Enjoy an afternoon filled with a scrumptious selection of sweets and savouries at these top-rated high tea spots around Australia!
High tea. It’s the perfect occasion to round up a few friends and head out for an afternoon filled with palatable delights. Think homemade scones with freshly whipped cream, hot brewing tea, elegant serving ware and, not to forget, a glass or two of bubbly to celebrate.
Hosted in hotels, restaurants and even gardens, we’ve curated an extensive guide to the 15 best high tea experiences around Australia for you to enjoy in 2024!
The Best High Tea in Sydney:
Image supplied.
The Hydro Majestic Hotel Blue Mountains
Fancy a side of breathtaking views with your next high tea experience? The Hydro Majestic Hotel Blue Mountains promises to deliver just that. Despite not being in Sydney’s CBD, this is one high tea spot you must try at least once. Nestled about the treetops in the Blue Mountains, the Hydro Majestic will win you over with their scrumptious teas, delicious cakes and plush furnishings. With views of Megalong Valley, this is one of the best high teas in Australia.
Photographed by Jonathan Cami. Image via Destination NSW.
The Tea Room
When you think of the best high tea in Sydney, you should automatically think of The Tea Room. Situated within the walls of the Queen Victoria Building that was built in the 19th century, this high tea experience encapsulates the luxury and perfectly decorated furnishings of the era. It’s where style and elegance are at the forefront – and if the French provincial plush chairs don’t win you over, the freshly whipped cream and expansive tea collection will.
Indulge in an afternoon of decadence with this list of The 8 Best High Tea Experiences in Sydney of 2024.
The Best High Tea in Canberra:
Photographed by Pew Pew Studios. Image supplied.
Queen’s Terrace Cafe
If you’re ready to feast like royalty, we’ve found one of the top places for high tea in Canberra. Meet the Queen’s Terrace Cafe. Housed inside Parliament House, Queen’s Terrace Cafe is the ample spot for relaxation. Allowing you to appreciate their sweet and savoury selections, this seasonal menu makes for the perfect opportunity for feasting with friends. Accompanied by your selection of tea, coffee or sparkling wine, guests will also have an opportunity to tour their gardens or take in some of the fine architecture and exhibitions. Available only on weekends.
Image supplied via @whiterabbitcocktailroom Instagram.
White Rabbit
When we think of the best high teas in Canberra, the last place that would usually come to mind is a cocktail bar. But, interestingly, White Rabbit, just a touch away from City Hill, lives up to being just that. Hosted only on Saturdays and Sundays, White Rabbit’s Tipsy Tea is curious amalgamation of cocktails and cake. With delectable savoury bites and moreish desserts, guests will also be able to pick two of White Rabbit’s signature cocktails to accompany their high tea. Perfect for bridal showers, birthday parties and everything in between, this is high tea done with a twist!
Find the full list of the 6 Best Spots for High Tea in Canberra here.
The Best High Tea in Melbourne:
Photographed by Ain Raadik. Image via Visit Victoria.
High Tea on the Yarra River
If you’re looking for an outdoor high tea in Melbourne, hop on board a luxury catamaran as you sail along the Yarra River! Considered as one of the best high tea experiences in Australia, High Tea on the Yarra River ensures uninterrupted views of Melbourne’s CBD at your forefront. Welcoming guests with a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, you’ll then be treated to a selection of sandwiches, canapes, desserts and, of course, scones with jam and cream.
Photographed by Paul Philipson. Image via Visit Victoria.
Hopetoun Tea Rooms
While most cafes come and go, some have stood the test of time. With decadent cake displays and period specific decor, Hopetoun Tea Rooms feels frozen in time from when it first opened its doors all the way back in 1892 at Melbourne’s Block Arcade. The vintage charm carries over to their sophisticated selection of teas, scones and cakes that will have you raising your pinkie in glee. One of the most audacious high tea experiences Melbourne has to offer, spoil yourself silly with this ageless institution. Reopening soon.
Clink your glasses at the Best High Tea Spots in Melbourne.
The Best High Tea in Hobart:
Photographed by Alastair Bett. Image via Tourism Tasmania.
Hadley's Orient Hotel
Found just a stones throw away from Franklin Square and Constitution Dock is Hadley’s Orient Hotel, one of the best afternoon tea experiences in Hobart. Hadley’s high tea differs from others thanks to its unique location. The building, a heritage-listed hotel, speaks for itself. But, if you need some more convincing, the bountiful array of sweet and savoury goodies are sure to win you over. Plus, you’ll also be able to sip on a glass of sparkling wine just as you dig into a three-tiered stand. By far, one of the best high teas in Australia.
Photographed by Alice Hansen.
