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Best High Tea In Melbourne: Making Lazy Afternoons More Special

Bust out your best casual dress – we’re having high tea at Melbourne’s best hotels.

There’s no better pick-me-up than a hot cup of tea. Pair it with light snacks and one-bite desserts, and you have the perfect meal to accompany hours of chatter. If this sounds like your ideal afternoon, check out our list of the best places for high tea in Melbourne to try it for yourself.

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The Tea On High Tea

Ceramic cups and three-tier displays can make high tea feel like a decadent luxury. But that’s not true: historically, it was a tradition that the working class started in response to “low tea,” which is the practice of having light snacks and tea during the early hours of the afternoon. High tea is meant to be served with heavier meals so that you can skip dinner afterward.

Not just a tradition reserved for lords and ladies, having high tea is something that anyone can enjoy. You can even enjoy high tea at home – just buy Fortnums & Mason tea leaves at David Jones, and you can recreate the experience on your patio at an impossibly cheap price.

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10 Best Places For High Tea In Melbourne

The Tea Room QVB in Sydney isn’t the only place to have pleasant afternoon tea. You’ll find many similar options in Melbourne, including the following:

10. The Windsor

You can’t have a list of the best high tea in Melbourne without including The Windsor. Since 1883, the hotel has been serving afternoon tea together with elegant ribbon sandwiches and seasonal patisserie. Gluten-free options are also available.

If you’d like to have the same high tea experience at home, book a private catering service. They’ll be happy to serve you.

Price: $AUD75.00/adult (with a glass of French sparkling wine); $AUD95.00/adult with a glass of Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne; $AUD40.00 per child (7 – 12 years); $AUD25.00 per child (3 – 6 years)

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Address: 111 Spring Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

9. Afternoon Tea With Wedgwood At The Langham

Experience the afternoon tradition of having tea with friends and family at The Langham. The venue often holds themed high tea parties, so watch out for updates on their website or Instagram account.

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Price: $AUD59.00 – $AUD84.00/person

Address: 1 Southgate Avenue, Southbank, Melbourne, VIC 3006

8. High Tea Degustation At The InterContinental Melbourne

Ever heard of multi-course high tea? If you haven’t, you’re missing out. Try the high tea degustation menu at The Intercontinental, and you’ll be treated to four distinct courses. It starts with buttermilk scones, then moves on to finger sandwiches then finally, the main course. You can also take your pick at a dessert trolley at the end of the meal.

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Price: $AUD99.00/person

Address: 495 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000

7. The Conservatory

One of the classiest venues to have the best high tea in Melbourne, The Conservatory will make you feel like you are in a classic Parisian tea room. While the restaurant specialises in lunch and dinner buffets, it’s also a place to have weekend afternoon tea. Its claim to fame is the seasonal fruity pastries specially made by dessert designer Marike van Beurden.

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Price: $AUD75.00 (with tea and coffee), $AUD95.00(with a flute Piper Heidsieck Rosé Champagne), $AUD120.00 (with flowing Piper Heidsieck Rosé Champagne)

Address: 8 Whitebank Street, Southbank Victoria 3006

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6. Park Hyatt

Sip the afternoon away at an intimate location surrounded by lush greenery. The high tea at Park Hyatt Melbourne includes an assortment of petite cakes, finger sandwiches and scones. Whether you’re celebrating a bridal shower or simply looking for a way to make your weekend more special, having high tea here is always a good idea.

Price: $AUD65.00/person with free-flowing sparkling wine; $AUD75.00/person with one glass of French champagne and free-flowing sparkling wine

Address: 1 Parliament Square, off Parliament Place, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3002

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5. The Sofitel Melbourne

Enjoy your afternoon tea at the Sofi Lounge – a sprawling venue decorated with gorgeous artworks and fresh flowers. Aside from freshly brewed tea, you can try finger sandwiches, scones and cakes from the buffet. Got a sweet tooth? Dip your pastries in the chocolate fountain – the experience won’t be complete without trying it.

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Price: Weekday Monochromatic High Tea ($AUD55.00/person); Weekend High Tea Buffet ($72.00/person)

Address: 22 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

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4. The Westin Melbourne

Savour exquisite treats and enjoy free-flowing tea at The Westin. In the hotel’s lobby lounge, you can enjoy the culinary team’s modern take on the classics like vanilla scones, macarons, tartlets and éclairs.

Planning to visit with kids? The restaurant also offers a special children’s menu. Note that all of their high tea offerings change per season, so check The Westin website for more details.

Price: $AUD59.00 – $AUD90.00/person

Address: 205 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

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3. Hopetoun Tea Rooms

Raise your pinky and have a hot cup of tea at Hopetoun Tea Rooms. Each set is served on a three-tier stand, which includes an array of classic French favourites, like quiche lorraine, roast beef sandwiches, petit fours and fresh fruits. 

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Feel free to celebrate special occasions here, as they offer unique treats for events like Mother’s Day. Even if you’re just passing by, you’ll appreciate the room’s window display of tantalising desserts.

Price: $AUD65.00/person; $AUD75/person (gluten-free)

Address: 282 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC

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2. Café Blush At Emporium Melbourne

Want something more exciting than the usual high tea experience? Try Café Blush at the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. With its elegant, luxurious interiors, it could easily be mistaken for a traditional tea room, but it’s so much more. It brings Japanese-Italian fusion cuisine to high tea, combined with an extensive range of classic French desserts. So, how about an Earl Grey creme brulee? The only acceptable response is: sure, when do we go?

Price: $AUD45.00/person

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Address: 287 Lonsdale Street Melbourne, VIC 3000

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1. Rendezvous Hotel

Spend your afternoon in a relaxing and delightful venue, surrounded by sweet and savoury high tea favourites. Rendezvous Hotel offers a classic high tea package, which includes a glass of sparkling wine, freshly brewed coffee or a selection of teas. Finger sandwiches, scones and other pastries are also served. 

Want something more indulgent? Then visit the hotel for their Heritage High Tea offering. This includes a bountiful buffet of treats inspired by the current season, plus a magnificent chocolate fountain. You’ll also be served a glass of sparkling chardonnay.

Price: $AUD59.00/person for the Classic High Tea; $AUD85.00/person for the Heritage High Tea

Address: 328 Flinders St, Melbourne, VIC 3000

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High Tea Is For Everyone

High tea in Melbourne isn’t a tradition limited to posh circles. Many cafés and hotels serve afternoon tea to guests, each with its unique twist. Just don’t forget to make a reservation!

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RELATED: This Is The UK’s Most Expensive Cup Of Tea

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