High tea isn’t just about tea—it’s about indulging in decadent treats, sipping bubbly, and soaking up an elegant atmosphere. Whether you’re catching up with friends, celebrating a special occasion, or just want to feel a little bit fancy, we’ve rounded up the best high tea experiences in and around the Eastern Suburbs. From harbourside venues to charming tearooms, here’s where to find the most delightful tiered treats in Sydney.
1. The Tea Cosy – The Ultimate Scone Experience
📍 The Rocks
💰 From $50 per person
🌐 Visit The Tea Cosy
If cosy, charming, and ridiculously good scones are what you’re after, then The Tea Cosy is a must-visit. This heritage-listed cottage serves fluffy, freshly baked scones with house-made jams and clotted cream, alongside a selection of premium loose-leaf teas. The mismatched teacups, knitted tea cosies, and warm atmosphere make it feel like stepping into an old-world tea house.
👉 Must-try: Their Devonshire Tea with Irish Breakfast tea and raspberry jam—simple but perfection.
2. Reign at QVB – High Cheese for Cheese Lovers 🧀🍷
📍 Queen Victoria Building, CBD
💰 From $80 per person
🌐 Visit Reign at QVB – High Cheese
If you’re a cheese enthusiast, Reign at QVB’s High Cheese experience is a must-try. Swapping out the traditional sweet treats for a decadent selection of artisanal cheeses, gourmet accompaniments, and perfectly paired wines, this is a unique twist on high tea. With champagne, rosé, and bold reds to complement the flavours, it’s a dream for savoury lovers who prefer brie over buttercream.
👉 Must-try: The creamy triple-cream brie and truffle-infused cheese selections—cheese heaven!
3. The Langham Sydney – Quintessential Elegance
📍 The Rocks
💰 From $110 per person
🌐 Visit The Langham Sydney
When it comes to luxury high tea, The Langham is as grand as it gets. Their Afternoon Tea with Wedgewood is a sophisticated affair with exquisite finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and delicate pastries. The plush setting and impeccable service make it feel extra special—ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a fancy weekend treat.
👉 Must-try: The tea-infused desserts and signature pastries are a standout.
4. Four Seasons Hotel Sydney – High Tea with Harbour Views
📍 Circular Quay
💰 From $99 per person
🌐 Visit Four Seasons Sydney
For a high tea with a harbourside setting, the Four Seasons delivers a beautifully presented spread of delicate French-inspired pastries, fluffy scones, and an indulgent selection of savoury bites. The five-star setting makes it a top choice for those looking to pair luxury with incredible Sydney views.
👉 Must-try: The lobster brioche rolls and handcrafted macarons.
5. Vaucluse House Tearooms – A Garden Escape
📍 Vaucluse
💰 From $60 per person
🌐 Visit Vaucluse House Tearooms
Nestled in the historic Vaucluse House gardens, this high tea is for those who love a touch of old-world charm. Expect house-baked treats, fresh sandwiches, and fragrant teas, all served in a tranquil setting. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed high tea away from the city buzz.
👉 Must-try: Their seasonal tarts and cakes, made with local ingredients.
6. The Tea Room QVB – Sydney’s Most Iconic High Tea
📍 Queen Victoria Building, CBD
💰 From $75 per person
🌐 Visit The Tea Room QVB
Housed inside the grand Queen Victoria Building, this is one of Sydney’s most famous high tea destinations. Think crystal chandeliers, elegant teaware, and three-tiered stands loaded with delicate finger sandwiches, petit fours, and warm scones. A must-visit for high tea lovers!
👉 Must-try: The traditional high tea with Champagne is a classic Sydney experience.
7. The Fullerton Hotel Sydney – A Singaporean Twist on High Tea
📍 CBD
💰 From $68 per person
🌐 Visit The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
For something a little different, The Fullerton Hotel offers a Singaporean-inspired high tea featuring both traditional sweet treats and Asian-inspired delights like Hainanese chicken rice cups and pandan-infused sweets.
👉 Must-try: Their signature kaya toast and tropical desserts.
8. QT Sydney – High Tea with a Side of Quirk
📍 CBD
💰 From $95 per person
🌐 Visit QT Sydney
If you love bold flavours and playful presentation, QT Sydney’s QTea is the high tea for you. Expect colourful pastries, inventive savoury bites, and a fun, lively atmosphere. It’s a more modern, slightly quirky take on traditional high tea.
👉 Must-try: The cocktail pairing option takes things up a notch.
10. InterContinental Sydney – A Harbour View High Tea Experience
📍 Circular Quay
💰 From $89 per person
🌐 Visit InterContinental Sydney – High Tea
For a truly elegant high tea experience with breathtaking harbour views, InterContinental Sydney offers a luxurious afternoon tea in its beautifully redesigned Treasury Lounge and Bar. Enjoy a selection of handcrafted pastries, delicate finger sandwiches, and house-baked scones alongside premium loose-leaf teas or a glass of Champagne. The mix of traditional elegance and contemporary flair makes it a standout for any special occasion.
👉 Must-try: Their signature seasonal petit fours and the freshly baked scones with house-made jam.
11. InterContinental Double Bay – Elegant Afternoon Tea by the Bay
📍 Double Bay
💰 From $89 per person
🌐 Visit InterContinental Double Bay – Afternoon Tea
For a stylish and refined high tea experience, head to InterContinental Double Bay. This beautifully designed venue offers a classic afternoon tea with a modern twist, featuring delicate pastries, handcrafted desserts, gourmet finger sandwiches, and freshly baked scones. The intimate, sunlit setting in The Upper Bar makes it a perfect spot for a luxurious treat, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in the finer things in life.
👉 Must-try: The signature pastries and the expertly paired teas and Champagnes for an elevated experience.
The Local Bird’s High Tea Tips:
✔️ Book ahead – High tea spots fill up fast, especially on weekends.
✔️ Dress smart – Some venues have a dress code (ditch the activewear!).
✔️ Go hungry – Those tiers of treats are more filling than they look!
✔️ Tea or bubbles? – Many places offer Champagne upgrades—because why not?
