The most magical Christmas high teas around Australia

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to get festive the fancy way.

If you’ve explored Australia’s Christmas markets, there’s another way you can get into the spirit this silly season. Festive high teas are popping up across the country, enticing guests with sweets, treats and irresistible eats.

But there’s more to high tea than getting dressed up and indulging. It’s a way to celebrate a special occasion, and what’s more special than Christmas? Combine two great things and you get something incredible. Now, pinkies up – these are the best places to book a festive high tea experience this year.

1. Queen Victoria Building, Sydney, NSW

When: 21 November – 24 December
Cost: $105; $65 (1–12 years)

High Tea with Santa at QVB, Sydney — Cheers to Christmas with Santa himself at QVB’s Tea Rooms.

You’re invited to Sydney’s Queen Victoria Building this Christmas to have High Tea with Santa ! Held in the historic ballroom, guests will be treated to a range of sweet and savoury delights, from freshly baked scones to delicate pastries.

You’re not the only one invited, though. Santa himself is taking a break from his busy schedule to pop in for a bite to eat and a photo! A professional photographer will be onsite to capture happy snaps with old Saint Nick before he jets off to the North Pole again.

2. The Cupcake Co., Southern Highlands, NSW

When: 1 November – 23 December
Cost: $59.95

Christmas cupcakes — The Berrima tea house specialises in cupcakes. (Image: Getty/Liudmila Chernetska)

Curated by a boutique cake and cupcake shop, it’s practically a given that this festive high tea will be nothing short of amazing. Quaint Berrima tea house The Cupcake Co. delivers an indulgent spread of sweets and treats made fresh for you.

Paired perfectly with a barista-made coffee or a pot of fresh loose-leaf tea, it’s an experience worth savouring over a sunny morning. Afterwards, explore the cosy town of Berrima or finish your day ticking off some of nearby Bowral’s best local highlights.

3. Shangri-La, Sydney, NSW

When: 27 November – 6 January
Cost: $98–$178

Shangri La Sydney high tea, NSW — Treat yourself to high tea with views of Sydney Harbour this Christmas.

High above the city, Shangri-La Sydney is transforming its Level 36 bar into a Christmas wonderland this festive season. Indulge in sweet treats like Christmas-tree-shaped cookies, reindeer tarts and Santa-red choux pastries, alongside savoury delights and scones with clotted cream.

Prices range between $98 and $168 per person on weekdays, depending on your choice of beverage (think tea, coffee, bubbles or French Champagne. Come the weekend, tack on $10 for each offering. It’s the kind of high tea that feels like luxury wrapped in a festive bow, capped off with views of the glittering harbour below.

4. Dorsett, Melbourne, Vic

When: 7 & 15 December
Cost: $80; $40 (children)

Dining at Dorsett Melbourne, Vic — Every bite tastes like Christmas magic at Dorsett Melbourne. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Indulge in a delightfully festive high tea at the Dorsett Melbourne this year, with just two exclusive dining experiences available. The elegantly curated offering includes unlimited freshly baked scones and sandwiches, plus your choice of premium coffee or tea.

Each morsel has been handcrafted by the luxury hotel’s pastry chef, guaranteeing good times (and great flavours) all round. Guests will also enjoy a complimentary drink upon arrival to kick off the festivities – we’ll cheers to that!

5. Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie, Bellbrae, Vic

When: 22 December
Cost: $71; $30.50 (3–12 years)

Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, Vic — The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery hits the sweet spot.

Not only is the Great Ocean Road Australia’s top road trip adventure, it’s also home to one of the most mouth-watering pit stops – and this year, it’s hosting a festive high tea worth pulling over for. At the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery , guests can tuck into everything from turkey and ham to pastries and a giant chocolate fountain.

If you can’t make it to the coast, the celebration continues at the Chocolaterie’s sister venue in the Yarra Valley . The regional outpost is adding extra sparkle this season with an elf treasure hunt and a chocolate bauble-making workshop – perfect for chocoholics!

