Can you guess what our fave thing about Easter is? Besides the obvious (consuming our body weight in chocolate and the fact that we get a 4-day weekend), it’s also related to eating and this will surprise absolutely no-one.

Hot cross buns are an Easter tradition we wholeheartedly get behind….even if they expand our behind. These bad boys may have been around since the Christmas puddings left the shelves, but this doesn’t make them taste any less spesh over actual Easter.

If you’re like us, we prefer our HCBs freshly baked using top-notch ingredients and not mass produced #SozColes&Woolies. That’s why we’ve made a list of the Coast’s best places to get your bun on this year (listed north to south).

Franquette

Colour us egg-cited because Franquette, Tambo’s bakery King, is whipping up Traditional Hot Cross Bun like a boss. Available individually, in 6 packs or as a loaf until the end of Easter, the French do a HCB like no-one else – particularly Founder and Head Baker Jérôme Favier. Already a GC fave, be sure to pick up some other artisan carby goodies while you’re there. You’re welcome.
Where: 159 Long Rd, Tamborine Mountain

Banjo’s Bakery

Banjo’s Bakery is back serving up Easter goodies, and while their cult-fave hot cross buns are returning, there’s a new twist in town. This year, they’ve flipped the script with a Hot Cross Donut – a playful hybrid that delivers all the familiar flavours in a soft, fluffy donut form. Filled with a custard-style spiced centre, finished with fondant icing and a chocolate cross, it’s a must-try for anyone looking to mix things up this Easter.

Of course, if you’re loyal to the classics, Banjo’s still has you covered with their range of freshly baked hot cross buns, including Traditional Fruit, Chocolate, Gourmet Fruit and the indulgent Double Choc Nutella. Available for a limited time, these treats are baked fresh daily at their Helensvale location.
Where: 104 Helensvale Road, Helensvale

Milkman’s Cookies

The Milkman is bringing the goods this Easter with a choc-loaded twist on the classic. Their limited-edition Choc Chip Hot Cross Bun Cookie is made using their signature dough, packed with milk chocolate chips, filled with a white choc centre and finished with a white chocolate cross on top. Yes please.

Available for a short two-week window, these indulgent cookies will be popping up online, via wholesale and at the HOTA Markets, but you’ll need to be quick. Last orders close Sunday April 5, and if history tells us anything, they won’t last long.
Where: HOTA Markets at Bundall every Sunday and online.

O Bagel

Hot cross buns, but make them bagels. This Easter, O Bagel is serving up a marbled mocha bagel, swirled with plain and coffee dough and finished with a traditional cross.

Best enjoyed dipped, it comes with a rich mocha cream cheese loaded with choc chips, cocoa granola and cookie crumble for that perfect sweet crunch. Grab the Rip O’ Dip for a solo treat or the Trio to share. Available for a limited time across Broadbeach, Oasis and Southport.
Where: Oasis Broadbeach, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach, Shop 2/2791 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach and Shop C9 2A Nexus Way, Southport

Oasis & Co

If there’s one thing Oasis & Co. knows, it’s how to turn your daily caffeine fix into something worth smiling about – and this Easter they’re serving up a hot cross bun-inspired sip. Enter the Hot Cross Bun Latte. Think chai-spiced cold brew topped with a dreamy cinnamon caramel cold foam, delivering all those warm, spiced Easter flavours in liquid form.

It’s sweet, a little spicy and seriously sippable – perfect for those who prefer their hot cross buns in coffee form. Swing by their Broadbeach spot early (they open from 5am!) and get your festive fix with zero crumbs required.
Where: 15/21 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Bam Bam Bakehouse

Bunny, I’m home! Pre-orders are officially open for Bam Bam’s seriously stacked hot cross bun lineup, all made with their signature pillowy brioche dough. This year’s flavours include Traditional, Traditional with custard, Chocolate, and Chocolate with salted caramel – so whether you’re a purist or prefer a little extra indulgence, you’re covered.

