11 Of The Best High Teas In Brisbane

Throw your pinkies in the air for dainty delicacies at the best places to experience high tea in Brisbane.

Fluffy finger sandwiches, itsy bitsy cakes, flowing bubbles, and fragrant brew – the art of high tea is totally irresistible. Dating as far back as the 1840s, the afternoon dining experience is still ridiculously popular, and Brisbane plays home to an abundance of sittings. From the confines of luxurious hotels to standalone destinations nailing new takes on the traditional, high tea in Brisbane is worthy of your bucket list.

1. Strangers’ High Tea, Brisbane City

Dine where the very highest of society frequented at Strangers’ High Tea , staged inside Queensland Parliament’s acclaimed Strangers’ Restaurant. Live classical music and ornate nineteenth-century design fill the historical space, which was once exclusive to male members of parliament. Delight in the high tea menu of scrumptious treats, rolled out of the kitchen on various dates throughout the month (best to check the website well in advance as tables fill quickly). Think buttermilk scones, raspberry Opera slice, pumpkin and feta tarts, chicken and cucumber sandwiches, and more.

Address: Parliamentary Annexe, 69 Alice Street, Brisbane City

Strangers’ High Tea at Queensland Parliament House. — The high tea at Strangers’Restaurant is a must for classic high tea lovers. (Image: Strangers’ Restaurant)

2. Stamford Plaza Brisbane Hotel High Tea, Brisbane City

Beloved for its elegant high tea in the heart of town, Stamford Plaza Brisbane Hotel puts on three unique versions. Staged on Saturday and Sunday weekly, The Spirit of Queensland High Tea pays tribute to the flavours of the Sunshine State, spanning tropical fruit, Daintree barramundi, Stanthorpe cider-apple and raisin scones. Saturday, weekly, also plays home to a Chocolate Afternoon Tea where more than 17 takes on everyone’s favourite sweet stuff is delivered with baked scones. And if it’s the school holidays, don’t miss Wizardry High Tea which blends a theme of which craft and, well, wizardry (just go with it, your kids love it), with the sweetest of treats.

Address: Corner Edward and Margaret Streets, Brisbane City

Stamford Plaza Brisbane Hotel high tea in Brisbane City. — The unique flavours of the Sunshine State are infused into the Spirit of Queensland High Tea. (Image: Stamford Hotels and Resorts)

3. Sofitel High Tea, Brisbane City

Bringing the hotel’s signature French flair to its high tea, the Sofitel group deliver an enchanting experience. Sofitel High Tea at Sofitel Brisbane Central is set within Cuvee, the hotel’s sophisticated lobby bar, and its weekly Friday, Saturday, and Sunday sittings are stacked, literally, with patisseries crafted by their in-house team plus mouth-watering sandwiches and your choice of a glass of Veuve or a mocktail. A high tea in Brisbane with a side of lovely city streetscape views, too.

Address: 249 Turbot Street, Brisbane City

Sofitel Brisbane Central's high tea. — Savour the afternoon with mouth-watering sandwiches and delicate pastries. (Image: Sofitel)

4. W Brisbane High Tea, Brisbane City

A high tea in Brisbane dripping with the hotel chain’s distinct rock and roll flavour, W Brisbane High Teas (there’s a series of them) are set within the eclectic Living Room Bar. Amid a sea of metallics, pop prints and soft seating, the themed high teas nod to whatever they’re vibing at the moment. Be it the ‘Pretty In Pink’ menu that’s available until the end of June 2024 or any one of the special occasion high teas that tap into the likes of Easter and Mother’s Day, there’s always something delicious going on. Check the website for menus and dates.

Address: 81 North Quay, Brisbane City

5. Dandelion & Driftwood, Hendra

You might know Dandelion & Driftwood for its epic breakfasts but the cosy north Brisbane cafe also nails high tea sittings and takeaway high tea box sets. Available at any time of the day, you need to pre-book your sitting but get organised because the spoils are abundant. Ribbon sandwiches, thick, fluffy scones, mini tarts, cupcakes, and tiny pastries provide all the stomach lining your boozy (or non-boozy) beverage selection needs.