6. The Langham, Melbourne, Vic

When: 24 November – 1 January
Cost: $138; $60 (1–12 years); $148; $70 (Sundays)

Christmas high tea at The Langham Melbourne, Vic — The Langham goes all out for its annual Christmas High Tea.

Celebrate the most wonderful time of year with The Langham Melbourne , which hosts a dreamy afternoon high tea come Christmas. The banquet is held at the onsite bar and lounge, Aria, a befitting space with plush sofas, marble tables and huge windows draped with wispy white curtains.

Indulge in a mouth-watering arrangement of salty and sweet treats that have been delicately designed and baked to perfection. If you miss Chrissie with the family this year, don’t fret. The Langham’s high tea runs until 1 January, so you can still celebrate with loved ones in style.

7. W Brisbane, Brisbane, Qld

When: 7 November – 28 December
Cost: $80 (tea/coffee) – $99 (Champagne); $45 (children)

Festive high tea at W Brisbane, Qld — Festive indulgence never looked so good at the W Brisbane.

If you’re in the Queensland capital this Christmas, head to the W Brisbane for a fun-filled high tea at the Living Room Bar . Devour a teetering tower of treats with your loved ones, paired with your choice of tea and coffee or Champagne.

Afterwards, get hands-on with a build-your-own gingerbread house kit courtesy of the W Brisbane, which you can take home to enjoy. Not only is the five-star hotel one of the best places to stay in Brissie, it’s a fantastic spot to celebrate the silly season.

8. QTea, Gold Coast, Qld

When: 15 November – 31 December
Cost: $69; $39 (5–12 years)

QTea at QT Gold Coast, Qld — Get festive the Gold Coast way this Christmas at QTea.

Dive into a sun-soaked Christmas high tea on the Gold Coast, where the usual elegance takes on a festive twist at QTea . Think beetroot-thyme macarons, smoked-salmon roulades, mini pavlovas and more – all within one of the Gold Coast’s most luxurious properties.

With your choice of tea or espresso, plus optional bubbles or even boozy iced tea, it’s the perfect excuse to gather friends and treat yourself. This sip-sational high tea offering is available until the end of December, running from 11am to 2pm daily.

9. Strangers’ Restaurant, Brisbane, Qld

When: 2–17 December
Cost: $69.50

Christmas-themed sweet treats — Strangers’ Restaurant is setting the table for merriment this Christmas. (Image: Getty/Mila Bond)

In the heart of the city with views across the Brisbane River, Queensland’s parliament building may not seem like the most festive of places. But come December, its onsite Strangers’ Restaurant transforms into a twinkling wonderland for its Christmas high tea.

The menu has been curated to include delectable festive-themed eats with warm, comforting flavours. Think everything from chocolate-filled pastries and cranberry scones to prawn rolls and pumpkin tarts – delicious!

10. Cataract on Paterson, Launceston, Tas

When: 14 December
Cost: $75; $35 (children 10 and under)

High tea at Cataract on Paterson in Launceston, Tas — Don’t skip Cataract on Paterson’s delicious, freshly baked scones.

Cataract on Paterson is one of the best restaurants in Launceston, partly due to its incredible food, and partly due to its very merry Christmas high tea . Start off with a festive-themed cocktail before diving into a range of sweet treats, savoury snacks and bottomless cups of tea.

It’s the perfect family day out, thanks to a mini high tea curated for your mini-me. The team at Cataract have taken the adult menu and shrunk it, turning bigger treats into bite-sized eats. There will also be presents for little ones, delivered by Santa Claus himself.

11. Hadley’s Orient Hotel, Hobart, Tas

When: Throughout December
Cost: $59

Plate of Christmas desserts — Dive into a high tea full of Christmas classics at Hadley’s. (Image: Getty/Mtreasure)

Tucked in the heart of Hobart’s charming city centre, this heritage hotel invites you to savour a joyfully festive afternoon tea in its beautifully restored atrium. Hadley’s Orient Hotel will be serving up freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches and Christmas-themed sweet treats, all served with bubbles or tea.

Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, or simply treating yourself, the venue’s holiday ambience, complete with seasonal decor and tailored table settings, makes for a memorable festive outing. It’s the perfect excuse to soak in the Chrissie spirit before the year ends.

12. Hearth, Perth, WA

When: 1–31 December
Cost: $87; $49 (children)

Hearth's high tea package, Perth WA — Hearth’s high tea offering is inspired by Western Australia’s landscape.

Hearth at the Ritz Carlton Perth is going all out this Christmas by giving its signature afternoon tea a seasonal makeover. But it won’t be your usual menu. In true Hearth fashion, this high tea is inspired by Western Australia’s landscape, from coast to country.

Take a culinary journey through sweet and savoury flavours, all elevated by locally sourced ingredients like raw Forest Fresh honey and tea grown in Margaret River. Running seven days a week throughout December, this is one Santa would definitely approve of.

13. Cape Arid Rooms, Perth, WA

When: Until 5 February
Cost: $85; $45 (children 12 and under)

Cape Arid Rooms high tea in Perth, WA — The Spring to Summer high tea experience is perfectly suited to an Aussie Christmas.

As the days stretch into the warmer months, Cape Arid Rooms invites you to its Spring to Summer afternoon tea in the heart of Perth. Expect savoury bites such as smoked salmon and pumpkin, as well as sweet treats like brownies, tarts, mousse and seasonal fruits.

The tea selection is sure to impress, with 20 blends on offer labelled under profiles like rich and bold, rare and precious, sweet and mellow, plus filter coffee, too. It’s the perfect fit for an Aussie Christmas: fresh, light and inspired by summer.

14. The Q on Hallet, Adelaide, SA

When: 16 November
Cost: $70

A small Christmas cake — Experience high tea at one of Adelaide’s best art galleries. (Image: Getty/Liliboas)

Is there anywhere more fancy to have scones and a cuppa than one of Adelaide’s most beautiful art galleries? This year, the Q on Hallett in Adelaide is inviting you to do just that, with Christmas high tea under its twinkling chandeliers.

Devour 10 different treats, half savoury and half sweet, with your choice of Christmas punch or glass of bubbles on arrival, as well as free-flowing coffee and T2 tea! A browse through The Q’s stunning art collection is the perfect way to end the day.

15. Together & Co, Darwin, NT

When: 14 November – 25 December
Cost: $45; $25 (5–12 years)

Christmas-themed high tea — Upgrade your high tea experience to bottomless for just $10 extra. (Image: Getty/Yena Lou)

Starting mid-November and running every day until Christmas, Together & Co at Darwin’s Hilton Garden Inn is hosting a festive high tea of epic proportions. Taste your way through a tantalising menu that features everything from brownies and baked cheesecake to pork sliders and arancini.

Whether you prefer classics like fruit cake or want to try your luck with an eggnog shooter, your taste buds are sure to be thankful. Simply can’t get enough? You’re in luck – make the whole thing bottomless for just $10 extra a pop.

16. Hyatt Hotel, Canberra, ACT

When: 24–25 December
Cost: $79; $85 (weekends, with a 10 per cent Sunday surcharge)

High tea at Hyatt Hotel Canberra, ACT — Indulge in tiers of festive favourites at Hyatt Hotel Canberra. (Image: Pew Pew Studio)

Those in the nation’s capital this December should treat themselves to an indulgent high tea buffet courtesy of the Hyatt Hotel Canberra. Set up in the aptly named Tea Lounge, the exclusive experience will be held on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day only.

Sit down with your friends and family to munch on savoury sandwiches and sweet treats delivered to your table and paired with your choice of beverage. Too full to journey home? Book a stay and treat yourself to a cosy night at one of Canberra’s top hotels.

Are you looking to take the year off from hosting Christmas? Explore the best restaurants open on Christmas Day in Australia.

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

The most magical Christmas high teas around Australia to celebrate the festive season