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)

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach — Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter — Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa — Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter — Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter — Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.

11 elegant spots to enjoy high tea in Brisbane