There’s no better way to spend your weekend than to plonk yourself down somewhere, break out the teapot (or pop open the Champagne) and order a couple of rounds of scones. These are some of the best places in Australia to enjoy afternoon tea.
This Spring Street icon hosts what is arguably Melbourne’s most famous afternoon tea. It’s certainly one of its oldest, running since 1883. The menu includes finger sandwiches, savoury canapés, pastries and scones. www.thehotelwindsor.com.au
Located in what was once the Grand Ballroom of the landmark Queen Victoria Building, the Tea Room offers traditional morning and afternoon tea everyday, along with a weekday à la carte lunch service. Afternoon tea is served on authentic British silverware and classic Royal Albert china and is guaranteed to make you feel like a royal. Level 3/455 George St, Sydney; thetearoom.com.au.
The Langham’s opulent addition to Sydney’s high tea scene has Western Harbour views and seating for 70. Wash your cakes and pastries down with a glass or two of Laurent-Perrier Champagne. www.langhamhotels.com
Overlooking the gardens of historic Vaucluse House, the tea rooms offer breakfast, lunch, high tea, private events and wedding receptions. The sandstone mansion was built in the 1830s and was the home of William Charles Wentworth and his family. The Tearooms were added later in the 1930s in the art deco style. The selection is traditional, with tasty tidbits like watercress and egg sandwiches and smoked salmon and creme fraiche blinis. 69A Wentworth Rd, Vaucluse; vauclusehousetearooms.com.au.
The glitz, glamour and occasional gaudiness of the Gold Coast might be the last place you’d expect to find one of the country’s great tea rooms, but take a drive into the hills and you’ll encounter this little gem. Tea and Niceties offer various high tea options at various price ranges. www.teaandniceties.com.au
One of Melbourne’s swankiest hotel lobby bars at night, the Waiting Room is also one of its finer afternoon tea options in, well, the afternoon. Neil Perry is the brains behind the selection of finger sandwiches, savoury treats and cakes. www.crownmelbourne.com.au
The Stamford’s menu offers a range of options to suit any taste (and multiple price points). Surrounded by antiques, visitors can enjoy the full range of old favourites and then wash them down with Moet & Chandon. www.stamford.com.au
This crowd favourite comes straight from the history books. The Block Arcade site was purchased for 18 pounds in 1891 and a small tea room was set-up for the Victorian Ladies Work Association. It was named after its founder, Lady Hopetoun, and continues to pack them in for afternoon tea today. www.hopetountearooms.com.au
Famous out west for its cakes and confections, Rochelle Adonis’s elegant home setting sees visitors sitting at huge marble tables while enjoying range of savory and sweets, prepared especially for each high tea. www.rochelleadonis.com
Ginza Miyako’s Japanese take on high tea is the only one of of its kind in Adelaide. Head Chef Kazuki Ushiro San is a master of French-Japanese fusion and the results show. www.ginzamiyako.com.au
Long an iconic heritage site known for its food, bushland setting and harbour views, Gunners now evolved to become one of the city’s most stylish places to enjoy high tea. The line-up cakes, scones, sandwiches and savoury pastries. www.gunnersbarracks.com.au
The Hydro Majestic is the perfect location for a weekend escape, Sunday drive or high tea. Served in the Wintergarden, with panoramic views overlooking the Megalong Valley, its one to savour. www.hydromajestic.com.au
Located in the heart of Carlton North, the Travelling Samovar serves more than 50 teas from the best growing regions of Japan, Burma, India and China, are are served with a certain sense of ceremony, true to their cultural roots. www.travellingsamovar.com.au
Sit yourself down in a plush Victorian armchairs, warm yourself up in front of one of two fireplaces, and gaze out over the Jamison Valley while enjoying another of the Blue Mountains’ classic high teas. www.lilianfels.com.au
High tea at the Flying Trunk kick offs your afternoon with a glass of prosecco on arrival and then continues with a menu that includes sandwiches, sweet and savoury tarts and pastries, scones with jam and cream, and petit fours. Complete the afternoon with an espresso martini, known here, for reasons unknown, as the “Elephant Express”. www.facebook.com/TheFlyingTrunkBar
