09 July 2025
14 mins Read
Whether you’re catching up with friends, celebrating a milestone or just in the mood for fluffy finger sandwiches, high tea is a never-fail good time. In the sun-drenched Gold Coast, those towering feasts are often accompanied by salt-kissed breeze, idyllic water views and sweet treat wizardry Willy Wonka would be proud of. From the finest big-name hotel interpretations to incredible hidden holes in the wall, our locals’ take on the most drool-worthy high teas on the Gold Coast is your ticket to pure sinful yumminess.
The Tarte treats come in miniature size. (Image: Supplied)
In a rare turnout of southern beaches love, high tea landed in the no-longer-sleepy suburb of Currumbin in April 2025. Tarte Tea Garden, another extension of the cult Burleigh Heads bakery/cafe located next door to Tarte Beach House, brings a touch of fancy to the made-for-SUP-boarding Currumbin Creek. Step through a garden arch to find green and white umbrellas, sweet bistro tables and a cluster of potted blooms and plants, all hidden behind tall foliage to shield you from the outside world. Stroll in further to discover a Tea Bar stocked with more than 10 Noble & Sunday leaf varieties, while an adjacent sweets cabinet showcases miniature versions of bestselling Tarte treats including the dulce de leche crueller, strawberry glazed tart and brown butter choc-chip cookie.
The best thing about this spot is you can create your own tower on the spot if you haven’t pre-booked a table, making it hands-down the best last-minute high tea on the Gold Coast for non-planners. If you are a planner, however, expect to add salmon, cucumber and tomato bagels to your steeple, plus flavour-packed chicken finger sandwiches and obligatory scones with cream and jam. It’s the full hog here despite the chilled, cafe-style vibe.
As for washing it all down, choose from Tarte’s famed ‘Cloud’ drinks which tops sweet concoctions with melt-in-your-mouth flavoured foam, or dive straight into Australian Traveller’s preferred poison: the ‘Chocolat chaud à l’ancienne’, a porcelain tea pot filled with thick, utterly sublime homemade hot chocolate paired with a dessert glass of fresh cream — ‘cause if your hot choccy isn’t floating with velvety blobs of unadulterated dairy, is it even a real hot chocolate?
Price: $55 per person, which includes one hot or cold drink
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 9am to 2pm, and you must book your high tea in advance to lock in the full shebang
Address: 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Give in to luxurious sweets at Palm Court.
In a super sophisticated nod to its namesake in London, where traditional English afternoon tea was served inside the city’s flagship Langham more than 150 years ago, the stunning Palm Court inside The Langham Gold Coast does its heritage proud.
Follow that signature Langham scent (the international hotel chain label it Ginger Flower, FYI, and they waft it real good via spritzable fragrance and candles) just past the main lobby where a light-flooded, jewel-hued dining area is dotted with plush white couches and marble-topped dining tables. While the vibe is very Vogue Living, the airiness of the space (those floor-to-ceiling picture windows crawl up to extreme heights, creating an all-encompassing glass honeycomb of straight-up sunlight) invites you in without pretentiousness, prepping you for next-level service and perfected goodies.
The Afternoon Tea menu changes with the seasons and even welcomes in special brand partnerships (Paddington once inspired a themed experience), but you can always rely on toasty warm scones served with cream, lemon curd and raspberry preserves created by in-house pastry chefs, sweet tarts, bite-sized blinis dressed in crab and the like, cucumber tea sandwiches with cream cheese, sourdough crumpets with rainbow trout and a wide selection of champagne and sparkling wine, all while overlooking the hotel’s dazzling lagoon pool.
Price: $95 per person, which includes tea and coffee — you’ll need to fork out extra to make things boozy
When: Daily from 11:30am and the final seating is 4:30pm
Address: 38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise
The Sky Tea for Two’s assorted sweets are irresistible.
Head to the city’s highest dining and entertainment destination, SkyPoint on level 77 of the Q1 Building in Surfers Paradise, and hone in on its Bistro+Bar where high-flying bites are devoured in style. To complement views that extend from the surf to the hinterland and beyond, the team offer ‘Devonshire Tea for 2’ which arrives with a trio of jams and cream as well as your choice of tea or coffee. A nearby cake cabinet full of sweet treats, plus the option of adding a glass of bubbles to your equation, create something of a deconstructed high tea on the Gold Coast — but those views cement its fancy day out status plenty-fold.
Price: $25 for two people, which includes scones with tea or coffee. You’ll pay additional for sweets and bubbles
When: Daily from 11:30am
Address: Level 77, 9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
Sink into the plush chairs for a tasty high tea.