Address: 20 Doncaster Street, Hendra

6. Treasury Brisbane’s High Tea at The Lab, Brisbane City

Embrace old-world character and decadent spoils at Treasury Brisbane’s High Tea at The Lab , the hotel’s fine dining restaurant. Soft carpeting and rich timber furniture create a plush, homely space to dig into your tower of temptation, served to guests every Saturday and Sunday. You can go with the standard menu or upgrade with Chandon and premium Moet, but regardless, your tower will arrive with ribbon sandwiches, in-house pastries, quiche, frittata, and scones.

Address: 130 William Street, Brisbane City

7. Fancy Tea at The Matriarch, Newstead

Love the eloquent boozing element of high tea? Fancy Tea at The Matriarch is just the ticket. Focused on injecting even more fun into Brisbane’s high tea offering, the team fill their lush, greenery-splashed space with a traditional menu paired with three boozy concoctions from Wednesday to Sunday. Think tea-infused cocktails like Hendricks Gin & Tea, and vodka and lemon peach tea. If you’d prefer mocktails, they can always cater for you too.

Address: 1/22 Masters Road, Newstead

8. Zen Garden High Tea at Bar 1603, Brisbane City

Serving spectacular afternoon spreads from Friday to Saturday, Bar 1603 offers a magical Zen Garden High Tea . A homage to the flavours of Japanese cuisine, the meal caters to both savoury and sweet palettes however that’s where everything you think you know about high tea ends. Forget finger sandwiches forever as you dive into a stream of sashimi, gyoza, Karaage chicken, Matcha mouse, a chocolate cherry blossom tree and more.

Address: 27-35 Turbot Street, Brisbane City

Zen Garden High Tea at Bar 1603. — Looking for something a bit different? These whimsical snacks are sure to surprise. (Image: 1603 Bar)

9. High Tea at Bacchus, Rydges South Bank Brisbane, South Bank

Fine china porcelain and velvet chairs set a high-luxe, high tea scene at Bacchus inside Rydges South Bank Brisbane. Catering to both adults and children on Saturday and Sunday, this high tea is still worthy of your finest frocks as a roll call of classic indulgences light up your table. Two hours of bottomless Mumm bubbles (for the grown-ups, obviously) and the likes of Reuben sandwiches, croquettes, truffle egg pillows, seafood wraps, and all your obligatory scones and sweets will floor you.

Address: 9 Glenelg Street, South Bank

10. High Tea at The Kitchen, Old Government House, Brisbane City

Held on just one Friday every month, High Tea at The Kitchen in the beautiful Old Government House, plays home to an atmospheric dining experience you can’t miss. Located at the bustling Queensland University of Technology campus right near the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, the venue pops together a beautiful selection of delicacies spanning finger sandwiches, handmade sweets and pastries. You’ll need to check the website for upcoming dates and make sure you book your table in advance.

Address: 2 George Street, Brisbane City

The Kitchen at Old Government House high tea. — Elevate your Friday afternoons in the timeless Old Government House. (Image: The Kitchen Old Government House)

11. High Tea at The Balfour Kitchen & Bar, New Farm

Be swept away in frangipani trees and ultra-lush greenery at High Tea at The Balfour Kitchen & Bar . It’s a stunning setting, embraced entirely if you can wrangle a spot on the converted Queenslander’s wraparound balcony. Staged once a month on a Saturday and Sunday (check the website for upcoming dates), this high tea in Brisbane features mouth-watering sweets including the likes of mini tarts, macarons, and specialty cakes, plus savoury brioche, smoked trout bruschetta, pork terrine, and scones with Chantilly cream and jam.

Address: 37 Balfour Street, New Farm

Spicers Balfour Hotel in Brisbane's high tea. — Indulge in exquisite delights amidst scenic beauty. (Image: Spicers Retreats)

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

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11 elegant spots to enjoy high tea in Brisbane