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Elegant spots to savour a Brisbane high tea

Kristie Lau-Adams Kristie Lau-Adams
Throw your pinkies in the air for dainty delicacies at the best places to experience a Brisbane high tea.

Fluffy finger sandwiches, itsy bitsy cakes, flowing bubbles, and fragrant brew – I am endlessly enchanted by the art of high tea. And I’m not alone. Dating as far back as the 1840s, the 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, Brisbane high tea is always a special occasion – and I’ve created your go-to list.

In short

If you only try one Brisbane high tea, make it Strangers’ High Tea at Parliament House for its unparalleled portal into a bygone era. Think live classical music, nineteenth-century bones and delicious homemade treats.

1. Tea & Bubbles High Tea at Naldham House, Brisbane

the exterior of Naldham House, Brisbane
Step into the European-inspired Naldham House for Tea & Bubbles High Tea. (Image: Dexter Kim)

I love any excuse to step inside the heritage-listed Naldham House but the multi-level venue’s high tea, staged inside its European-inspired Brasserie, is a standout experience. The space is intoxicating, carpeted, moody and wall-lined with books at one end while thick red curtains dial up the drama to almost theatrical heights. What of the towers themselves? The sweets are all baked on-site, the finger sandwiches are cloudlike-fluffy, and they do a smoked mortadella croquette. Need I say more? It’s staged on Saturday from 2:30pm until 4:30pm and prices start from $65 per person before adding bubbles. I recommend just saying yes to the two-hour bottomless Taittinger package for an additional $80 because, well, Taittinger.

Address: 33 Felix St, Brisbane

2. Strangers’ High Tea at Parliament House, Brisbane

delightful bites at Strangers’ High Tea, Parliament House, Brisbane
Wash down these delightful bites with an indulgent tea offering. (Image: Strangers’ Restaurant)

Dine where the very highest of society frequented at Strangers’ High Tea, staged inside Queensland Parliament’s acclaimed Strangers’ Restaurant on select Tuesdays from 11:30am. It’s exceptional for its live classical music and ornate nineteenth-century designed space, once exclusive to male members of parliament. I love the bites, too, which include stalwarts like buttermilk scones and chicken and cucumber sandwiches, plus creations finessed by the Brisbane high tea’s parliamentary chefs like raspberry Opera slice, pumpkin and feta tarts and more. Prices start from $65 per person and I recommend booking well in advance as spots are snapped up quickly. Stay across the website for dates.

Address: Parliamentary Annexe, 69 Alice St, Brisbane

3. High Tea at Lennons Restaurant & Bar, Brisbane

pastries and high tea at Lennons Restaurant & Bar, Brisbane
Satisfy your sweet tooth with decadent pastries. (Image: Mitch Lowe)

Smack-bang in the centre of the CBD, Lennons Restaurant & Bar does a Brisbane high tea to write home about. Found inside the historical Lennons building, erected in 1884 and once one of the tallest structures in the city, the experience delivers decadence with a side of city views while the vibe inside is traditional-bistro and very family-friendly. The menu changes by theme and often with the season, but in December 2025 there was a wonderful ‘Season of Sunshine’ roll call of scones with raspberry Chantilly cream and jam, pineapple meringue, mango choux buns, pea and mint arancini with goat’s cheese and more. It’s staged on Saturday and Sunday from 12:30pm until 3pm and prices start $65 excluding booze (but including tea and coffee, naturally).

Address: 72 Queen St, Brisbane

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4. Champagne High Tea at Customs House, Brisbane

Champagne High Tea at Customs House, Brisbane
The sensational Champagne High Tea at Customs House.

Inside yet another noteworthy Brisbane icon, Champagne High Tea at Customs House offers a sensational sitting across several days of the week, making it a great, accessible pick for that reason alone. Staged on Tuesday at 3pm, and Wednesday to Sunday from 10:30am until 3pm, the 1.5-hour sessions offer views across the river and Story Bridge, making for one of the most scenic Brisbane high teas, to boot. Expect finger sandwiches, miniature cakes, macarons, and a glass of Taittinger bubbles for $90 per person.