Peering over tropical trees and the Pacific Ocean, plus one heck of a resort pool speckled with sun lounges and lush lawns, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort’s Pearls Bar is an elevated high tea on the Gold Coast. Score a seat by the window if you can, where bench seating puts you right over gorgeous people watching below. The scene around you, however, is equally enthralling as velvet lounges, carpeted floors and shiny tables dial up the luxe (it’s worth noting that upon our last visit, the wired chairs by the window weren’t quite as lavish as the rest of the setting, though cushions made them comfortable enough and, well, those views).
As for the food, the team theme their high tea offerings around seasons and nature-led inspiration. Regular menu items span smoked salmon finger sandwiches and fruity cakes paired with crafty cocktails that tie into the theme.
Price: Roughly $79 per adult, which includes one cocktail and unlimited tea and coffee. Bookings are essential
When: Daily from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Address: 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Partake in The Imperial high tea with luscious treats.
While the future of the Imperial Hotel, formerly Palazzo Versace, remains uncertain, there’s still plenty to love about its high tea offering which continues to attract both in-house and non-hotel crowds. This high tea on the Gold Coast is staged inside the hotel’s lobby bar, Le Jardin, filled with vividly hued armchairs, opulent chandeliers and vaulted ceilings (they’ll never shake those Versace roots entirely).
Its Couture High Tea is served on beautiful China alongside your choice of barista-brewed tea or coffee, while the nibbles span Moreton Bay Bug rolls, egg and cress pinwheels, cheesecake, vanilla bean Choux buns and more. Got your (lucky) littlies with you? There’s also the Little Royal High Tea, encompassing white chocolate scones with sultanas, ham and cheese toasties, cookie sandwiches and more.
Price: $69 per adult and $30 per child aged between four and 12. Bubbles are priced on top
When: Monday to Sunday, 11am to 4:30pm. Bookings of eight guests or more must be made in advance
Address: 94 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Palette offers a high tea experience every Sunday.
Found inside the world-class HOTA Gallery, one of the best things to experience on the Gold Coast, Palette is undoubtedly one of the city’s best restaurants and guests can experience a sliver of its excellence via its occasion-based high tea menu.
While a regular high tea typically runs weekly on a Sunday, special themed offerings push trading hours into the midweek. No matter when you drop in, however, expect exceptional paddock-to-plate fare jazzed via serious creativity.
Price: $70 per person and bookings are required
When: The Writers Revealed High Tea runs daily from 10:30am to 2pm, however Palette’s usual high tea offerings run on Sunday at around the same time. Check the website for up-to-date information
Address: HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
Enjoy bite-size indulgences at Ms Margot.
Nestled inside the lobby of Hilton Surfers Paradise, Ms Margot’s was created as a place for guests to kick back and indulge — and high tea is just the occasion to do it. Ms Margot’s High Tea plucks favourites from the eatery’s all-day dining menu and turns them into petite showstoppers, such as roast duck bao buns and green pea croquettes. Then, the classics rock up, spanning smoked salmon blinis, mini quiches, strawberries and cream Madelines, macarons and more. Drink-wise, a barista-made coffee hit or Dilmah tea selection is included.
Price: $49 per person, and you can add $25 to your price tag to upgrade with bottomless mimosas or sparkling wine
When: Daily from 11:30am to 3pm, with bookings required
Address: 6 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise
Get your fill of desserts at Chapter & Verse Bar and Lounge.
Morphing around special occasions and the seasons, Chapter & Verse’s themed high tea is renowned for treating holiday makers to all the bells and whistles. Located inside the JW Marriot Gold Coast Resort & Spa, home to the most spectacular hotel pool in the city, the experience delivers quality bites no matter the theme. Think lobster crumpets, seared tuna sandwiches, pink grapefruit pavlova, matcha mousse and two-hour mimosa and sparkling wine top-ups.
Additionally, the crew nail a children’s offering, the Teeny Tiny Tea, decked out in chocolate lollipops, ham and cheese sandwiches, fruity cake slices, scones with jam and cream, a babycino (or sparkling mocktail, or hot chocolate) and even more.
Price: Roughly $79 per adult, which includes two hours of bottomless sparkling wine and mimosas, and $39 per child under 17
When: Daily from 12pm to 3pm when one of the themed high teas are running. Check the website for up-to-date details
Address: 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
Indulge in a variety of sugary sensations. (Image: QT Gold Coast)
If a quirky vibe is what you’re looking for, put down the fine China and stroll into QT Gold Coast where its FIXX cafe in the lobby stages a regular high tea and themed offerings. Throwing a contemporary twist into your traditional experience, this high tea on the Gold Coast strives for the theatrics, warning guests that the menu is not for the faint-hearted well before you step into its open plan fit out.
The regular QTea High Tea serves spiced tempura cauliflower, beetroot macarons, citrus scones and more — but who knows what’s around the corner with this endlessly surprising bunch?