But if you’re here for the main event, say hello to the Bombs. Bigger, bolder and completely fruit-free, these supersized buns are piped with extra filling and bring serious dessert energy. Choose from the Custard Easter Bomb or the Biscoff Easter Bomb, both guaranteed to level up your Easter carb game. Holy buns Batman!
Where: 2519 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Paddock Bakery

No bunny compares to Paddock Bakery, making their two fave ‘ole ye faithfuls, OG Fruit Hot Cross Buns and decadent Lindt Chocolate Hot Cross Buns, both wood-fired and made with semi-sourdough. But wait there’s more Easter goodness to be had, with the Dippy Eggs making a comeback! Available now, these crowd pleasers feature two Cadbury chocolate eggs filled with vanilla whipped cream and a salted caramel ‘yolk’, served with Paddock’s Cinnamon Doughnut Dippy Fries, fresh strawberry, mini marshmallows, malted chocolate soil and pretzel cookie crumb.  Lick dip dunk we say!
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Miami

Tarte Bakery and Tarte Beach House 

Tarte’s iconic hot cross buns are back – soft, fluffy, pull-apart brioche-style dough packed with spice, raisins and apricots. Classic, comforting, and completely irresistible. Baked fresh daily until sold out, these beauties are a must for your Easter spread (and yes, pre-orders are highly encouraged if you want to secure the goods).

Meanwhile, over at their dreamy waterfront sister spot, Tarte Beach House, you’ll find an extra indulgent Easter-only dessert that’s here to steal the show. The sticky date hot cross bun. This indulgent Easter special sees their classic bun soaked in warm salted caramel sauce and served with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean gelato. It’s gooey, rich, and only available over the Easter holidays – sweet tooths, assemble.
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads and 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin

Tarte Tea Garden

If your ideal Easter involves more pinkies up than crumbs down, Tarte Tea Garden has just the thing. Their limited-edition Easter High Tea is here, and it’s every bit as indulgent as you’d expect.

Think hot cross bun scones served with dulce de leche and macadamia praline butter, alongside a lineup of next-level sweets like crème brûlée custard eggs and strawberry speckled egg nest crullers. Add in savoury favourites (hello, truffle cheese croissant) and you’ve got yourself a seriously elevated Easter spread.

Available for a short time only, this is one to book ASAP.
Where: 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin

Burleigh Baker

Yummy Sourdough Brioche Hot Cross Buns, come at us! En masse preferably. Available throughout the Easter season, they’re made daily using their signature sourdough brioche, free range eggs, grass fed butter, organic sultanas and raisins, spices, and their special secret ingredient. They’ll never tell – we’ve already tried…. Secret squirrel rabbit mode activated.
Where: 13/50 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Custard Canteen

The team at Custard Canteen on Talle Creek know their way around a hot cross bun, and this year they’re delivering both the classics and a seriously tempting twist. Alongside their traditional Hot Cross Buns, they’re also baking up Cinnamon Easter buns, think all the cosy spice of a hot cross bun meets the swirled, buttery goodness of a cinnamon scroll.

Freshly baked and highly sought-after, these Easter treats are worth planning ahead for. Get your pre-order sorted for the long weekend, because missing out is simply not an option.
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Fuel Bakehouse

Okay, so these legends are mixing things up this year, swapping their classic buns for Hot Cross Bun Scrolls, and we’re very much here for it. Keeping the same much-loved flavours, you can get your hands on a Traditional Fruit scroll or a decadent choc-chip version, both delivering all the Easter spice and sweetness in swirled form.

Available from the week leading into Easter and right through the long weekend, the Fuel crew are baking these beauties across all locations. Honestly, choosing just one feels impossible… so don’t.
Where: 44 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters and 23 James St, Burleigh Heads

The Bread Social

So it’s totally worth a drive to hook yourself up with some of our region’s most flavoursome HCBs. The Bread Social is a destination in itself, so naturally their Hot X Bun prowess is 100% on point. Lovingly prepared with saffron, cardamom, ginger and a dreamy spiced glaze, they are the bomb diggity. (Hot) Cross our buns hearts! Alternatively you could go for the rich chocolate version finished with an orange and vanilla glaze. 
Where: 12 Bay Street, Tweed Heads and 2 Queensbury Avenue, Currumbin Waters

Words by Bianca Trathen and Belinda Symons

Somehow Easter is quickly closing in on us for another year – and we’d flat out refuse to accept this fact if it weren’t for the rows of foil-wrapped choccies and fresh-baked HCB’s have been gracing the shelves (and our bellies) for several weeks months now. Which means it’s time to get those long weekend plans locked and loaded – and who better than the GC’s very own designer playground, QT, to ensure our Easter is choc-a-block full of the good stuff: feasting, fun and festivities. From rugrat-approved egg decorating workshops to sumptuous market-fresh sashimi feasts, there’s truly something for every-bunny going down at QT this Easter. Srsly – this is one time keeping all your eggs in one basket is just good sense.