Address: 399 Queen St, Brisbane

5. Various high teas at Stamford Plaza Brisbane, Brisbane

tea being poured into a cup on the table at Stamford Plaza Brisbane
The unique flavours of the Sunshine State are infused into the Spirit of Queensland High Tea. (Image: Stamford Hotels and Resorts)

Beloved for putting on three unique versions of Brisbane high tea, Stamford Plaza Brisbane spins its magic on Saturday and Sunday, plus school holidays. It’s all-weekend ‘Spirit of Queensland High Tea’ pays tribute to the flavours of the Sunshine State, spanning tropical fruit, roast Mt Cotton chicken, Maleny cheese sandwiches with ham and Mooloolaba prawn quiche. It costs $79 per person excluding alcohol. Saturday also offers a ‘Chocolate Afternoon Tea’ where more than 17 takes on everyone’s favourite sweet stuff is delivered with baked scones at $69 a seat. Finally, if it’s the school holidays, don’t miss Wizardry High Tea which blends a theme of witchcraft and, well, wizardry (just go with it, your kids love it), with the sweetest of treats.

Address: Corner Edward and Margaret Sts, Brisbane

6. Various high teas at W Brisbane, Brisbane

high tea at W Brisbane, Brisbane
The W brings vibes aplenty with its unique ‘Pretty In Pink’ menu. (Image: W Hotels)

Dripping with the hotel chain’s distinct rock and roll flavour, W Brisbane stages a series of high teas throughout the year within its 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 time. Be it the ‘Festive’ menu available in December 2025, staged on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from $80 per person, or versions 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 that suit your travel plans.

Address: Level 1, 81 North Quay, Brisbane

7. High Tea at Dandelion & Driftwood, Hendra

high tea at Dandelion & Driftwood, Hendra
The cosy cafe nails high tea and epic breakfasts. (Image: @darlynsocialnestco)

You might know Dandelion & Driftwood for its epic breakfasts but the cosy north Brisbane cafe also nails high tea and takeaway high tea box sets. Available at any time of the day, you need to pre-book your seat but get organised because the spoils are abundant. Brioche rolls, thick, fluffy scones, mini tarts and tiny pastries provide all the stomach lining your boozy (or non-boozy) beverage selection needs. Prices start from $65 per person.

Address: 20 Doncaster St, Hendra

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8. Zen Garden High Tea at Bar 1603, Hotel Indigo, Brisbane

Zen Garden High Tea at Bar 1603, Hotel Indigo, Brisbane
These whimsical snacks are sure to surprise. (Image: 1603 Bar)

Serving spectacular afternoon spreads from Friday to Sunday, Bar 1603 inside Hotel Indigo is home to the magical Zen Garden High Tea. A homage to the flavours of Japanese cuisine, the Brisbane high tea 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, Moreton Bay bug rolls, Green Matcha soil (just you wait), mango cheesecake and more. It costs $109 per person and includes a glass of sparkling wine.

Address: 27-35 Turbot St, Brisbane

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

pouring tea into a cup at Bacchus, Rydges South Bank Brisbane
A high-luxe, high tea scene at Bacchus.

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, this high tea is worthy of your finest frocks as classic indulgences light up your table. The theme changes from time to time, with December 2025 ushering in a Festive menu, but you can expect delights like finger sandwiches, croquettes, prawn cocktails, and all your obligatory scones and sweets. It costs about $69 per person, excluding alcohol.

Address: 9 Glenelg St, South Bank

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

high tea at The Kitchen, Old Government House, Brisbane
Classic tea enthusiasts will love the handmade sweets and pastries. (Image: The Kitchen Old Government House)

Held on just one Friday per month, High Tea at The Kitchen in beautiful Old Government House, is an utterly lovely dining experience you must do at least once in your life. 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, but make sure you book your table in advance. Prices start from $79 per person.

Address: 2 George St, Brisbane

11. High Tea at Spicers Balfour Brisbane, New Farm

High Tea at Spicers Balfour Hotel, New Farm
Indulge in exquisite delights at Spicers Balfour Brisbane.

Get swept away in frangipani trees and ultra-lush greenery at Spicers Balfour Brisbane’s High Tea, staged once a month on Saturday across two lunchtime seatings. It’s a stunning setting, embraced entirely if you can wrangle a spot on the Art Deco hotel restaurant’s terrace (but the courtyard is equally charming). The Brisbane high tea features mouth-watering sweets, including the likes of mini tarts, macarons, and specialty cakes, plus savoury brioche, smoked salmon on croute, and scones with Chantilly cream and raspberry jam. It starts from $89 per person.

Address: 37 Balfour St, New Farm

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Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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Can’t handle the cold? Hamilton Island serves a slice of summer in winter

(Image: Hamilton Island)

    Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
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    When the winter chill settles in, an escape to Hamilton Island’s year-round tropical shores is the only acceptable coping mechanism.

    As a heliophile with the cold tolerance of a Mediterranean house cat, the arrival of winter tends to spark a particular panic. How will I survive? Must I really start layering? What do you mean, Aperol season is over? But there are far better ways to spend the cooler months than sulking in the depths of your doona.