Price: Roughly $69 per person, which includes tea or coffee, and $39 per child. Bookings for all are required
When: Daily from 11am to 2pm
Address: 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
The heavenly Bumbles Cafe is designed with cosy decor and fresh blooms. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)
Just a five-minute walk from the heart of Surfers Paradise is Bumbles Cafe, a heavenly spot with cosy feminine decor, loved by locals and visitors alike. Alongside the breakfast and lunch menu is its special high tea, decorated with vases of fresh blooms and pastel-coloured fine China. Find an assortment of tea sandwiches, house-made sausage rolls, raisin scones with local jam and cream, seasonal berry mousse and more.
Price: From $50 per person, which includes tea, coffee or a watermelon slushy. Bookings must be made two days in advance
When: Daily from 6.30am to 3pm
Address: 19-21 River Dr, Surfers Paradise
With views of a pretty pond sprawled out in front of you, high tea at Panorama Lounge is a serene treat. The dining destination, located within RACV Royal Pines Resort, stacks scones, ham and cheese, chicken and smoked salmon sandwiches and a variety of sweets for grown-ups upon its towers, while little ones are offered their own high tea filled with doughnuts, chocolate mousse, chocolate-dipped strawberries, fairy bread and more.
Price: $49 per person, which includes tea or coffee or one glass of sparkling wine, and $29 per child, which includes one hot chocolate or soft drink
When: Daily from 7am to 10pm, however bookings must be made 24 hours in advance
Address: Ross St, Benowa
Pair your high tea with homemade treats at Greendays.
With its pavilion setting, lush gardens, and serene atmosphere, Greendays is an utterly charming spot for high tea on the Gold Coast. The menu is filled with homemade treats including citrus sponge meringue cake, apple and rhubarb pie, scones with jam and cream, pea and pancetta arancini, duck empanadas, parmesan waffles, poached chicken sandwiches and more out-of-the-box treats.
Price: $68 per person, which includes tea or coffee
When: Daily from 7am and bookings require 24 hours’ notice
Address: 8/6 Ashmore Rd, Bundall
Taste a high tea of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours. (Image: Mecca Bah)
For a high tea experience with a point of difference, head to Meccah Bah, offering a taste of the Middle East and Mediterranean. On a triangular tower, you’ll find the likes of lamb Sigara Bourek (lamb mince with roasted pine nuts in filo pastry), falafel, salmon bruschetta, fetta triangles and seasonal sweet treats. With unlimited tea and coffee, it’s an excellent way to spend an afternoon with three friends or more (bookings require four people minimum).
Price: $65 per person, which includes a glass of sparkling wine
When: Monday to Sunday, 11:30am to 3pm
Address: 18/10 Santa Barbara Rd, Hope Island
Treat yourself to sweet and savoury delights. (Image: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort)
As the first Australian hotel to feature Tea Forté (a handcrafted luxury tea brand blending seriously delicious varieties), InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort refines high tea on the Gold Coast. The hotel’s High Tea Immersion starts with a Tea Forté infused towel and palate-cleansing iced tea piccolo. You’ll then treat your senses to three tiers of sweet and savoury thrills, including inventive dishes like the 12-hour beef cheek and Chimmi Churri doughnut, a prawn roll, oyster mushroom ceviche, an apple and vanilla bean tart, chocolate, hazelnut and amaretto layer cake, multiple scone types and more.
Price: $69 per person, including tea and coffee
When: Saturday and Sunday, 1pm to 4pm
Address: Manor Circle, Hope Island
Indulge in decadent bites at this chic teahouse. (Image: Supplied)
The very cleverly named Bonappetea is a French-inspired teahouse offering a traditional high tea with three tiers of savoury and sweet deliciousness in a tranquil setting. Expect buttermilk scones with homemade jam and cream, organic sandwiches, two sweets and more. Keen to get giggly? Add sparkling champagne to your experience for $10 per person.
Price: $55 per person, which includes one drink
When: Thursday and Friday, 9:30am to 2:30pm, Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am to 4pm
Address: 7 Johns Rd, Mudgeeraba
Sweet and savoury treats on a three-tiered stand at The Village Heritage B&B. (Image: Colin Bushell)
Explore a 112-year-old Queenslander while stuffing your gob with indulgent delights at The Village Heritage B&B, where high tea is presented in the impressive dining room or on a wraparound balcony with hinterland views. On the table, no matter where you’re perched, you’ll find a mix of sandwiches, wraps, hot savoury selections, homemade scones with jam and cream and little cakes.
Price: $49 per person, which includes unlimited tea and unlimited iced tea
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 1pm and 1:30pm to 3pm
Address: 65 Railway St, Mudgeeraba
Originally written by Jemma Fletcher with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams
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