Built in 1831 using Convict Labour.
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Tanilba House

4.8
·148 reviews·Tanilba Bay, Australia

A historic settler home offering enchanting gardens, a magical fig tree cathedral, and charming accommodation.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn

Perfect weather for gardens

CrowdMedium
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Built in 1831 using Convict Labour.

Tanilba House

Best Time

Spring & Autumn

Perfect weather for gardens

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic settler home offering enchanting gardens, a magical fig tree cathedral, and charming accommodation.

4.8
(148 reviews)

"This place is the dream wedding venue I imagined as a kid, a secret garden with a beautiful old house."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Wedding Early

Popular dates fill up fast! Secure your dream wedding venue at Tanilba House well in advance.

Explore the Gardens

Take time to wander the beautiful grounds; they offer stunning photo opportunities.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.8 · 148 reviews

Type

Wedding Venue

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Fig Tree Cathedral

The Fig Tree Cathedral

Ceremony area

An intimate, magical space under a stunning fig tree, perfect for unforgettable ceremonies.

Historic Maid's Quarters

Historic Maid's Quarters

Accommodation

Step back in time with charming period furnishings in these comfortable, photogenic rooms.

Enchanting Garden Setting

Enchanting Garden Setting

Gardens

Wander through beautiful gardens, a picturesque backdrop for photos and leisurely strolls.

Elegant Verandah Dining

Elegant Verandah Dining

Verandah

Enjoy beautifully set tables and delicious food with views of the stunning grounds.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Dream Wedding Venue

Tanilba House is a sought-after wedding venue, praised for its heritage charm and beautiful gardens. Booking well in advance is crucial, especially for popular dates. Inquire about their flexible packages and catering options to tailor your special day.

Experience a Taste of History

Beyond weddings, Tanilba House offers unique experiences like High Teas and accommodation in the historic Maid's Quarters. Check their schedule for special events and consider booking a stay to immerse yourself in the property's past.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn
Why
Perfect weather for gardens
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Special events like High Tea
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Shoppers got quite the shock this morning with two cars destroyed in a blaze at a Tanilba Bay shopping complex car park. Firefighters were called around 11am - the cause of the blaze is yet to be determined. #NBNNews #fire #firefighter #car #carfire
@nbnnews
2.8K likes • 171.5K views

Book Wedding Early

Popular dates fill up fast! Secure your dream wedding venue at Tanilba House well in advance. Instagram+1

Explore the Gardens

Take time to wander the beautiful grounds; they offer stunning photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Bursting with excitement for Emily and Bryce's wedding today! Table styling brought to you by @miss_mays_events and @bloomsbythebay.florist . The rest is Tanilba House :) #portstephensweddings #portstephenswedding #gardenwedding
tanilbahouse
37 likes • 1.5K views
Outdoor dining at historic Tanilba House - elegant, stylish and adorned with nature’s beauty. Watch for the stone chair. #dining #diningtable #function #historic #arbour #tanilbahouse #wedding #beauty #elegant #nature #photographer #chair #stonechair #wisteria #vine
glynisquinlan
19 likes • 297 views

Consider Maid's Quarters

Stay in the historic Maid's Quarters for a unique, comfortable, and photogenic experience. Reddit

High Tea Delight

Don't miss the exquisite High Tea for a memorable culinary and visual experience. Reddit

This is what happens when a stunning Capricorn redhead marries a quirky, handsome Aquarian... pure magic. Gemma & Jordan’s wedding at the incredible Tanilba House near Newcastle was nothing short of breathtaking.A perfect blend of elegance, personality and romance. From the wild coastal breeze to the heritage charm of this hidden gem of a venue, every detail told their love story. The laughter,...
aprilwerzphotography
17 likes • 922 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Wedding Early

Popular dates fill up fast! Secure your dream wedding venue at Tanilba House well in advance. Instagram+1

Explore the Gardens

Take time to wander the beautiful grounds; they offer stunning photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Consider Maid's Quarters

Stay in the historic Maid's Quarters for a unique, comfortable, and photogenic experience. Reddit

High Tea Delight

Don't miss the exquisite High Tea for a memorable culinary and visual experience. Reddit

Flexible Wet Weather Options

The venue offers great flexibility for ceremonies and events, even in case of rain. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(148 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Tanilba House is overwhelmingly praised as a stunning and magical venue, particularly for weddings and special events like High Teas. Visitors consistently highlight the breathtaking gardens, the historic charm of the house, and the exceptional hospitality of the caretakers, Dee and Glenn. The catering also receives high marks for its deliciousness and beautiful presentation. While generally positive, some visitors might find the historic nature of the house presents minor accessibility considerations.