    Enter, Hamilton Island. With its year-round sunshine and permanent on-holiday atmosphere, this Whitsundays favourite promises a veritable slice of summer in winter.

    Think salt-stiff hair and the smug pleasure of devouring seafood beside the water while friends back home are defogging their windscreens. Here’s why Hamilton Island should figure into your winter plans.

    1. Year-round summer weather

    A woman hiking along the Passage Peak trail on Hamilton Island.
    Hike under sunny winter skies on Hamilton Island. (Image: Andrew Caitens)

    In the crisper months, Hamilton Island offers perfectly mild, sunny weather (17-24°C) that lends itself to morning swims and afternoon spritzes. Better still, you can enjoy the island’s outdoor adventures – from hiking to mountain biking – without the humidity or rain you’ll often find in summertime. With direct flights from most major Australian cities offering ease of access, Hamilton Island is the ideal place to flee the cold.

    2. Getting active without the humidity

    A buggy parked overlooking Hamilton Island’s golf course, with sweeping views of the sea at Whitsundays in winter.
    Zip around Hamilton Island by buggy. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    Whether you’re hiking up to Passage Peak or exploring the island by buggy, tropical Queensland humidity is nobody’s friend. The one way to guarantee you will avoid the inevitable stickiness and fluffy hair? Visit during winter. There’s plenty to be enjoyed, from sunrise yoga at The Sundays (exclusive to guests of The Sundays) to playing golf on Dent Island.

    3. Hamilton Island Race Week

    Yachts racing across the sparkling Whitsundays during Hamilton Island Race Week.
    Feel the thrill of Hamilton Island Race Week. (Image: Salty Dingo)

    Taking place in August, Hamilton Island Race Week is a destination in its own right that attracts spectators and racers from around the globe. Boating enthusiasts and thrill-seeking holidaymakers flock to the island, which is palpably energetic as the first yachts set off for Dent Passage from Hamilton Island Yacht Club. The annual action-packed week, taking place from 15 to 22 August in 2026, offers an exciting calendar of on- and off-water events – spanning everything from celebrity chef dinners to golfing comps and wine tastings.

    4. Best time for snorkelling

    A woman snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
    Explore Hamilton Island’s winter waters. (Image: Andrew Caitens)

    While the crowds on Hamilton Island may disperse with the cooler weather, the marine life certainly doesn’t. Winter is widely considered one of the best times to snorkel and dive in the Whitsundays.

    It’s down to a number of reasons: excellent water visibility, higher chances of seeing whales as they migrate north and – best of all – no nasty stingers. This means no need to wear those notoriously unflattering full-body wetsuits visitors have to wear in warmer months. On top of all this, you’ll find calm seas ideal for sailing and Great Barrier Reef tours.

    5. Fewer crowds

    People kayaking.
    Experience a quieter Hamilton Island on a kayaking adventure. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    Winter is often the quietest time to visit Hamilton Island, with the peak season crowds thinned to a relaxed trickle. You can snorkel or dive straight off the reef-laced waters of Catseye Beach, then swap fins for a buggy and zip between One Tree Hill, the marina and sunset cocktails without the usual summer queues. Active days stretch from kayaking, sailing and jet skiing to hopping over to famous Whitehaven Beach to witness those breathtaking white swirls of silica sand. You won’t have to elbow your way to the front of the crowd to get a good snap.

    6. Delicious dining

    The interiors of Bommie Restaurant, featuring modern coastal design with warm lighting and elegant detailing.
    Treat yourself to Bommie Restaurant’s fine dining featuring fresh, seasonal Aussie produce. (Image: Nikki To)

    The food on Hamilton Island tastes just as good any time of year, and winter is still perfect weather for sundowners. Start with an iced tea Negroni at harbourside Bommie Deck, before transitioning to Bommie Restaurant for a fine-dining feast centering on seasonal Aussie ingredients. Or perhaps enjoy a more casual poolside evening at Sails Restaurant, where plates of chermoula chicken skewers, baked cauliflower steak and crispy sumac squid come served with ocean views. From family-friendly pub meals to elevated wine tastings, there’s something for everyone.

    5. Clear skies for idyllic views

    The golden hour across the Whitsundays in winter.
    End your day with golden Hamilton Island sunsets over the water. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    Never let a cloud rain on the parade of Hamilton Island’s spectacular scenery. Winter brings clearer skies and more stable weather to the Whitsundays, meaning your picture-perfect sunset at One Tree Hill is likely to remain that way. And after putting in the legwork to hike to a scenic lookout, the last thing you want is a vista hidden behind low cloud and haze.

    To learn more about travelling to the Whitsundays in winter, visit hamitlonisland.com.au.