Image via Tourism Tasmania.
Villa Howden
Overlooking Stinkpot Bay is Villa Howden. Just a 15-minute car drive from Hobart’s CBD will transport you to a place where sophistication and elegance is at the forefront. And their high tea experience is nothing short of this too. Titled as one of the best high teas in hotels around Australia, Villa Howden will seat guests within their perfectly landscaped gardens. From here you’ll be served freshly brewed tea and coffee, decadent cakes, pastries and sandwiches. Of course, if you’d rather stay the night, why not check into their boutique accommodation.
The Best High Tea in Adelaide:
Mayfair Hotel is looking to delight and excite your week with a luxurious high tea with a hint of nostalgia. With their high tea starting as low as $79 per person, you’ll have the chance to feast on a selection of savoury and sweet items, as well as freshly brewed tea and coffee. And with their offerings housed inside the glamorous Mayfair Hotel, the stunning decor will match the attention to detail also found in this scrumptious high tea in Adelaide.
Photographed by Mayfair Hotel. Image via South Australia Media Gallery.Mayfair Hotel
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Thorngrove Manor Hotel
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like royalty, let Thorngrove Manor Hotel make that dream come true thanks to its unique, castle-like design. Found 25 minutes south-east of Adelaide’s CBD, Thorngrove Manor Hotel’s Ultimate Private High Tea experience ensures that you are given the most luxurious treatment. Serving high tea in the Kings Chamber, in between courses and sipping on freshly brewed tea and coffee you’ll also be treated to a personalised garden tour. One of the best high teas in Adelaide.
Savour through this sweet selection of Adelaide’s Best High Teas here.
The Best High Tea in Perth:
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Fleur
Welcome to Fleur, a European bistro found in the heart of Perth on Wellington Street – just a finger touch away from The Art Gallery of Western Australia. Their high tea offering, Afternoon Bloom, is hosted every Saturday afternoon and is best described by the team as “less high tea, more high treat.” Firstly, guests are welcomed with a glass of prosecco before making their way through Fleur’s gastronomic selection of sweet and savoury dishes. Delightfully on theme, Fleur’s Afternoon Bloom menu includes the likes of Toasted Corn Cake, Smoked Salmon Chouquette and a Lemon and Yuzu Meringue Tartlet.
Image via Tourism Western Australia.
Hearth Restaurant
Inside of The Ritz-Carlton Perth is Hearth Restaurant – one of the best high tea experiences in Perth. With blue hued decor, Hearth Restaurant ensures that your high tea is a standout. As seasonal, locally sourced ingredient stands at the forefront of their menu, guests can ensure that this is the case for their afternoon tea. Pick from Duck Confit Tart, a lobster roll, natural oysters, scallops and, of course, buttermilk scones. Better yet you can bring children along to the Kids Afternoon Tea or enjoy your high tea at home with their Afternoon Tea Hampers. The choice is yours!
Enjoy an exquisite afternoon filled with delectable sweet and savoury delights thanks to these Top 8 High Tea Experiences in Perth.
The Best High Tea in Darwin:
Photographed by Nick Pincott. Image via Tourism NT.
Eva's Cafe
Nestled in between the blossoming flower beds and towering trees at Darwin’s Botanic Gardens is Eva’s Cafe. An outdoor high tea experience, Eva’s Cafe allows guests to nibble through a delightful assortment of artisanal cheese and gourmet meats – all served with traditional high tea fare. What makes this high tea spot so special is its location – allowing guests to finish their experience by wandering through the meticulously kept gardens.
The Best High Tea in Brisbane:
Traditional British high tea is the gold standard that The Lab is bringing to Brisbane. Situated inside the gorgeous Treasury Hotel, with a range of high tea experiences starting at $58 per person, this decadent high tea experience gives you a slice of luxury without breaking the bank. Enjoy bottomless hand-crafted teas, a selection of sweets and savoury snacks, and a pristine atmosphere you’d expect from one of the best high tea experiences in Brisbane.
Image via Tourism and Events Queensland.The Lab at Treasury Brisbane
Photographed by Micheile Dot. Image via Unsplash.
Room With Roses
Inside the heritage listed Brisbane Arcade is Room With Roses. Renowned as one of the top places in Brisbane for high tea, after one visit you’ll soon realise why. Included in your three-tier stand will be a selection of sweet and savoury nibbles like ribbon sandwiches, smoked salmon, raspberry scones with house made raspberry jam and so much more. The best part? On top of the central location, you’ll also be served a glass of sparkling wine to pair up with your afternoon tea. Cheers!
Indulge in elegance with this full list of the Top 6 Spots for High Tea in Brisbane.
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