If you’re looking for a delicious afternoon of sweets and a few savouries, read on through for the best high tea experiences in Australia!
High tea. It’s the perfect occasion to round up a few friends and head out for an afternoon filled with palatable delights. From homemade scones with freshly whipped cream, hot brewing tea and, of course, a glass or two of bubbly to celebrate!
Hosted in hotels, restaurants and even gardens, we’ve found the best high tea spot in Australia that you must try this weekend!
The Best High Tea in Sydney:
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The Hydro Majestic Hotel Blue Mountains
If you’re looking for a high tea with a view in Sydney, The Hydro Majestic Hotel Blue Mountains should be at the top of your list. Nestled above the treetops, this high tea experience is won over by the scrumptious tea and cakes serve, the plush furnishings, luxury fireplaces and, of course the decadent artworks. With views of Megalong Valley, this is one of the best high teas in hotels around Australia.
Photographed by Daniel Tran. Image via Destination NSW.
The Tea Room, Queen Victoria Building
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 is at the forefront – and if the French provincial plush chairs don’t win you over, the freshly whipped cream and expansive tea collection will.
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 that uninterrupted views of Melbourne’s CBD is at their 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 Jesse Hisco. Image via Visit Victoria.
National Gallery of Victoria
They say that you can’t put a price on art. But, in our opinion, you can always put a price on deliciously crafted sweet and savoury treats. Thanks to the National Gallery of Victoria, your next high tea experience will be an admirable one. Just think, after strolling through the art museum you’ll then end up at the NGV’s Tea Room where you’ll be served house-made sweets and savouries that’s accompanied by sparkling wine and an extensive range of teas. This is by far one of the most unique and best high tea experiences in Melbourne and possibly all of Australia.
The Best High Tea in Hobart:
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.
Photographed by Sebastian Coman. Image via Unsplash.
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.
The Best High Tea in Adelaide:
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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 you’ll also be treated to a personalised garden tour. After sipping on freshly brewed tea and coffee, you’ll also have a seasonal posy of flowers sourced for the estate to take home with you. By far, one of the best high teas in Adelaide.
Photographed by Joseph Nes.
Image via South Australia Tourism Board.
InterContinental Adelaide
Overlooking the Karrawirra Parri is the InterContinental Adelaide – one of the best high teas around Australia. Unlike other high tea experiences, the InterContinental Adelaide caters especially for coffee lovers. With an espresso martini to start, you’ll also be treated to a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches, hot selections, pastries, scones and even a sorbet palate cleanser. The ultimate afternoon tea pick-me-up, the high tea at the InterContinental Adelaide is easily described as a luxurious and flavourful dining experience you must try.
The Best High Tea in Perth:
Image via Tourism Western Australia.
The Ritz-Carlton
Inside of The Ritz-Carlton Perth is Hearth Restaurant – one of the best high tea experiences in hotels around Australia. 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!
Photographed by Rachel Cheng. Image via Unsplash.
The George Perth
Just a short walk from Central Park will find you at The George Perth. Renowned for being one of the best high teas in Perth, this offering also ensures that there’s something for everyone. If you have a sweet tooth you’ll be able to get your fix with house made scones, French macaroons and a gastronomic selection of other desserts. To break up the sugar hit you’ll also be able to nibble on finger sandwiches and tartlets. Pop open a bottle of sparkling wine and even an afternoon of deliciousness!
The Best High Tea in Darwin:
Photographed by Nick Pincott. Image via Tourism NT.
Eva's Botanic Gardens 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 choose from two options: Grazing in the Gardens which includes artisanal cheese and gourmet meats; or the Tropical High Tea which focuses on traditional high tea fare. Served with homemade iced tea, at Eva’s Cafe you can even add on bottomless premium wine to your visit. Finish by wandering through the gardens and it will be an afternoon well spent!
The Best High Tea in 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 Australia 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!
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Aimee Provence High Tea Parlour
Although not in Brisbane, Aimee Provence High Tea Parlour is still more the mention! Less than 15 minutes from central Sunshine Coast, Aimee Provence is still shining with their delectable high tea experience. Providing a traditional high tea setting, Aimee Provence aims to go above and beyond for their guests thanks to their custom menu for anyone with a dietary requirement. Simply just round up some friends and head out for one of the best high teas on the Sunshine Coast!
Or, for an outdoor high tea that you create yourself, why not do it at one of these 14 Best Picnic Spots around Australia of 2023. For something sweet and sippable, check out these 10 Best Sweet Teas for Winter!
