Motion Dining’s high tea is exceptional value at $69 with sparkling wine or $79 with Champagne. Masterfully executed, the multi-coloured macaron are perfect. The petite apple cake and delicious, buttery scones are a sweet foil to the savoury action of the just-made smoked salmon, cucumber and caper sandwiches. Marriott Brisbane Executive Chef Peter Iwanczyk tells us he asked Brisbane’s Dello Mano to supply brownies for the high tea as they are undoubtedly Queensland’s finest. The genteel dining room is bright, and the glossy mini-eclairs are scrumptious. This exquisite high tea is available Saturdays from noon-3pm, and gluten-free is available. Marriott Hotel, 515 Queen St, Brisbane; motiondining.com.

There are no can-can dancers but everything else about Belle Epoque is designed in that beautiful period’s lavish style, with the decor elegant and extravagant. Pastry chef Charith Arachchige’s high tea ($70) is extensive, but it’s the redberry macaron, berry compote, rose jelly and cocoa crumb that turns heads. There’s an exquisitely sweet caramel and hazelnut profiterole in a cone, no less, while the delicious cheesy bacon cauliflower cake is a petite powerhouse. Pairing with a glass of Champagne isn’t an option. It’s a must. And all the top cuvees make this list. Emporium Hotel South Bank, Ground Floor, 267 Grey St, South Brisbane; emporiumhotels.com.au/bars-dining/belle-epoque.

High tea at Bacchus pays due attention to the tradition but in a contemporary space. For $49, it’s a continuous pour of Harney & Sons teas; for $40 extra, there’s a continuous pour of Chandon Brut NV. The savoury stars are proper roast beef, cheddar and Branston pickle sandwiches on tomato bread, free-range egg salad finger sandwiches with watercress and quiche lorraine. Scones with Devonshire accoutrements share space with a tiramisu sphere of mascarpone mousse, coffee gel and savoiardi coated in a dark chocolate shell. Classic lemon meringue tart wears burnished meringue kisses. Delicate macaron joins pistachio and cherry entremet. Podium Level, Rydges South Bank, Glenelg Street and Grey Street, South Brisbane; bacchussouthbank.com.au.

Every month, Queensland Parliament’s robust debate makes way for a refined high tea experience ($55) with an optional, complimentary tour of Parliament House. Fittingly, the Strangers menu champions Queensland produce. And it’s served on Royal Doulton, gold-trimmed Parliament House china. Coupled with Sunshine Coast prawns in pocket-sized rolls, smoked chicken brioche pinwheels sport Mt Tamborine truffle brie, and Caboolture strawberry jam crowns freshly baked scones. With a distinctive selection of teas, fresh orange juice, and coffee, a sparkling or Champagne upgrade is almost mandatory. Queensland Parliament Corner of George and, Alice St, Brisbane City; parliament.qld.gov.au.

Patina’s restaurant hosts high tea ($83) parties on the terrace, with the Brisbane River and the Story Bridge providing a fitting, dramatic backdrop. The menu is traditional with a twist. Think poached chicken, dill and watercress sandwiches, coronation egg and chive in a beetroot cone, and mini Queensland spanner crab and celery buns. Delicate raspberry-filled scones come with extra raspberries, jam and cream. A glass of Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne is, without a doubt, the cherry on top. Custom House, 399 Queen St, Brisbane; customshouse.com.au.