Take the drive along the Great Ocean Road to Time & Tide in Port Fairy, and discover a magical high tea experience with sweeping views of the Southern Ocean.
Time & Tide delivers not only on presentation and flavour, but also on atmosphere, making it a standout for high tea in regional Victoria.
The journey to Time & Tide sets the tone. A gravel road leads to a contemporary structure that reveals little from the outside. However, once inside, the space opens into a whimsical interior that feels both curated and inviting. A soft yellow palette defines the décor, complemented by a mix of vintage and modern furnishings that evoke a subtle Alice in Wonderland aesthetic. Vintage plates add a nostalgic touch, while contemporary lighting keeps the space fresh and balanced.
Port Fairy itself is well worth the visit. Located at the end of the Great Ocean Road, this picturesque fishing village is known for its wide streets, historic 19th-century cottages and charming stone churches. It is the kind of destination that rewards slow exploration, and a high tea at Time & Tide fits seamlessly into a leisurely weekend itinerary.
Time & Tide is a dedicated high tea venue, with sittings offered on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The space is thoughtfully divided with black polka dot sheer curtains, creating an intimate yet lively setting. Staff dressed in classic pinafores enhance the cohesive styling, while the gentle pop of champagne corks adds to the celebratory mood.
The high tea itself is generous and beautifully presented. Served on a tiered stand, the selection features a balance of savoury and sweet items, with most elements made in house. The savoury offering is particularly strong. The prime beef sausage roll is a highlight, flaky and rich with well-seasoned filling. Finger sandwiches are neatly prepared and classic in flavour, with fillings such as pickled cucumber and dill, lightly curried egg with shallot, smoked ham with cheddar and relish, and a standout poached chicken roll with celery, lemon, thyme and mustard mayonnaise. A warm puff pastry pinwheel with smoked ham, roasted capsicum and cheese adds a comforting touch.
The sweet selection continues the theme of abundance and variety. Guests can choose from an array of items including macarons, shortbread tarts, profiteroles and sticky date pudding with butterscotch sauce. The panna cotta is a standout, offered in flavours such as rose, tiramisu and mint chocolate. The rose panna cotta is particularly memorable, delicately flavoured and topped with a piece of Turkish delight.
Scones are served tall and warm, with a soft, fluffy interior and a lightly crisp exterior, accompanied by raspberry jam and double cream.
High Tea is served with a glass of sparkling wine alongside a pot of loose leaf tea or espresso coffee, with non-alcoholic options also available. With six savoury and eight sweet items included, the experience is generous, and guests are encouraged to take home any leftovers.
Adding an extra layer of charm is the display of crocheted works by textile artist Trevor Smith. His “Cake Cabinet” features intricate, retro-inspired creations that mirror the high tea theme and are available to purchase.
At $108 per adult and $78 per child under 13, Time & Tide offers excellent value for a high tea of this quality and scale. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available.
For those looking to combine a regional getaway with an indulgent experience, high tea at Time & Tide in Port Fairy is a delightful choice. With its coastal setting, generous menu and distinctive styling, this is a unique and special high tea experience.
Time & Tide Sparkling High Tea Menu
Sandwiches
- Pickled Cucumber and Dill
- Lightly Curried Egg and Shallot
- Smoked Ham, Cheddar and Relish
- Poached Chicken, Celery, Lemon, Thyme and Mustard Mayo Roll
Savouries
- Prime Beef Sausage Roll
- Puff Pastry Pinwheel with Smoked Ham, Roasted Capsicum and Tasty Cheese
Sweeties
- Marbled Meringues with Vanilla Cream and Raspberry Coulis
- Lemonade Scones (plain, strawberry or currant), served with raspberry jam and double cream
- Macarons (passionfruit, raspberry or choc mint)
- Shortbread Tart (lemon or passionfruit curd)
- Chocolate Tart with Raspberry Curd
- Profiterole filled with Chocolate Crème Pâtissière
- Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce
- Panna Cotta (rose, tiramisu or mint chocolate)
Beverage
- Served with a glass of sparkling and a pot of loose leaf tea or espresso coffee
Not suitable for children under 5yo. *Vegetarian, gluten free available.
