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

A place of spectacular coastlines and rolling vineyards, the Mornington Peninsula is just an hour from Melbourne, yet feels like a world away.

Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is often voted the number one short stay in Australia, and for good reason. From its beautiful coastline and scenic trails to exceptional food and wine, it’s the perfect escape any time of year, but especially as the weather grows cooler.

Picture afternoons relaxing in the soul-warming hot springs. Evenings by a cosy fireplace, sipping one of the region’s renowned Pinot Noirs and tucking into a delicious meal made from local produce. Now stop imagining, and start planning; here’s why the Mornington Peninsula should be your next long weekend adventure.

1. It’s easy to get to

An aerial view of Pt. Leo Estate on the Mornington Peninsula. — Spend a long weekend on the Mornington Peninsula. (Image: CMcConville)

At only an hour’s drive southeast of the city, the Mornington Peninsula offers unbeatable convenience. If you’re taking the Eastlink tollway to Peninsula Link, look out for eclectic roadside artwork such as Callum Morton’s high-rise hotel (hint: you can’t check in).

2. The coastline is stunning

Mount Martha Bathing Boxes — Stay in colourful, iconic beach huts along the coast.

The Mornington Peninsula separates Port Phillip Bay to its west and Western Port Bay to its east, making it the only place in Victoria you can see a sunrise over one bay and sunset over another.

Its spectacular coastline varies from sandy swimming and surf beaches to dramatic rocky cliffs. Mt Martha Beach, known for its colourful beach huts and calm clear waters, was named in Tourism Australia’s Top 10 beaches for 2026. Nearby, Arthurs Seat Eagle offers gondola rides to the peninsula’s highest point, where you can enjoy breathtaking vistas.

For a different perspective from the water, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with the bay’s resident dolphins , or catch a ride with Searoad Ferries from Sorrento to Queenscliff (the tip of the opposite Bellarine Peninsula). Pop into their new Sorrento terminal for sweeping views from its floor-to-ceiling windows and a bite to eat at Mediterranean restaurant ONDA.

3. Taste exceptional food and wine

Crittenden restaurant mornington peninsula — Treat yourself to the restaurant at Crittenden.

While the Mornington Peninsula is now synonymous with cool climate wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it was originally renowned for apple production. There are many orchards still in operation, like fifth-generation Mock Red Apple ; taste craft ciders (the Mulled Spiced Cider is a must in winter), and don’t miss the famous apple pie.

Of course, it would almost be a sin not to dine at a winery restaurant, or at least try a local wine. Stop at Foxey’s Hangout for casual share plates and a glass of Chardonnay on the deck; or for a more formal affair, the light-filled restaurant at Paringa Estate offers a fine dining set menu on weekends, with picturesque estate views.

Pt. Leo Estate has no less than three separate dining experiences to choose from, ranging from a wine terrace to contemporary fine dining, all sourcing seasonal Victorian and local Mornington Peninsula produce, and offering stunning vistas over Western Port Bay.

And opened in 2025, the restaurant at Crittenden celebrates regional produce with a modern Australian menu that pairs beautifully with their sustainably crafted estate wines.

4. Plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors

A quiet moment on the green as he prepares for the perfect swing. — Tee off at world-class golf courses with stunning coastal views.

Bring your hiking boots, because from beachside strolls to breathtaking cliffside walks, the Mornington Peninsula boasts incredible scenic trails for all fitness levels.

The Red Hill Rail Trail follows the old railway line between Merricks and Red Hill, while the Bushrangers Bay Walking Track is the go-to trail for rugged coastal scenery, linking Cape Schanck and the Boneo Road picnic area (part of the longer Two Bays Trail).

The region is also home to several national parks providing plenty of opportunities to connect with nature, whether it’s a walk, picnic, or simply admiring the local flora and fauna. Golf lovers will rejoice with gorgeous courses such as the world-class Moonah Links or Flinders Golf Club , one of Victoria’s oldest golf courses.

5. Lean into wellness and relaxation

From an aerial view, a woman drifts peacefully across still, crystal-clear water. — Unwind in mineral-rich hot springs and soak in total relaxation.

Soaking in one of the Mornington Peninsula’s mineral-rich hot springs is a must in the cooler months. Alba Thermal Springs and Spa is the newer addition, with 25 contemporary geothermal pools, a sauna and steam room set amongst elegant coastal landscaping. Book a Night Owl session to watch the sunset from the pools, and extend your visit with a spa treatment or dining at their restaurant.

Across the road, the Peninsula Hot Springs offers two main bathing areas, cafes and a spa in a natural bush setting. The Bath House comprises over 70 bathing and wellness experiences, including their iconic Hilltop Pool, a reflexology walk, and Nepalese mineral showers; while the Spa Dreaming Centre is a serene adults-only sanctuary.

6. Get a culture fix

Visit the Southern Hemisphere’s largest privately owned sculpture park at Pt. Leo Estate during long weekend on the Mornington Peninsula. — Discover inspiring art across galleries and sculpture parks. (Image: Chris Conville)

Wander the Southern Hemisphere’s largest privately owned sculpture park at Pt. Leo Estate, glass of red in hand, or pop into the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery to view one of their seasonal exhibitions. Seawinds Garden is also home to a sculpture collection by William Ricketts, surrounded by exotic and indigenous gardens.

If you’re more of a history buff, book a tour of the Cape Schanck Lighthouse, or spend an afternoon at Point Nepean National Park . Here, you can explore walking trails through the traditional country of the Bunurong people, learn the history of the old Quarantine Station and discover military forts and tunnels.

7. Gorgeous accommodations

The Mornington Peninsula’s standout accommodations are an experience in themselves. Escape to The Sanctuary at Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, a luxe retreat perched in the dunes above the springs. Or indulge in the dramatic luxury of Jackalope Hotel , home to a vine-facing pool and spa and the chef-hatted Doot Doot Doot.

For a dose of European country charm, stay at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill , set amongst lush gardens and vines with a cellar door and chef-hatted restaurant. Or for more contemporary, yet still charming, surroundings, the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula  is a historic hotel reimagined as a luxe coastal stay with European flair, including a pool deck and on-site bathhouse.

Start planning your long weekend at visitmorningtonpeninsula.org

The best high teas with a twist around Australia