In the early days of the tea industry, before motorised travel came to its assistance, tea planters conducted field inspections across a vast area of tea fields and forest, either on foot or horseback. At mid-day, they would take a break under the shade of a tree or the shelter of a makeshift hut for lunch and a rest. The 'Planters’ Lunch' is a plusher, four-course version, to Relais and Chateaux standards no less, served in tiffin boxes in a picnic setting.

The location is on the hillside above Dunkeld Bungalow flanked by tea and jungle on either side, with vistas of the rolling tea fields that start from the glassy Castlereagh Lake and creep up on to jagged mountaintops. The way up to the picnic spot is via a scenic trail that commences at Dunkeld Bungalow and it is recommended that guests take the walk either up to the picnic spot or from lunch back down to the Bungalow.

A 'hosted' version of this experience is also offered in the company of resident planter Bernard Holsinger, who can provide a fascinating account of life as a planter in the 'good old days' to give richer context to the experience.