Only 40 minutes’ drive from Melbourne, you can encounter windy roads, fern gullies and mountain ash trees en route to the village of Olinda, one of the highest in the Dandenong Ranges and known for its craft and antique stores.

And now, you can also discover the brand spanking new Olinda Tea House on Olinda-Monbulk Road, off the Mt Dandenong tourist drive. Its owner’s retirement dream – injecting $2.6m into the old tearoom and nursery that stood before – this gleaming teahouse and wellness facility and self-proclaimed ‘hidden jewel of the mountain’ sits on a 17-acre wholesale flower and foliage farm.

Stroll across the walkway decking to the pavilion-style teahouse, which floods with natural light. It sits beside native landscaped gardens and bushland. Out back is an al fresco dining area with wicker chairs and open louver roof.

If you arrive early, down some freshly squeezed juice, then maybe the bircher or their ‘healthy breakfast’: a spread of dressed leafy salad, seasonal fruit, confit tomatoes and Yarra Valley free-range poached eggs on sourdough. Or indulge with homemade pancakes or baked eggs with mushroom ragout and Persian feta.

Later, be tempted by a share plate or soup of the day (we sampled the carrot, coconut and ginger) before a main affair – perhaps the Glenloth parmesan-crumbed free-range chicken with broccolini, roasted kipflers, lemon and homemade relish.

As for those quaint outdoor gazebos, book them for one of the high tea sets, either $50 or $80 per person, depending on how elaborate you get. Think tiers of finger sandwiches, housemade sweets and savouries, cheese, tea and coffee and those scones, oh, the scones – they’re also available for morning or afternoon tea.

Yoga and meditation class begin in early August and they’re offering a promo package to get things going – $25 for a session of either plus brekkie. Though if yoga ain’t your thing, there are plans for flower arrangement or tea appreciation courses too.

Where: 86A Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda, Vic
Hours: Wed-Mon 9am-5pm
Phone: (03) 9751 0556
Details: olindateahouse.com.au

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