of your experience.

Perfect for visitors seeking a memorable and meaningful way to experience one of Ballarat’s most iconic landscapes, this picnic is available as a morning tea or lunch, with locally prepared high tea-style catering that reflects the region’s traditional and local food culture.

Book now

Experience the Ballarat Botanical Gardens in a Truly Special Way

The Ballarat Botanical Gardens are one of Victoria’s most beautiful heritage gardens, with views across Lake Wendouree.

You’ll arrive to a beautifully prepared private setting, complete with layered rugs, vintage teaware, and thoughtfully styled details. Settle in and enjoy a high tea selection inspired by the region.

It’s a simple, elegant way to experience one of Ballarat’s most iconic locations, with time to slow down and take it in.

 “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 thoughtfully curated by Hidden Lanes and includes:

  • A private picnic setting within the Ballarat Botanical Gardens

  • Vintage-inspired styling with rugs, cushions, low tables, and elegant details

  • Fine teaware and serving pieces

  • A locally prepared high tea selection, featuring sweet and savoury items sourced from regional producers

  • Locally crafted sparkling refreshments

  • A short, engaging storytelling introduction to the history of the gardens and Lake Wendouree

  • A beautifully illustrated Hidden Lanes map, designed by local artist Jarrod Hall, to guide your self-paced exploration after the picnic

  • Comfortable seating options, including ground seating and folding chairs if required
    Full setup and pack down handled by Hidden Lanes

Picnics are designed for intimate groups of 2 to 7 guests, creating 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 nearby 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 a nearby trusted local partner to relocate your experience to an indoor heritage-style setting, 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.

Make a Booking

 

Make a booking below or call 0455528733.

 
 

  • “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

  • "It was so good, thank you so much."

    —Kris

Terms & Conditions

To ensure each Vintage High Tea–Style Picnic is delivered with care and attention, the following terms apply:

  • All picnics are offered as private experiences and must be booked in advance. Full payment is required to confirm your booking.

  • 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, and can be accommodated for up to one reschedule

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.