Easter High Tea at Fixx
If you’ve been ‘hunting’ high and low for a decadent and delightful way to celebrate this chocolate season Easter, look no further than a special edition Fixx High Tea experience available across the Easter long weekend. Hosted within the funky surrounds of Fixx cafe, the whimsical spread will be treated to an especially tempting Easter-inspired twist, which teases an indulgent sugar rush inspired by magical creatures from far off lands. As always, the QT pastry wizards know the way to our hearts – switching up the usual selection of exquisitely crafted pint-sized sweet and savoury treats, to include cameos from chocolate eggs and freshly baked hot cross buns for one wonderful weekend only. Pass the butter (and stretchy pants), please and thank you!

Shake and Create Kids Workshops at Fixx
Sugar-based shenanigans are not the only festive happenings at Fixx, with an egg-xtra special, egg decorating edition of their ever-popular school holiday workshops: ‘Shake and Create Kids: Easter Unleashed’ on offer for four days only. For only $25 per child, round up the rugrats to make some most egg-cellent mems on either Easter Saturday, or Wednesday 3rd April until Friday 5th April. As always spots are limited, so get cracking if you want to snag a spot. Stealing the glory for the fun points while outsourcing the food-based craft to a place other than our own kitchen? Priceless.

Easter at Bazaar
If you’re chasing a festive feast fit for the whole fam, Easter at Bazaar is where it’s at. The spectacular Bazaar spread and its curation of global flavours already has us in its clutches, so we are in awe that Executive Chef, Greg Benney and his kitchen brigade still manage to pull a rabbit or two out of their hats for occasions like these. Serving up an extra lush Easter Sunday brunch and Easter dinner from Good Friday through to Easter Monday, the superb spread comes complete with slow-cooked meats and perfectly-spiced fresh seafood along with oodles of otherworldly chocolate confections for the occasion. In addition to the famous, flowing chocolate fountain – fully stocked with all the dunkable and drizzle-worthy trimmings, of course – there’d be riots if not. Sugar rush, come at us!

Easter at Yamagen
Easter and overindulging is frankly, a foregone conclusion… *handshake emoji*. So, if you want to make each and every mouthful truly count, surrender yourself to the succulent Easter at Yamagen experience – for a fine dining style celebration where fresh seafood will steal the show. Set within the soft glow of neon lights at QT’s cosy, AGFG chef hat awarded dining destination, bask in elevated Japanese eats with a selection of the finest à la carte fare alongside a degustation style, fish-only omakase menu – handpicked by Executive Chef Adam Lane and his team of kitchen wizards. Don’t forget to check out the top shelf whisky selection while you’re there… special occasions are made for indulging, no?

Find out more on all of QT Gold Coast’s epic Easter happenings here.

Where: 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: Various dates/times across the Easter long weekend

Words by Kellie Leader.

STORY SPONSORED BY QT GOLD COAST

Undoubtedly, one of life’s greatest pleasures is sitting in front of a multi-tiered tray, delicately filled with morish bite-size eats and paired with a cuppa. Or bubbles. Okay both.

And just when you thought high tea couldn’t get any fancier, a lot of places are now serving up seasonal theming with their tiers- think themed décor, seasonally adapted ingredients, and a twist on the classics. It’s high tea with a seasonal spin, and we’re absolutely here for it.

In all honest-tea, here are 13 of the best high tea haunts on the Coast, listed north to south. Bake a leg and get bready to tick them off your must-visit list, one by one. And go!

Cove Cafe

Following a multi-million dollar refurb, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort is looking better than ever, as is the ever-elegant High Tea menu, hosted in Cove Cafe from 1–4pm every Saturday and Sunday. Elevate your weekend with decadent morsels such as slow-cooked 12-hour Beef Cheek with a Chimmi Churri Doughnut and Milk Chocolate, Hazelnut, Disaronno Amaretto Layer Cake. 

