There is something undeniably magical about indulging in high tea in a grand historic hotel, especially when it comes with sweeping views of the Blue Mountains. When the Hydro Majestic Hotel announced its May Gibbs High Tea, promising a whimsical journey into the world of one of Australia’s most beloved storytellers, we were intrigued. Naturally, we had to experience it for ourselves.
Available from 30 May to 31 August 2026, the special high tea promised a delightful combination of native Australian flavours, nostalgic treats and the enchanting world of May Gibbs’ much-loved Gumnut Babies stories.
But did it live up to the magic of its inspiration? Here is our experience.
A Fairytale Setting in the Blue Mountains
Our Saturday morning began with an early drive from Sydney to the Blue Mountains. Unfortunately, roadworks had other plans for us, and we arrived 15 minutes later than our scheduled booking.
We called ahead to let the hotel know we were running late. However, we were informed that the 15 minutes would be deducted from our allocated 90-minute high tea session.
A little tip for those travelling from Sydney: allow plenty of extra time for your journey. Roadworks, traffic and unexpected delays can easily affect your arrival, and the hotel’s time policy is something worth keeping in mind.
Despite the slightly stressful start, stepping inside the Hydro Majestic immediately lifted our spirits.
The hotel feels almost like a fairytale castle, with its grand interiors, antique-inspired décor and old-world elegance. Yet the real showstopper is the view. The Blue Mountains stretch into the distance, creating a breathtaking backdrop that makes the entire experience feel special.
We were fortunate to secure a table near the window, allowing us to soak in the scenery as we settled in.
The only downside? Knowing that our 90-minute experience had already been shortened made it difficult to completely relax and enjoy the moment.
The High Tea: Native Flavours and Elegant Treats
After a lengthy wait, our high tea finally arrived. The presentation was beautiful, with an assortment of savoury bites, delicate sweets and freshly served scones.
Unfortunately, the service was slower than we had hoped, and the wait for the food made us increasingly conscious of the time. Some of the hot items arrived slightly cold, which was disappointing. Nevertheless, the flavours themselves were delightful, with native Australian ingredients adding a distinctive touch to the menu.
The Savoury Selection
The savoury menu featured an interesting mix of familiar favourites and Australian-inspired flavours.
- Smoked Gypsy Ham, King Island Cheddar and Bush Tomato Chutney Finger Sandwich — a classic combination with a distinctly Australian twist.
- Smoked Salmon, Geraldton Wax Cream Cheese and Spinach Finger Sandwich — delicate and flavourful, with the native botanical notes of Geraldton wax.
- Spanner Crab and Saltbush Tartlet with Finger Lime — an elegant seafood bite complemented by the fresh, citrusy pop of finger lime.
- Lemon Myrtle and Chicken Kofta — a savoury morsel infused with the fragrant notes of lemon myrtle.
- Byron Bay Pork and Native Thyme Sausage Roll — our personal favourite! Comforting, flavoursome and a standout among the savoury offerings.
The use of native ingredients gave the savoury selection a distinctly Australian identity, making it more interesting than a conventional high tea menu.
Sweet Treats Worth Admiring
The sweet selection was just as visually appealing, with an assortment of petite pastries and delicate confections.
- Davidson Plum and Dark Chocolate Opera Cake
- Lemon Myrtle Macaron
- Strawberry Gum Petit Gateau
- Wattleseed Praline Choux
- Wild Honey and Buttermilk Cupcake
Each treat sounded intriguing, with native Australian ingredients incorporated into familiar patisserie favourites.
We enjoyed sampling the sweets, although we couldn’t finish everything. Thankfully, the staff kindly provided takeaway containers so we could take the remaining treats home.
It was a thoughtful gesture and certainly appreciated.
Scones That Hit the Spot
No high tea is complete without scones, and these did not disappoint.
The Cranberry and Cuvée Bianco White Chocolate Scones, served with dollop cream and Ribery jam, were a lovely addition to the experience.
