Steep Yourself in Fun: Dungog's Tea Party Brews Up Spring Excitement

Nestled amidst the picturesque Williams River Valley is the charming historical town of Dungog. Easily accessed by train or car, there is plenty to do for visitors, and from Wednesday, 4 to Sunday, 8 September, the town invites everyone to the Dungog Tea Party as a fabulous, fun and free way to celebrate the return of Spring.

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Now in its fourth year, the event aims to encourage visitation to the town and involves local businesses, the community and the schools. Erika Seck, Festival Secretary, says the idea for the event sprung from the closure of the long-running Morpeth Tea Rooms annual exhibition in 2017.

“We were looking for ways to encourage people to stay in the town, not just drive through it,” said Erika.

“We tend to be an ‘arty farty’ town and thought the tea party concept would work well."

Workshops throughout the week will include a tea-making workshop at Country Elegance Gardens & Gifts (5 September), a Paint & Sip hosted by Earth & Elm Studio and Wellness Services at the Tin Shed Brewery (6 September) and the CWA Branch will host a 'Scone Cafe" on 7 September.

Pivotal to the event are the Tea Cosy Challenge and the Trivet Challenge, which are still open for entries until 18 August. Tea Cosy categories to enter include My Country, Botanicals, Zoo Animals, Book Character, Food of the World and Treasured Memories, with Treasured Memories being the only category in which the tea cosy doesn't need to be made by the contestant. Winners receive cash prizes.

Held at the historic James Theatre - the oldest purpose-built cinema still operating in Australia, there will be market stalls of all things tea related, including the competition tea cosies and trivets. The event's opening will take place on Wednesday at 10am when the winners of each category are announced and awarded. A morning tea hosted by Dungog High School will be served.

Visitors throughout the week can tour the exhibition, participate in special events such as high teas and workshops, wander the heritage main street, browse the eclectic shops and galleries, and explore the museum. With easy, flat walking, plentiful parking and the train station right in town, it’s an affordable, quirky day out. Keep up to date with the happenings at www.dungogteaparty.com.au or the Facebook page.