Plus, since they also have the bragging rights as the first hotel to feature globally renowned Tea Forté teas, you can rest assured you’ll be treated like royal-tea, starting with a welcome of Tea Forté-infused towel and palate-cleansing iced tea piccolo from your host. You can also upgrade your tea time to include their signature ‘Pear-tea-ni’ cocktail, NV Jansz Premium Cuvee or NV Miguel Torres ‘Santa Digna – Estelado’ Pais Sparkling Rose, with more options to choose from! Prices start at $69 per person.
Where: Cove Cafe, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove

Mecca Bah

Have you tried a Middle Eastern high tea yet, and if you’re shaking your noggin, we’re about to open up a whole new world of d-lish. Boasting exotic sweet and savoury bites a-plenty, it will become your new normal to meet your mates here. Tuck into three tiers brimming with treats such as Orange Blossom Cheesecake and Halloumi and Eggplant Skewers, with unlimited barista-made coffee and tea, and a sparkling wine or mocktail on arrival. $65 pp, minimum of four people.
Where: 18/10 Santa Barbara Road, Hope Island

Pearls Bar

This eclectic fave with warm mood lighting for days is known for its rotating seasonal high teas. From now until May 31, they invite us all to celebrate the ethereal hues of a Gold Coast sunrise with their Golden Aurora High Tea. The limited-time high tea, served daily from 12–4pm, is a tribute to our fave time of day- golden hour! The warm glow of sunrise will come to life in every dish, from the Smoked Salmon with Citrus Cream, Cucumber and Onion Pickle on Rye, the Lemon Meringue Choux Craquelin and Passionfruit & Gold Leaf Sponge.

It all gets better with a Gilded Spritz– a radiant cocktail featuring gin, Angostura bitters, lemon, honey, and organic prosecco, elegantly garnished with a golden rim and raspberries dipped in edible gold dust. $79 per adult or $39 per child (aged 5-12 years), which includes a glass one Gilded Spritz cocktail (over 18 only) and unlimited Tavalon tea and coffee.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Le Jardin

The Imperial Hotel, Seaworld Drive’s HQ of luxury, might be sporting a fresh new name – but thankfully, they’re serving up that same fabulous Couture High Tea experience we know and love. Bringing a fashionable culinary experience to the perennial classic – you’ll feel very high socie-tea indeed, sipping bubbles surrounded by the sparkling crystal chandelier and grand vaulted ceilings.

There are two high tea options (fancy and fancier) – depending on how boujee you’re feeling. You have the Couture High Tea with all the embellishments for $69 per person. You begin with Buttermilk Scones with English Breakfast spiked Sultanas, White chocolate and treacle, served alongside Double Thick vanilla-bean cream and House-made Preserve– just to give you an indication as to where tea is going (somewhere marvellous, that’s where). Or for a slightly less extravagant experience (that doesn’t skimp on the delish factor), there are also four curated mini-spreads to pick from (think Devonshire tea) starting from $25 per person.
Where: Imperial Hotel, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Chapter and Verse

Located in the luxurious JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, high tea at Chapter & Verse is an unmissable resort tradition created by their esteemed culinary team. Using local ingredients, this team take their high tea business seriously – sharing that each homemade morsel is inspired by the echo of birds in the resort’s peaceful and tranquil surrounds. So excuse us as we channel our inner seagull and duke it out over the likes of JW lavender, honey, white chocolate chip scones with fig and peach jam and fresh cream and Lobster crumpet with citrus aioli… we kid, of course – only our best etiquette for a classy establishment like the Marriott. There’s also a cute mini-me version for the little ones, Teeny Tiny Tea for $39 per child. Prices start from $79 per adult.
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Bumbles

Tucked peacefully a stone’s throw from the Budds Beach waterfront, Surfers stalwart Bumbles has long been a beloved spot to meet for coffee and some grazing action (and now cocktails – thanks to neighbouring big sis sip spot, Blue House #squee).

Inside the most charming little cafe in 4217 (and perhaps, the entire coast), there’s a mix of themed private rooms that branch off the main space – so it figures that it also makes a particularly spesh spot for a fanciful high tea soiree. Acquaint yourself with the divinely appointed Library (or luxurious Hamptons room, perhaps) and tuck into a spread of smoked salmon blinis, pint-sized quiches, fruit tarts and tea sandwiches. Bookings for the “regular” high tea (a misnomer if ever we’ve heard one) come in at $50 per person, with dietary and bubbles options also available. La-de-dah indeed.
Where: 19 River Drive, Surfers Paradise

QT Gold Coast

This is no ordinary high tea! … well, okay, technically speaking, they do offer an ‘Ordinary’ High Tea option, but since you know QT Gold Coast is all about infusing the unexpected into everything they do – trust us when we say it’s anything but. The variety of pinky-popping menus also includes a champas-studded Extraordinary High Tea experience, a Man Tea for a more savoury take and a mini spread for your little Q’Ties for $39 per child.