"I cannot recommend Tanilba House enough, it is the most magical wedding venue! The owners are phenomenal and were helpful the whole process of organising our wedding. Tanilba house has such a beautiful fairy garden, cosy, whimsical vibe and was absolutely perfect for our wedding of 70 people. Being just a walk away from sunset beach for some stunning photos is also a bonus. I would not have wanted to get married anywhere else"

Laura Symington

"Mothers Day is such an important occasion to celebrate and where better than Tanilba House!!!! What a lovely backdrop for a High Tea. There were photo opportunities for creating memories on the stroll to the verandah and a glass of bubbles on offer as we sat down at one of the many beautifully set tables around the veranda. The anticipation built as we watched the High Tea plates being carefully carried to our tables. We all wondered where to start. The delicate offerings were beautiful to the eye and very delicious, every single mouthful was amazing. Thank you for providing the backdrop for a memorable Mother's Day 2025. We will be watching for next year's opportunity to book again. We absolutely enjoyed our afternoon at the beautiful Tanilba House. Be sure to book for yourselves next year.."

Mel Haywood

"Still reminiscing about the most incredible day filled with love, laughter, and beauty! A huge THANK YOU to Dee and Glenn—two amazing people who helped make our vision a reality. They were such a dream to work with—flexible, easygoing, and incredibly intuitive about what we wanted. If I could give more stars, I absolutely would!

We opted for the buffet option, and I’ll admit I was initially a bit hesitant since buffet-style weddings I’d been to before weren’t always great. But the catering here completely exceeded expectations—the food was absolutely delicious! Guests kept coming up to me to rave about how good everything was.

We got married in October on a stunning spring day. Tanilba House, with its gorgeous heritage charm, paired with Vintage Peacock’s beautiful styling and floral designs, created the most magical setting. It was a space filled with nature, love, friends, and family—everything we dreamed of and more!

Highly, highly recommend! 💕"

I T

What People Like

Magical garden setting
Historic charm
Exceptional caretakers

What People Dislike

Minor accessibility concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tanilba House is located near Newcastle. Driving is the most common way to reach it, with ample parking available. Public transport options might require multiple transfers, so checking local bus routes is recommended. TikTok

While the historic nature of the house presents some challenges, the grounds and verandah areas are generally accessible. It's advisable to contact the venue directly to discuss specific needs. Instagram

For wedding guests, carpooling or arranging group transport can be convenient. Some couples also arrange shuttle services from nearby accommodation. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry requirements vary depending on the event. For High Teas or special tours, booking in advance is usually required. Wedding ceremonies and receptions are by invitation only. Reddit

Opening hours are event-dependent. For High Teas or accommodation, check the official Tanilba House website or contact them directly for specific timings. Reddit

Pricing for High Teas can vary. It's best to check the Tanilba House website or contact them for the most current pricing and booking information. Reddit

While not always advertised, inquire directly with Tanilba House about the possibility of guided tours to learn more about its rich history. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The fig tree cathedral, the historic house facade, the manicured gardens, and the charming verandah all offer stunning backdrops for photos. The Maid's Quarters also provide unique interior shots. InstagramReddit

Generally, photography is welcomed, especially for personal memories and weddings. However, for commercial photography or large-scale shoots, it's advisable to seek permission from the venue. Instagram

Yes, you can capture memories during a High Tea. The beautiful presentation of the food and the elegant setting make for wonderful photo opportunities. Reddit

The gardens offer beautiful natural light, especially during golden hours. The fairy lights at night create a magical ambiance for evening photos. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Tanilba House is renowned for its High Teas and catering services for events like weddings. They offer delicious, beautifully presented food, with buffet options also being highly praised. InstagramReddit

It's essential to discuss any dietary needs or allergies with the venue when booking your event or High Tea. They are generally accommodating. Reddit

Alcohol is typically available for events like weddings and can be part of High Tea packages. Specifics will depend on the event booking. Reddit

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