Gin cocktails in teapots and sky-high teatime: Canberra’s dreamiest spring high teas
Posted on
The teapots are steaming, the scones are rising, and Canberra’s most cherished spring ritual is calling. Here’s where to enjoy a Floriade-inspired high tea this spring.
While thousands flock to Commonwealth Park to admire the vibrant tulip displays, a more intimate celebration of Floriade unfolds across the capital’s finest dining rooms and terraces.
From gin cocktails served in teapots amongst the actual blooms to traditional affairs overlooking Parliament House, this year’s Floriade-inspired high tea offerings promise to elevate your spring social calendar. Here’s where Canberrans can sip, savour, and celebrate the season in true style.
High Tea at Floriade
Why leave the festival grounds when you can dine within them? The official Floriade high tea returns to Commonwealth Park, nestled amongst the very flower beds that draw visitors from across Australia. This picturesque setting transforms afternoon tea into an immersive garden party experience.
Each sitting includes a specially crafted Floriade blend from Waypoint Tea Co – available exclusively during these sessions – alongside home-made scones with jam and cream, three elegant savoury finger sandwiches, and four indulgent sweet treats. The experience concludes with a thoughtful take-home gift, ensuring the magic extends beyond your visit.
Daily at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm until October 12 | $79 per person | Minimum booking of two guests | Book via OpenTable
Underground Spirits Cocktail High Tea at Floriade
Last year’s gin-infused garden party became legendary among Canberra’s social set. This year you’ll find teapots brimming with expertly crafted gin cocktails, artful bites designed to complement the botanical spirits, and that distinctive Underground Spirits flair for theatrical presentation.
The intimate setting within Commonwealth Park creates an adults-only oasis where high tea traditions meet contemporary cocktail culture. Given how rapidly these coveted spots disappeared in 2024, early booking isn’t just recommended – it’s essential.
Various dates throughout Floriade | $30 per person | Book via Tock
Petals and Pours at QT Canberra
Fifteen floors above the city, QT’s signature QTea High Tea gets a petal-powered glow-up. This theatrical interpretation of afternoon tea transforms the experience into interactive entertainment – guests become part of the performance, adding mists and petals to their cocktail creations while soaking in panoramic views of the capital.
Executive Chef Josh Smith-Thirkell’s gourmet offerings span from smoked Mount Cook salmon crostini to Wagyu pastrami with truffle aioli sandwiches. The dessert trolley – featuring limited-edition red velvet cake and vegan Snickers – demands serious attention. A perfume tray of unique aromas elevates each sip into a multi-sensory journey.
Saturdays, September 13 – October 11 | From $74 per person | Book direct with QT Canberra
High Tea at Old Parliament House
Few venues can rival the historic gravitas of the Members’ Dining Rooms, where political decisions once shaped the nation. This Floriade celebration draws inspiration from the surrounding rose gardens, creating a menu that honours both heritage and seasonal beauty.
Rose and Turkish delight slices share the table with wisteria and lavender pop meringue kisses, while savoury selections include poached chicken with country herbs and smoked salmon bagels.
The experience extends beyond the dining room – afterwards, guests can wander through the famous rose gardens to witness wisteria and roses at their spring peak.
Sunday, October 12, 2pm – 4pm | Members’ Dining Rooms, Parkes | Book via Humanitix
Natural Nine Floriade High Tea
Casino Canberra’s elegant restaurant reimagines high tea through an Asian-fusion lens, creating a menu that surprises and delights in equal measure. Weekend sessions throughout Floriade showcase innovative combinations like steamed crab sandwiches and roast duck pancakes alongside Nutella glutinous rice balls and custard bao.
The beverage program deserves particular acclaim – tea-themed cocktails including Green Tea Mojitos, Cherry Iced Tea, and Earl Grey Marteani transform afternoon drinking into an art form. This creative interpretation proves high tea’s versatility while maintaining its social essence.
Saturdays and Sundays throughout Floriade | Natural nine, Casino Canberra | Book via Casino Canberra website
High Tea at Parliament House
The nation’s political heart opens its doors for an elevated afternoon tea experience at Queen’s Terrace Café. Sweeping views across the bush capital provide a dramatic backdrop for locally-sourced sweet and savoury treats, while guests can choose between traditional tea service or sparkling wine upgrades.
The venue encourages visitors to extend their experience with tours of the building’s impressive architecture, gardens, and rotating exhibitions. This combination of culinary indulgence and cultural exploration captures Canberra’s unique blend of political significance and natural beauty.
Wednesdays through Sundays from 11am | $60 standard, $70 with sparkling wine | Book via Parliament House website
Chifley’s Floriade High Tea at Hotel Kurrajong
The grand dame of Canberra hospitality embraces spring with characteristic elegance. Hotel Kurrajong’s Art Deco dining room provides a sophisticated backdrop for their floral tribute, complete with petite scones, mini quiches, and finger sandwiches that honour both tradition and seasonal inspiration.
The herbal tea selection pairs beautifully with barista-crafted coffee, while the complimentary Floriade cocktail adds a celebratory flourish that perfectly captures spring’s effervescent spirit. The heritage setting, with its lush courtyard views, creates an atmosphere where old-world charm meets contemporary indulgence.
Fridays and Saturdays, September 12 – October 11 | $85 per person | National Circuit, Barton | Book via TryBooking
First Edition Floriade Spring High Tea
Inspired by Floriade’s 2025 theme of Science and Nature, First Edition Canberra crafts an experience that balances botanical flavours with intellectual curiosity.
Available exclusively on Saturdays throughout the festival period, the menu reflects both seasonal ingredients and the scientific wonder that underpins nature’s annual renewal.
Saturdays until October 11 | From $60 per person | Book via ResBooking
