8 Of The Best High Teas With A Twist In Australia

Champagne, cupcakes, spa treatments… there’s nothing stuffy about today’s high tea.

There’s something fabulous about sipping tea out of dainty crockery while nibbling on cute sandwiches and petite pastries, and you’ve got to admit, Aussies are leaders when it comes to leisurely activities.

High tea (or afternoon tea) can be traced back to the 1700s – and Britain of course. Working men and women used to fill up on their afternoon break, sometimes in place of eating a late dinner.

Then the rich got hungry. Picture the 7th Duchess of Bedford getting peckish in the afternoon and the servants coming up with an array of delightful afternoon snacks. She invited friends, they had some tea – voila! Gradually it became an event on the social calendars of the elite, and was seen as a more substantial meal consumed before important activities – like playing cards or going to the theatre.

Today it’s something we do out of curiosity, hunger, to catch up with people, or just to sit back and relax. Here we’ve found 10 spots that offer a superb high tea – but with a twist.

1. Museo Salon & Spa, Mount Lawley, WA

A day spa and salon under one roof, and they serve high tea? If you’re after a complete pamper session, this is the place to go. Indulge in a treatment, get a blow-dry, and finish off with a mixture of tasty treats. Baby quiches, fruit sorbet, macaroons, raspberry and pistachio slices – these ladies know how to make it just right. At $20 (or $35 for two people) why wouldn’t you unwind in the relaxation lounge or on the verandah after a hard day of… er, relaxing!

Address: 690 Beaufort St, Mount Lawley, WA

Mueso day spa — A day spa and salon under one roof, and they serve high tea. Museo is bliss.

2. Sparkle Cupcakery, Sydney, NSW

Everybody loves a cupcake (or two) and Sparkle Cupcakery makes sure your high tea (they call it T Party) includes a few. You get a bunch of other cool stuff too – cones of popcorn-inspired sweet treats, a blood-orange jelly and lemon sorbet dessert shot, sandwich snippets and a toffee apple. For $45, which includes a glass of bubbles, it’s worth trying the innovative delicacies on offer. Plus you’re bound to walk out with take-home cupcakes – which is a good thing, we think. A bookings-only policy applies so make sure you call ahead.

Address: 132 Foveaux St, Surry Hills

3. Madame Brussels , Melbourne, Vic

This kitsch bar is named after a former high-society brothel, but now it caters to different vices: liquor and, yes, high tea (though they call it a garden party). For $38 on a Saturday or Sunday, indulge in old-fashioned sandwiches, frittatas, sweets and more, plus delectable summer punch in a teapot to wash down the bites. A lift will whisk you up to the rooftop level where you can relax in the eclectic space (pink cushions, lace latticework, antique furniture and fake grass) and get lost in the mishmash of colours, textures and kookiness that is Madame Brussels.

Address: Level 3, 59-63 Bourke St, Melbourne

High Tea Madame Brussells — High Tea in the sky.

4. Bygone Beautys Tearoom, Blue Mountains, NSW

If you’re into teapots, the Bygone Beautys (sic) tearoom has a lot – in fact, it houses one of the largest private teapot collections in the world – more than 3000 – all on display throughout a gorgeous Edwardian building. You couldn’t ask for a more fitting setting – or better service. High tea is served by a waiter in tails and a top hat, and consists of a variety of old-fashioned items including dainty hand-rolled and crustless sandwiches – it’s the way the Ritz in London does them. Everything is made fresh on site and they use fine bone china, silverware and cloth serviettes. It’s very popular, so book ahead: the cost starts at $55 per person.

Address: 20-22 Grose St, Leura, NS

Bygone High Tea — Bygone houses one of the largest private teapot collections in the world.

5. Parliament House , Brisbane, Qld

If you’re after something a little upmarket, book in for a high tea at Queensland’s Parliament House. Held in the Strangers’ Dining Room on a loose monthly schedule, you must call and book ahead. Assortments of quintessential high-tea treats are prepared by the parliament’s resident chefs: salmon, cucumber and turkey sandwiches, along with quiches and cakes, all served in the state’s premier heritage building. If that’s not enough, you have the option to go on a tour of the Parliament after your indulgence – and it’s included in the price of $47.50.

Address: Cnr of George and Alice Sts, Brisbane

Queensland’s Parliament House High Tea — Book in for a high tea at Queensland’s Parliament House.

6. Palazzo Versace , Surfers Paradise, Qld

Spectacular architecture, Italian furnishings, antique chandeliers, marble, mosaics: everyone knows this is the glamorous place to be, and the great news is that you can indulge in its Fashionista High Tea without even staying at the hotel. Unwind in the Le Jardin lobby bar, soak up the elegance and enjoy freshly made delicacies in this season’s colours (hot pinks, lavender, molten chocolate, lemon and pistachio, just so you know). There are four different teas to choose from, depending on your selection of beverage. Best of all, the divine French pastries vary at least daily, depending on what the chef feels like conjuring up – so you can go back again and again…

Address: Sea World Drive, Main Beach

High Tea Palazzo Versace — Indulge in the Fashionista High Tea without even staying at the hotel.

7. Sir Stamford at Circular Quay, Sydney, NSW

First came babycinos, now the littlies are getting in on high tea. Scones, raspberry trifles, chocolate-coated strawberries, rice crackles, chocolate brownies – it’s good to be a kid. There’s a catch though: adults have to come too (but get their own version of a more “adult" high tea). The good bit for mini high tea addicts: it’s available every day.

Address: 93 Macquarie St, Sydney

high tea stamford — Mini high tea addicts, rejoice!

