You’re driving through the Victorian High Country, wind whipping through the windows, and the smell of eucalyptus is basically everywhere. You’ve probably seen the signs or heard the chatter about the High Country Tea and Grazing Room. It’s tucked away in Mansfield, a town most people treat as a mere pitstop on the way to the snow at Mt Buller or the heights of Mt Stirling. But honestly? This place has become a destination in its own right. It isn’t just about a quick cuppa. It’s about that specific, rugged alpine hospitality that you just can't manufacture in a city cafe.
Most people get it wrong. They think it's just another "Devonshire tea" spot where you get a dry scone and some jam that tastes like red corn syrup. It’s not.
What High Country Tea and Grazing Room Actually Is
Located at 5 High Street in Mansfield, Victoria, this spot has carved out a niche that sits somewhere between a sophisticated tea house and a rustic country larder. When you walk in, the first thing you notice is the light. It’s bright. It’s airy. It feels like someone’s very wealthy, very tasteful aunt decided to open her living room to the public.
The "Grazing Room" part of the name isn't just marketing fluff. They’ve leaned heavily into the grazing board trend, but with a local twist. You’re looking at Milawa cheeses, local charcuterie, and preserves that actually taste like the fruit they were made from. It’s a celebration of the Goulburn Valley and the surrounding alpine regions.
The Tea Situation
Let’s talk about the tea. It’s the anchor of the whole operation. They source specific blends—many from the Tea Leaves range out of Sassafras, which is legendary in Victorian tea circles. You aren’t getting a dusty bag in a mug of lukewarm water here. You’re getting the full ritual. Heavy pots. Proper strainers. Timing that actually matters.
If you’re a tea nerd, you’ll appreciate the variety. They have the classics—English Breakfast that’ll wake the dead and Earl Grey that actually smells like bergamot, not perfume—but the herbal infusions are where the "High Country" vibe really kicks in. Think peppermint that tastes crisp, like the morning air at the summit of Buller.
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Why the Location Matters
Mansfield is the gateway. Because of that, the High Country Tea and Grazing Room has to cater to two very different crowds. On one hand, you’ve got the locals who want a reliable spot for a long lunch. On the other, you have the "Melbourne set" who are used to high-end dining and have very high expectations for their caffeine and sourdough.
Managing that balance is tricky.
The venue manages it by keeping things grounded. The furniture is solid. The service is friendly without being overbearing. It’s the kind of place where you can wear your muddy hiking boots and nobody gives you a second glance, even though the tables are set beautifully. That’s the magic of the High Country. It’s rugged, but it’s refined.
The Grazing Boards: A Breakdown
Don't expect a tiny plate. The grazing boards here are designed to be shared, and they are substantial.
- The Savoury Side: You’re usually looking at a mix of hard and soft cheeses. Look for the Berry’s Creek Anthill or something from the Milawa Cheese Company. They often include house-made pickles—the kind that are actually crunchy—and local olives.
- The Sweet Side: If you go the high tea route, the scones are the benchmark. A good scone should be tall, fluffy, and have a slight crunch on the outside. These hit the mark. The cream is thick. The jam is chunky.
Honestly, the "grazing" philosophy is perfect for the area. After a day of mountain biking or hiking the Delatite River trail, your body just wants salt, fat, and carbs. This place delivers that, just with more elegance than a pub parma.
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The Atmosphere: Beyond the Food
The interior design deserves a shout-out. It’s "Country Chic" without the cringe. They’ve used a lot of natural wood and soft tones that reflect the landscape outside. It’s quiet. Even when it’s full, the acoustics aren't jarring. You can actually have a conversation without shouting over a grinding coffee machine.
It’s also a retail space. You’ll find shelves stocked with the same teas they serve, plus local honey, oils, and various giftware. It’s dangerously easy to walk in for a $20 lunch and walk out $100 poorer because you decided you absolutely needed a hand-poured candle and three tins of loose-leaf tea.
Seasonality is Real Here
In the winter, the place is a refuge. It’s warm, inviting, and the heavy teas feel like a hug. In the summer, it shifts. The grazing boards get lighter. The iced tea options come out. Because Mansfield experiences "real" seasons—unlike the grey smudge that is Melbourne winter—the menu actually shifts to reflect what’s happening in the local orchards and farms.
Common Misconceptions About the High Country Tea and Grazing Room
People often ask if it’s "too fancy" for kids. Not really. While it’s definitely a more "grown-up" environment than a fast-food joint, country hospitality generally means everyone is welcome. Just maybe don't let them run laps around the cake display.
Another one: "Is it just for tourists?"
Nope. If you watch the tables, you’ll see local business owners having meetings and groups of friends catching up. That’s usually the sign of a good spot. If the locals avoid it, you should too. But they don’t avoid this.
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The Pricing Factor
Is it expensive? It’s not "cheap eats." You’re paying for the quality of the produce and the environment. A full high tea experience or a large grazing board is an investment in an afternoon. But compared to what you’d pay for a similar experience in the Yarra Valley or the Mornington Peninsula, Mansfield prices feel a bit more honest. You get what you pay for.
What to Order if You’re Overwhelmed
If you walk in and can't decide, just go for the signature Grazing Board. It gives you a bit of everything. Pair it with a pot of the "High Country Blend" if they have it on, or a local cold-pressed juice if it’s a hot day.
If you’re there for a quick stop, the scones are non-negotiable. They are the litmus test for any tea room, and these pass.
Logistics and Planning
- Location: 5 High St, Mansfield VIC 3722.
- Booking: On weekends or during the ski season, call ahead. It’s a popular spot and "winging it" might result in a long wait on the sidewalk.
- Parking: Usually pretty easy on the main street or the side roads, but Mansfield gets busy during peak holiday periods.
- Dietaries: They are surprisingly good with gluten-free and vegetarian options for a country town. Just let them know when you arrive.
The Verdict on the High Country Experience
The High Country Tea and Grazing Room isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s just trying to make the wheel really, really well. It succeeds because it doesn't try too hard to be "Melbourne." It embraces the Mansfield identity—a mix of farming grit and alpine tourism.
Whether you're finishing a weekend of camping at Sheepyard Flat or you’re just up for a day trip to see the mountains, it’s a solid choice. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why "slow food" became a thing in the first place.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Check the weather: If it’s a clear day, the drive up from Melbourne via the Maroondah Highway is stunning, but check for road closures or heavy traffic during snow season.
- Book a table: Seriously. Especially if you want the full High Tea experience, as some elements are prepared fresh and require notice.
- Bring a cooler bag: You’re going to want to buy some of the local cheeses or preserves from their retail section to take home.
- Explore the rest of High Street: Mansfield has some killer independent bookstores and gear shops right near the tea room. Make a morning of it.
- Ask about the "Tea of the Month": They often have something rotating that isn't on the main menu, and it's usually worth trying.
Skip the greasy chips at the service station. Sit down. Have a pot of tea. Eat some local cheese. Your road trip will be better for it.