Whether you’re planning for a special occasion or you’re looking for something a little different to do, booking a high tea experience is never a bad idea. Sitting back with award-winning tea (or a glass or two of champagne) while nibbling on freshly baked scones and macaroons is a great way to indulge. You deserve it!
The only problem you’ll face is choosing where to go. There’s no shortage of options for high tea in Canberra, and they all have very different offerings. There’s a lot more variance when it comes to high tea than the uninitiated might expect. To narrow down the options for you, we’ve made a list of the 8 best high teas in Canberra – an updated list from our 2023 edition with only 6 options. Goes to show that the age-old tradition of high tea isn’t losing any traction.
High Tea At The Marion
The Marion is one of Canberra’s newest luxury venues, opened in 2021. Aside from being a popular lakeside wedding spot, The Marion is also home to one of the most highly-rated high teas in Canberra. You can expect a traditional-style high tea with a set selection of sweet and savoury pastries and finger sandwiches. The main attraction of high tea at The Marion is the exceptional white-coat service and the stunning lakeside views – truly the best of Canberra on display.
Their traditional high tea menu is $75 per person and offers an array of savouries, sandwiches and a scone with unlimited tea and coffee. Upgrading to bottomless sparkling wine and mimosas is $110 per person.
High tea is served daily from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Here’s one of their glowing Google reviews:
‘A sumptuous champagne high tea in an elegantly appointed restaurant with gracious, friendly and attentive staff, and a commanding view of Lake Burley Griffin make for a perfect dining experience, fitting for our 35th wedding anniversary. We have discovered our go-to venue for special occasions,’ Shirley Carandang
The White Rabbit’s Tipsy Tea
High Tea at the White Rabbit, a whimsical Alice in Wonderland-themed lounge in Canberra’s CBD, goes far beyond your typical finger sandwiches and French pastries. The high tea menu is carefully curated with a modern take on high tea, including delights like mushroom and truffle arancini and chai tea pannacotta. Best of all, two of white rabbit’s signature cocktails are included in the $75 per head price. Their ‘A Tea Party’ cocktail is particularly popular – Woodford Reserve bourbon, peach liqueur & spiced vanilla syrup topped with French Earl Grey. Not your grandma’s high tea!
If you’re looking for something a little bit more, you can upgrade to the $90 per head high tea. This includes a glass of bubbly from France, petit fours and 2 cocktails.
The White Rabbit is open for delicious high tea every Saturday and Sunday in three-hour sittings. Here’s one of their Google Reviews:
I can honestly say the experience rated right up there with one of the best high teas I’ve had. It was wonderful from when we stepped in the door, and I’m still thinking about it days later. The cocktails were awesome, the food was delicious, the atmosphere was very relaxing and interesting, and the staff were exceptional,’ Anita Agapow.
The Howling Moon High Tea
The Howling Moon on the top floor of the Canberra Rex Hotel is Canberra’s only rooftop bar. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and is a popular destination among both locals and tourists. Twice a month, they host a high tea with an extensive menu of delectable savoury bites and moreish desserts.
High Tea at the Howling Moon is $50 a head, and you have to email in advance to book, so make sure you plan ahead. The reviews say it’s well worth it:
‘Such a great location, perfect for sunset drinks, looking out towards the west you can see Black Mountain and North Canberra. Easy to find, on Northbourne Ave. Remember to book ahead as there’s limited seating. They also have some really nice drinks!’ – Aaron.
Giggly High Tea At First Edition Canberra
First Edition, located inside the Novotel Canberra building on Northbourne Avenue, is one of the most well-regarded high tea establishments in Canberra. Their ‘Giggly High Tea’, expectedly, leans more on the boozy side with two hours of free-flowing teapot cocktails.
Their Chef’s High Tea selection is made up of decadent sweets and savoury delights served on a 3-tier high tea stand with unlimited loose-leaf tea. You can expect a wide range of savoury and sweet items like green tea tiramisu, macarons, chocolate dipped strawberries, smoked salmon, black caviar and more.
Giggly High Tea is available every Saturday from 11 am for $69 per person. Here’s one of their many positive reviews:
‘This was a fantastic experience! A group of 8 of us went for the Giggly High Tea. I loved the quirky teapot cocktails, and the food was delicious. The staff were very friendly, and the service was perfect,’ Rosalind Turner.
Heritage-Listed Tea Lounge at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra
Daily afternoon high tea at the heritage-listed high tea is a long-running tradition in Canberra, and it should be on every Canberran’s bucket list. Their afternoon tea stands include an array of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and cream, and a selection of tempting cakes and slices. All the high tea classics in a beautiful art-deco environment with deeply rooted Canberra history.
High tea at Hyatt Canberra costs $79 per head on weekdays and $85 on weekdays. They offer one sitting on Thursday and Friday between 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm, and two sittings on Saturday and Sunday between 11:00 am – 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Here’s one of their reviews:
‘Absolutely awesome 2 hrs. Unlimited tea and some really mind-blowing flavours. Sticky date pudding tea is definitely one to try. The food was delightful, and we were absolutely full to the brim when we left. A complimentary glass of bubbles is also on offer!’ Kimberley Start.
Beef And Barley – The ‘Burger’ High Tea
Beef And Barley’s high tea offering stretches the definition to its limits, but it’s a great option if you’re not into tea and scones but still want to indulge in the name of an age-old tradition. Instead of provencale quiches and buttery croissants, expect beef sliders, American waffles and popcorn chicken-style bites.
The Burger High Tea is also a little bit cheaper than traditional high tea, at $50 a head. Better yet, it’s available all day, every day and comes with a complimentary drink of beer or bubbles! Here’s one of their reviews:
‘What a wonderful overlooked venue on the foreshore. Great staff, great service and great food. A really nice little gem. Highly recommend the brunch high tea. You can’t find it anywhere else in Canberra!”
Queen’s Terrace Café
The Australian Parliament House is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Canberra, and Queen’s Terrace Cafe means you can stop for high tea along the way. They offer a wide range of savoury and sweet delights, like quiche, tarts and delicious cakes.
Aside from the fantastic location, one of the Queen Terrace’s biggest attractions is its ever-changing seasonal menu – make sure to go back every few months to experience something new every time. Here’s one Google review:
‘We had the high tea and couldn’t be happier. We were served by Ali and his team, who were extremely attentive. They offered complementary drinks and ensures we had a private and romantic experience. We will be back soon!’
Treat Yourself, And Let Us Know What You Think!
We hope this article helped firmly establish Canberra as a high tea haven in your mind. There’s truly something to cater to every taste – from the traditional elegance of the Hyatt to the quirky charm of The White Rabbit’s Tipsy Tea, each spot offers a unique twist on this beloved ritual. Ultimately, high tea is about more than just tea and scones; it’s a celebration of flavours, atmospheres, and spending time with your loved ones. As summer comes to a close, there’s no better time to book a high tea at any one of these great places and enjoy the sunshine. Just make sure to tell us what you think!
If we missed a high tea spot close to your heart, be sure to let us know in the comments below. Unfortunately, one of the entries on our 2023 High Tea Guide that was beloved for its decadent gateau and French influence, Buvette High Tea and Bistro at Hotel Realm, has since closed down. Louis, a modern Australian fine dining restaurant, has replaced it.