8. Apothecary 1878, Adelaide, SA

Feel like a cuppa in elegant surroundings? The Apothecary 1878 wine bar and restaurant in a heritage-listed building really takes you back to another era. The 133-year-old antique pharmacy cabinets, classic Thonet chairs, antique chaise longues, velvet carpet and opulent chandeliers make for an atmospheric setting, and for $35 why wouldn’t you indulge in high tea in such sumptuousness? Available on Saturdays at 4pm (reservations only), the menu changes weekly but you’ll be sure to get savoury delicacies, sandwiches, petits fours and scones. If wine is more your thing, there are more than 500 bottles to choose from – just remember, not all apothecaries know best…

Address: 118 Hindley St, Adelaide

No one does road trips like Australians. Make your journey perfect.

The humble road trip is a way of life in Australia, and it’s not the same here as it is anywhere else. Sure, you could fly, but then you’re missing out on the bonding time and priceless memories that get made along the way (good or bad, you’ll be sharing them for years to come). Not to mention, some of Australia’s most worthwhile and untouched places can only be accessed by road .

But how to ensure your road trip is quintessentially perfect? Why use this checklist, of course.

1. Start with the perfect vehicle

A woman sitting while reading inside Star RV Motorhomes spacious Polaris 6. — Relax with stunning views in a spacious motorhome. (Image: Demi Gavin)

I can tell you from experience, nothing will push even the most tight-knit group to devolve into chaos and fighting faster than a vehicle that isn’t up to the task of a proper road trip. Enter the premium options of Star RV Motorhomes.

They have a range of sizes to suit any group, from solo travellers and couples to families. And they’re designed to be easy to drive.

Take the Polaris 6 , for example. This light-filled sanctuary of comfort has plenty of space for bigger groups. Three double beds, a shower and toilet, and an extendable awning (with room to move between them all) make it perfect for exploring Australia.

Couples might prefer the Polaris 2 with a fully self-contained bathroom, kitchen and a bed for two that transforms into comfortable seating during the day. Both models are pet-friendly.

2. Pack the tastiest snacks

A couple having a picnic beside Star RV Motorhomes. — Make use of the spacious storage in your Star RV.

Road trip snacks are an Australian art. Some, you’ll need to pick up along the way. We’re talking the iconic Chico Roll, choccie milk and maybe a sneaky potato scallop (or several).

Others, you can pack ahead of time to save on time and, usually, money. Thankfully, Star RV Motorhomes all come with plenty of storage space, so your snacks can last as long as your road trip. Think fresh fruit and other supplies to cook lunch and dinner along the way. Plenty of lollies and maybe even some soft drinks and Red Bulls for the road.

Not to mention, many Star RV motorhomes have a kitchen onboard, complete with a full-size kitchen, so you won’t need to lug an esky around.

3. Bring your pet for the ride

A child and its pet inside Star RV Motorhomes. — Travel Australia with your four-legged co-pilot. (Image: Erin Bacchi)

Man’s best friend is essential for a truly Aussie road trip. Pet-friendly Star RV Motorhomes not only mean your dog (or cat, if they enjoy the open road more than mine do) can experience Australia with you, but that you save a small fortune on pet sitters or dog hotels.

4. Prepare the perfect soundtrack

Two people having coffee with a view. — Chase the journey and the destination.

No ifs, ands or buts, the perfect soundtrack can make or break a road trip. It’s really up to you, but we recommend plenty of Australian classics. Cold Chisel never hits quite the same as when you’re listening to it with only gumtrees and kangaroos for company.

Of course, this means you’ll also need a good sound system to listen to your carefully curated tunes on. Star RV motorhome sound systems allow you to connect your device and play your own music. Goodbye, spotty radio reception.

5. A spacious tent and camping gear

A woman sitting inside Star RV Motorhomes with a view of the lake in the background. — Enjoy soft linens and space to stretch. (Image: Cariund Hannes)

If there’s one thing that a road trip can guarantee, it’s a campsite or several. So you’d better source a good sturdy tent, sleeping back, and a camping mattress that probably won’t help much – but it’s better than the ground.

Or, just hire a motorhome so your vehicle is also your bed, and comfort is a priority (goodbye foam camp mattresses) with linens provided. And you’ll have room to unpack and move around. Heaven.

6. Plan your toilet breaks

Typically, an Aussie road trip means pulling over at a good bushy area or finding a horrific pit toilet on the side of the road – the smell of which will stay with you forevermore. If you’re planning to camp, better pack that handy shovel and find a good, bug-free place to dig your own loo hole.

To avoid that hassle (and smell), forgo the shovel and hire a motorhome with an onboard toilet. When the toilet comes with you, there are no emergency roadside stops. Plus, it’s a whole lot fresher.

7. Pick the ultimate destination

Aerial view of the Polaris 6 cruising along a coastal road with sweeping beach views. — Hit the road, Aussie-style. (Image: Matt Finch)

Of course, the journey is half the fun. But the other half is an incredible destination. With accommodation and transportation sorted out with one motorhome, you have the flexibility to choose a gorgeous view for the night (or several).

There are endless views to choose from, like the rugged cliff faces of Queensland’s Carnarvon Gorge National Park. Carnarvon Gorge camping area (near the visitor area) and the Big Bend walkers’ camp both have bushy surrounds and a trail to the gorge itself.

Or Lake Argyle, Western Australia‘s largest man-made freshwater reservoir. Find the only dedicated camping and caravan park at Lake Argyle Resort.

Meanwhile, Mount Buffalo National Park in Victoria is prolific for its wildlife. Wander through snow gum forests and keep an eye out for wombats, Australian kestrels and more. There are several camp options here.

Start planning your Australian road trip adventure (and get 15 per cent off on any Star RV motorhome rental in Australia) at starrv.com/au .

The best high teas with a twist around Australia