Here, the typical savoury tea fare has been treated to a tapas-style twist, such as Spiced Tempura Cauliflower and Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Poppers to excite the taste buds – so, move over cucumber sandwich, you culinary snooze-fest you (there, we said it). And don’t get us started on the Caramello chiffon and Mini Pavlova. Prices start at $69 per adult with a variety of boozy upgrade options, such as jugs of Aperol Spritz and Pink Gin Spritz to really enhance your experience.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Ms Margot’s

A pretty little gem nestled just inside the lobby of Hilton Surfers Paradise, Ms Margot’s certainly knows a thing or two about being boujee. Along with serving up superb sips and all-day bites, the signature High Tea spread is available from 11:30–3:00 daily for whenever the urge for a lavish light lunch hits. Gather your gal and/or guy pals for a glam #SATC style rendezvous, and spill the tea over Roast Duck Bao Bun with Hoisin, Slaw and Kewpie mayo, Gelato Bon Bon, and, of course, Freshly Baked Scones with Dollop Cream, Blackberry Jam and Berries (plus more). The Signature High Tea comes in at $49pp with an optional upgrade to bottomless Mimosas or Sparkling Wine for an extra $25pp- very Carrie approved!
Where: Hilton Surfers Paradise, 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Palette

Every Sunday, locals and visitors alike flock to HOTA not just for their arty fix or a spot of market browsing, but to tuck into a delightful High Tea. Served in the critically acclaimed and ever-popular Palette restaurant, superstar Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law has curated the ultimate high tea experience. A couple of highlights are the Glazed ham with wattle mustard, smoked cheddar and pickle, the Coronation chicken and the Caramel pecan millionaires shortbread. Divine! Prices start at $70 per adult with bubbly upgrades available.
Where: HOTA Gallery, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Greendays

With its pavilion backdrop, lush gardens, and tranquil setting, this centrally located secluded oasis is the home of high tea. Not only high tea, though! They also have High Cheese! What’s High Cheese, you ask? It’s basically a tour through cheese land with 8 decadent dishes and a wine in hand. Say less! Stop one- champagne poached pear with gorgonzola. Stop two- house specialty carrot cake with cream cheese, and so on. That dairy dream boat is $85pp.

They also have a French Inspired high Tea- think Spinach Choux with Creamed Eggs and French Apple Tart Tatin for $68pp. Also, a Vegan High Tea for $78pp, a Gluten Free High Tea for $78pp and a Junior High Tea (babycinos included!) for $39 per child. No one misses out!
Where: 8/6 Ashmore Road, Bundall

The Langham

Okay, so technically this one is officially called an Afternoon Tea, but when it comes to sumptuously snacking our way through bite-sized helpings of Opera cake made with coffee, almond and 54% dark chocolate Callebaut and tarts of crispy prosciutto, mushroom, truffle mousse, and fried quail egg. 

In a British nod to its namesake at The Langham, London, where traditional English afternoon tea was served over 150 years ago, the stunning Palm Court restaurant inside the hotel pays tribute to its heritage. Serving a bespoke offering of the traditional Afternoon Tea crafted by culinary experts, it’s time to start practising your tea drinking etiquette (no pinky!). Prices start from $95 per person.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

Bon Appetea Teahouse

Nestled in leafy Mudgeeraba, the stunningly decorated and truly breathtaking Bon Appetea Teahouse exudes French charm and traditional elegance. Popular for bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays and basically any event you can think of, their Luxe High Tea is the definition of decadence. Think buttermilk scones with homemade jam and cream and a selection of petite patisseries, organic sandwiches and savoury bites. Oh and if you’re on the hunt for a truly beautiful, quaint, spot to tie the knot, this one’s a keeper. $55 per adult.
Where: 7 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba

Tarte Tea Garden

It was only a matter of time before the Gold Coast’s fav boujee bakery and brunch spot threw their hat into the High Tea ring. Thank god they did, because now we have a gorgeous tea garden to drink tea and coffee and nibble on cakes, scones, and sweet treats amongst greenery. Could we ask for more? No, but they delivered more. Starting with Tiramisu Coffee, Traditional French Hot Chocolate (AKA a teapot of liquid chocolate), fresh-baked scones, mini pastries, ceremonial-grade matcha, batch-brew coffee and cloud drinks. My goodness! Walk-ins welcome or book ahead.
Where: 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin

Words by Kellie Leader and Chelsea Ipsen