For us, the scones were an essential part of the traditional high tea ritual, and they rounded out the menu beautifully.
Overall, the food was attractively presented and offered some delicious flavour combinations. While the slow service and slightly cold hot items took away from the experience, the creativity of the menu was evident.
Where Was the May Gibbs Magic?
This was the biggest disappointment of the experience.
The promotional material on Instagram described the high tea as an opportunity to step into a May Gibbs storybook, revisit favourite moments from her classic Gumnut stories and enjoy a whimsical experience inspired by Australia’s beloved storyteller.
With such an enchanting promise, we expected something more immersive than a themed menu.
Perhaps a small display of May Gibbs books. A dedicated corner sharing the story of her life and work. Original illustrations, character-inspired decorations or even an opportunity to purchase some of her much-loved books.
Anything that would connect the food and setting to the magical world of May Gibbs.
Instead, we found ourselves enjoying a beautifully presented high tea that, aside from its name and native Australian flavours, didn’t feel particularly connected to May Gibbs.
There was little to evoke the nostalgic charm of her stories or transport us into the world of the Gumnut Babies.
The food was lovely, but the theme felt more like a marketing concept than a fully realised experience.
For visitors who grew up reading May Gibbs, or who were hoping to introduce her stories to a new generation, this was a missed opportunity.
A few thoughtful touches could have transformed an enjoyable high tea into something genuinely memorable.
The Unexpected Highlight: Live Piano Music
One of the most memorable parts of our visit had nothing to do with the food.
The highlight was the piano performance by Annie Burbank.
Her playing was beautiful, creating an elegant and relaxing atmosphere that complemented the hotel’s grand interiors. It was the sort of music you could happily sit and listen to for hours.
In a setting as atmospheric as the Hydro Majestic, live piano music felt perfectly at home. It added a touch of sophistication and charm that enhanced the overall experience.
Annie’s performance was a wonderful reminder that sometimes the most memorable moments are the ones you least expect.
Is the Hydro Majestic May Gibbs High Tea Worth It?
The answer depends on what you are looking for.
If you’re hoping for an immersive May Gibbs experience, complete with storybook nostalgia, character-inspired details and opportunities to explore the author’s legacy, you may leave feeling underwhelmed.
However, if your idea of a special outing is an elegant high tea in a historic hotel, accompanied by spectacular Blue Mountains views, the Hydro Majestic has plenty to offer.
The interiors are beautiful, the scenery is extraordinary, and the menu showcases some interesting native Australian flavours. Our favourite savoury item was the Byron Bay Pork and Native Thyme Sausage Roll, while the scones were another highlight. The live piano performance added a particularly lovely touch.
Just be mindful of the travel time, as delays can eat into your allocated 90 minutes, and be prepared for the possibility of slower service.
Our Final Thoughts
The Hydro Majestic is a destination in its own right. Its historic charm, elegant interiors and breathtaking views make it a wonderful place to enjoy a special occasion or simply treat yourself to a luxurious afternoon.
The May Gibbs High Tea offered delicious flavours and beautiful presentation, but we couldn’t help feeling that the experience could have been so much more.
May Gibbs created a world filled with imagination, nostalgia and uniquely Australian characters. Bringing that world to life within a venue as enchanting as the Hydro Majestic could have been truly magical.
Instead, we enjoyed a lovely high tea in a spectacular setting, with the May Gibbs connection feeling somewhat superficial.
Our recommendation? If you’re a devoted May Gibbs fan hoping to immerse yourself in her stories, visit your local library and rediscover the magic of her books. If you’re seeking an elegant high tea with an unforgettable view, the Hydro Majestic is well worth considering.
And if you do visit, take a moment to enjoy the surroundings, listen to the piano and savour the experience. Sometimes, the setting itself is the real star of the show.
Note: The May Gibbs High Tea was advertised as running from 30 May to 31 August 2026. Check directly with the Hydro Majestic for its current high tea offerings and booking conditions.
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