Here’s How to Spend the Perfect Autumn Afternoon in the CBD

We’ve partnered with The Fullerton Hotel Sydney to share the best way to elevate any autumn afternoon in the city.

As the crisp autumn air settles over Sydney, the harbourside city begins to come alive.

Away from the stifling heat of the summer season, the harbour is arguably at its sparkling best, with the cooler autumn months the perfect time to explore the city centre and all it has to offer. 

From waterfront walks with views of the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge to the outdoor pop-up festivals, cinemas and concerts set against a stunning sunset, there’s no better time to spend the day perusing the city’s shops, restaurants and museums.

But we’re adding another luxurious experience to our autumn bucket list, and it’s good enough to plan our whole days around. The Fullerton Hotel Sydney - a 5-star stay in the heart of Sydney’s financial and fashion district - has crafted the perfect autumn afternoon tea guaranteed to surprise and delight. 

Inspired by the dazzling array of colourful tones autumn brings, the menu is made up of bold citrus flavours and seasonal berries, with sweet and savoury morsels on offer that will have you coming back for more.

Here’s why this elegant autumn afternoon tea experience is a must for every seasonal to-do list.

Rooted in social tradition, afternoon tea is the embodiment of elegance and sophistication, and The Fullerton Hotel Sydney is the perfect setting to indulge in a little afternoon treat. 

The hotel is housed within the historic General Post Office building, one of Sydney’s most well-known landmarks, in the city’s heart. Built on a grand scale and representing an exceptional time in the city’s history, the heritage-listed site is inspired by the style of the Victorian Italian Renaissance, constructed from Sydney sandstone and adorned with intricate sculptures.

It’s the perfect place, then, to marvel at a piece of Sydney’s history as you take respite from the city's autumn activity, while you indulge in sweet sensations and savoury treats.

Try a Mont Blanc Stone made with vanilla mousse, almond cake and chestnut, or indulge in a Cardonia Tart - a zesty combination of caramelised quince and mascarpone cream. Try the Taro Bun - crème pâtissière with Yuzu curd - for a surprising flavour hit, and finish with a delightfully sweet taco of raspberry, lychee and white chocolate.

If savoury is more your flavour of choice, opt for the Pâté of confit duck, freeze-dried mandarin, roasted walnuts and Davidson Plum pearls, or try the Gems of the Sea - a smoked salmon and spanner crab roulade served with a duo of caviar. No afternoon tea is complete without a finger sandwich, and The Fullerton Hotel serves up a gorgeous Wagyu Bresaola version with celeriac remoulade, truffle egg and watercress.

And of course, in true afternoon tea style, there are buttery-soft scones with homemade strawberry jam and clotted cream aplenty, all served with a premium selection of TWG Teas and coffee.

If you want to up the ante on the elegance factor, elevate your afternoon experience with a two-hour free-flow service of Organic Canti Prosecco. There are also options to enjoy a flute of Chandon sparkling wine or Veuve Clicquot champagne with afternoon tea, too.

If afternoon tea isn’t enough, keep your city-based rendezvous going with an overnight stay. There are contemporary-styled rooms in The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s high-rise section, while more classically inspired accommodations take up residence in the heritage building. 

Each room features deluxe beds and luxurious amenities, with spacious and elegantly appointed hotel suites, like the Heritage Long Suite, also available. The hotel’s most spacious guest room, it’s housed within the former postmaster’s office and features an entry foyer, glossy hardwood floors and high ceilings as well as original non-functioning marble fireplaces and crown moulding.

If the delicious afternoon tea treats have you desperate for more, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney has dining options to suit every palate. Think delicious Modern Australian cuisine, multicultural Southeast Asian-inspired signature dishes and handcrafted cocktails. 

The Autumn Afternoon Tea is available daily until May 31, 2024, from 12.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. Reservations are required, so click here to secure your spot. 

From $78 per person, inclusive of TWG Tea and coffee. Upgrade to free-flow service of Organic Canti Prosecco for an additional $20 per person. For $88 per person, inclusive of a flute of Chandon sparkling wine, or $98 per person, inclusive of a flute of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.