Just because you can’t afford the membership fees to the exclusive clubs of Sydney’s elite, it doesn’t mean you can’t spend an afternoon in the lap of luxury. Grab a friend and drop $60 each on high tea at the Vaucluse House for a little taste of how the other half lives. Perhaps a tour of the historic estate is what brought you out here, or a paddle in the harbour, but you should conclude your visit out under the umbrellas and ancient fig trees that shelter the tables out on the stone terrace of the tearooms. Tiers of sweets and savouries, plus tea, coffee and sparkling wine is a lot to fit in so the key here is to clear out your schedule and graze slowly. Start with chicken finger sandwiches and move onto passionfruit macarons, then back to blini with smoked ocean trout and a tomato tarte tatin before turning your full attention to the pistachio truffles and cheesecake. Don’t hurry your tea – you're here to sip slowly from blue and white china cups and soak in the majesty of it all. And if you find you’re not ready to leave when the pot is empty, perhaps more wine is in order.
High tea not your thing? Start your day with some brioche French toast or a smoked trout scramble on Iggy's sourdough. If a leisurely lunch is more your speed, the menu runs the gamut from ricotta gnocchi to duck confit, with burgers, salads and sandwiches in between.